Agenda and minutes

Councillor John McAlpine

Jim frame (SEPA)

Jane McKenzie (Scottish Water)

Stewart Clark (Argyll & Bute Council)

Allan MacDonald (Argyll & Bute Council)

Ian MacIntyre (Tarbert and Skipness CC)

The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 December, 2012 were approved as a true and correct record, subject to the following amendment:-

Minutes:-

Page 3, Matters Arising

Councillor Taylor advised that a positive meeting had been held between himself, Bob Millar and Councillor Louise Glen-Lee.

Page 3, Furnace

There was an indepth discussion on wind farms and Andrea Henderson  advised that the Wind Farm companies were looking at doing a survey to gauge the impact on the local community.

Page 5, Rod Buchanan could arrange for heating advisors to be sent out.

Discussion ensued and it was agreed that Heart of Argyll would be invited to the next MAP meeting.

The issue of historical dampness in ACHA properties in Tarbert was discussed.

Decision:

Agreed that Rod Buchanan would provide a report for the next MAP meeting detailing dampness issues in the MAKI area.

Councillor Horn raised her concerns regarding overhanging trees and bushes adjacent to the water treatment plant in Tarbert.

Decision:

Agreed that that the Area Governance Officer would write to Scottish Water on this issue.

Colin Davidson enquired on the status of timetable of Oban-Lochgilphead bus service

Decision:

Noted that the Area Governance Officer would ascertain the status of this issue.    

Jeanette Laughton reported that the Wind Farm was fully operational and had become effective from 24 December.  The 1st revenue stream would be received in the near future.  Funding applications would be invited shortly and notification would be in the local press.  Applications would be restricted to those living within the PA30 post-code.  There would also be a distinct educational grant facility available to those living in Mid Argyll.  The application assessment panel would consist of 3 Community Council members; 3 Co-operative Trust Directors; 1 Unitary Councillor and 1 Youth member.  Meetings would be scheduled twice per year and an assessment grid had been prepared to assist with assessments.

The waterfront regeneration project in Ardrishaig was continuing and a Stakeholders meeting was being scheduled for the end of April.

Further applications were being made to upgrade the play park in Ardrishaig.

A further survey was being instigated regarding A83 crossing provision in Ardrishaig.    

Jeanette also detailed concerns in regards the street lights along the shore front.  Councillor Philand confirmed  that this issue was now resolved.

Councillor Philand updated the group on the recent study undertaken on the A83 by Jacobs.  There would be a further study and Ardrishaig Community Council would be contacted directly by Jacobs to enable their input into the subsequent study.

Councillor MacMillan enquired on the restrictions on eligibility for the Educational Grant.  Jeannette Laughton informed the group that the grant would be available for the whole of Mid Argyll.  Details would be placed in the local press and the ethos of the grant would be for the advancement and benefit in Education.         

Councillor Horn updated the group regarding the addition of more pontoons in Tarbert harbour and also noted that there was also a new play park at the outdoor gym.  She advised the group of a forthcoming event at Tarbert Castle – Medieval Melee – which would be held on 1 June.  The work was now completed at the Castle and the school had been involved in a lot of the improvement works.

Betty Rhodick (on behalf of Ian MacIntyre - who was not present)  raised the car parking issues and the perceived need for a crossing in Tarbert centre.  Councillor Horn replied that the Harbour Board had further plans for the walkway and deemed it unlikely that they would entertain requests further parking in this area.

The Chair stated that he would raise this issue with Councillor Semple, Lead Councillor for Environment, Development and Infrastructure. 

Colin Davidson stated that updates in the local Press detailing that Craignish Community Council had objected to a planning application for affordable housing were untrue. Contrary to local reports, Fyne Homes had not submitted the said application, but it was in fact the Trustees of the Church of Scotland.  The application was for 5 upmarket houses as well as affordable housing.

The Community Council were of view that the application was in conflict with the recent Local Plan and an objection had been lodged.

Colin Davidson was of the opinion that a public hearing would be heard and, if this was the case, then Craignish Community Council could submit their views in regards their opposition to the build.

The Chair thanked Colin for this update and stated that some issues would need to be resolved in terms of the design before the application could be considered at a discretionary hearing.

Andrea Henderson reported that there was still no replacement GP at the surgery in Furnace.  The locum provision was effective; however the community were anxious to get a permanent GP in place. 

Councillor Currie detailed the success of the appointment of a GP on Jura and stated that he would provide the relevant contact details to Andrea Henderson, should they wish to discuss the issue further.

Andrew Henderson continued that the road and scrub issues had been resolved by the Roads Department.  Work undertaken by Scottish Water to install a sewerage system some ten years ago is causing concern to villagers in that adjacent foreshore/garden land has subsequently been eroded by the sea.  Although Scottish Water has agreed to carry out work to protect its sewer, several manholes and S.W.T. plant, this does not include any repair to the eroded bank/foreshore.

There was no update.

Betty Rhodick reported on the recent issue of phones being knocked out by contractors carrying out works at Lochgilphead Joint Campus.  On reporting the issue to the contractors in question, Betty voiced her concerns at the lack of empathy she had received.

She detailed another issue, whereby correspondence relevant to a  recent planning objection had not been acknowledged.  Bob Millar reported that he had written directly to Sandy Mactaggart on this matter and had not received a reply to date.

The Chair advised the group on the Council’s response policy and detailed the complaints procedure should the Community Council wish to formalise their complaint.  Further discussion followed in the provision of an advisory document detailing relevant Council officers contact details for local Community Councils.

Decision:

1. Noted that the Area Governance officer would ascertain the status of the Lochgilphead Community Council complaint and report his findings back to the Community Council Convener and the Members as appropriate.
2. Noted that the Area Governance Officer would compile a short report with relevant Council officers contact details for dissemination to Community Councils.        

There was no update.

1.      AHFA

ACHA are in the process of setting up an arms length organisation called Argyll Homes for All (AHFA) who will be able to trade on the open market and carry out tasks the  Housing Association is unable to do due to its charitable status.

Main thrust initially is to run its own direct labour service and managing properties built for Mid market renting (Dalmally).

2.         Welfare Reform

The first phase of the Government’s Welfare Reform is due to be implemented  in April with the introduction of the bedroom tax.  This will affect around 60-70 ACHA tenants in Mid Argyll who will require to pay between £10 - £20 per week off their benefits towards their rent.  It will undoubtedly put pressure on the number of tenants seeking to transfer to smaller properties which are in short supply and it is feared that this will increase rent arrears.  Tenants affected have been visited. 

3.         Duncholgan

Council have confirmed an application for Sustrans funding for the Core Path from Kilmory to Castleton via Duncholgan.

Tenants continuing to lobby for further funding for signage/bus stop/traffic calming at the road end.

4.        Play Areas – Dewar Avenue

Rod Buchanan advised that a questionnaire had been handed out to local residents in regards the future of Dewar Avenue play park.  House owners who had responded had not been willing to help fund any improvements or remedial work.  Correspondence had been sent to Lochgilphead Community Council advising that the play equipment would be removed as ACHA had determined it to be unsafe.

Betty Rhodick enquired if ACHA would be prepared to support the upkeep of the play park, if Lochgilphead Community Council provided funds for new play equipment.

Bob Millar raised the issues of the front green in Lochgilphead and detailed the success of the harbour area in Tarbert.

The Chair replied that the local Community Trust in Tarbert had been behind the regeneration and revamping of the area.  Councillor Horn advised of possible funding from the Health and Well Being fund and advised that Audrey Baird was the point of contact.

Decision:

Noted that Rod Buchanan would ascertain if ACHA would be prepared to support the play park if new play equipment was provided by the Community Council.

Rod Buchanan reported that funding for an additional swing at the Kingsway play park has been confrimed and is likely to be undertaken in the next  financial year.  In regards to the access road Bridge Terrace,  Furnace,  Rod Buchanan advised that he is in discussion with Yvonne LIitster, Regional  Manager in respect of this and will update the Partnership at the next meeting.  Councillor Horn detailed her thanks for the provision of a new swing by ACHA in Tarbert .        

There was no representative from Scottish Water at the meeting but issues were raised for discussion:-

Overhanging tress at the water treatment plant in Tarbert which could prove dangerous.

Stewart Clark was unable to attend the meeting.  However, an update had been provided, which included detail on the provision of the new footpath at the former High School site in Lochgilphead.

There were no updates.

The Area Governance officer gave an update on the activities of the Community Safety Forum and other Community Safety initiatives in the last quarter.

Jeanette Laughton stated concerns on behalf of Ardrishaig Community Council in regards the Community Resilience report.

Discussion followed in regards the length of the Resilience report and the need for more involvement with local Community Councils at the start of any consultation/initiative.  Also, how to determine the best resilience package for each area.

Decision:

1. Noted that the Area Governance Officer would invite the Resilience Project Leader to the next MAP meeting for further discussion and ascertain the amount of funding remaining from the funding allocated by the Scottish Government for Community Resilience.
2. Noted that the Area Governance Officer would ascertain if there is a comprehensive list of companies providing care to vulnerable residents in Mid Argyll. He would supply any such  list to Betty Rhodick to inform the Community Council Resilience plannnign accordingly.

Mark Wilson updated that group that a recent Strathclyde initiative – Operation Myriad would complete on 15 March. 

Decision:

Noted that Mark Wilson would provide a report for the Mid Argyll area.

He informed the group on local issues:-

·         Bogus callers

·         Metal thefts

·         Heating oil thefts

Betty Rhodick informed that group that Armed Forces Day in Lochgilphead was being held on 6 July.

There were no updates.

Mark Wilson advised the group of  2 new posts – Safer Communities Unit . These would be based in Mid Argyll.    

No date was agreed for the next meeting.  The Area Governance Officer would schedule a meeting date for the next quarter and advise the group accordingly.