Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated by:

Councillor Robin Currie

Councillor Douglas Philand

Kate MacAulay, NHS Highland

David C Jardine, Forest District Manager

Jim Frame (SEPA)

Benedict Tustin (SEPA)

Rod Buchanan (ACHA)

Stewart Clark (Argyll and Bute Council)

Douglas Blades (Argyll and Bute Council)

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained that the Amenity Services Area Manager – Tom Murphy had given a short presentation to Members in regards the proposed Amenity Service savings and welcomed input from the MAP in regards the review of this process.

Discussion continued and various issues and initiatives were outlined and Mr Murphy emphasised that he welcomed opportunities which would help establish partnerships with local Community Councils to address the proposed service reduction in the local area.

The issue of officers attending local Community Council meetings was raised and Mr Murphy highlighted that a reduction in his management structure negated attendance at all meetings, but that he could arrange officer attendance for specific issues.

The group drew attention to Insurance cover for duties which may be undertaken on a voluntary basis.

Decision

The group agreed that:-

1.                  The Amenity Services Manager would organise a date to meet with

            Community Council representatives to give a fuller presentation and to

            explore any initiatives or suggestions that could be undertaken locally.

           A representative of Argyll and Bute Council or the insurers would also

           attend this meeting to advise on any insurance cover issues raised.       

The Minute of the previous meeting held on 11 December, 2013 was approved as a true record, subject to the following amendments:-

Item 4 (b) The title should read – South Knapdale

Item 4 (d) Achahoish Primary School created a St Kilda Museum   

The group gave consideration to a report which invited partners to consider the future shape and form of the group and also sought guidance from the partners as to whether they would consider reviewing the terms of reference (TOR) for the group, as well as considering  its place within the Community Planning structures in place in Argyll and in Scotland as a whole. 

Discussion followed and the group requested that further time be given to allow them to have further discussion within their own Community Councils.

Decision

The group agreed that this issue be continued to the next MAP meeting scheduled for 11 June.

(Reference: Report by the Executive Director of Community Services, dated March 2014, submitted).

Verbal update by Community Development Officer

The group heard an update from the Community Development Officer – Duncan Clelland  detailing the success of the recent events held in the MAKI area.

He highlighted that overall 600 people had participated in the 15 events held across Argyll and Bute and 500 questionnaires had been completed.  Duncan confirmed that there was a commonality across the events held and detailed the main issues that local communities had raised.

These included:-

Economy

Community Plans

Business

Health and Education (including retention of staff)

Training Opportunities

Children and Young People

Safer and Stronger Communities

Decision:

The group agreed that Duncan would disseminate a report to the group and local Community Councils which summarised the various issues highlighted and outlined at the recent events.

The group heard an update from Jeannette Laughton where she detailed ongoing meetings with both Argyll and Bute Council and Scottish Canals.  She highlighted various local initiatives – including Works at the War Memorial and tidying the Canal Bank.  Jeannette added that the Community Council had also designed a flyer which would be distributed to people using the canal and would highlight the various amenities in Ardrishaig.  She outlined the 6 sub-groups within the Community Council which were assigned for various projects.

The group heard an update from Bob Chicken in which he reported that various road issues had not been resolved in the local area. He also reported that the Community Council was now quorate.

The group heard an update from Mary Smyth and she detailed that recent remedial works on the A816 had been completed.  She added that plans had recently been submitted for Craobh Haven and Lunga without consultation with local residents.  May continued that the beach clean season had commenced.

Heather Clark and Sharon MacInnes reported on a recent event which had raised £700 for 2 local charities and the local lifeboat.  Planning permission had been granted for the village hall extension and remedial work had been completed on Redwell Park.

Leonard McNeill updated the group on recent conservation work at the War Memorial and highlighted major problems which had been encountered in the Village Hall.  He outlined various road issues and highlighted the potential impact of these onto tourist traffic in the summer.  

There was no update from Lochgilphead Community Council.

Barbara Holness reported on the progress made towards the production of a local Community Plan and highlighted the growing cost of the footpath between Bridgend and Glassary.  She advised the need for adequate parking issues at the Kilmartin Museum when it is further developed and a proposed meeting to try and resolve this.

Hugh Thomson informed the group that the Community Council were endeavouring to facilitate more formative local contact within the community.  He highlighted the potential impact of the 2 proposed Wind farm projects to the local area.

Adrian Davis outlined various structural problems in the old Community Hall, in addition there were also ownership issues.

The group heard a short update on ACHA issues from Iain McLeod, Local manager, Property Services.  He emphasised that he was unable to provide a strategic overview to the group, but confirmed that Yvonne Litster, ACHA Regional Manager was prepared to attend a future MAP meeting to undertake this. 

Iain’s verbal update included details on the following:-

Dewar Avenue - the former play park is a blank canvas and ACHA would welcome any proposals from Lochgilphead CC.

Bridge Terrace road – Quotes have been obtained from ABC and Breedon Aggregates for resurfacing the road. In addition, Fyne Forestry has requested a quote from McNaughton and there is an agreement between Fyne Forestry, ACHA and Argyll Estates to pay a share of costs.

There is street lighting up to Bridge Terr and Council service vehicles use this road).  Three owners have been written to (South Craleckan, 5 Bridge Terrace and Bridge Cottage) and, to date, only one response has been received.  The owner of Bridge Cottage has stated that he was not prepared to make a contribution. Reminder letters will be sent to owners of Bridge Terr and S Craleckan.

In regards Duncholgan core path, Argyll and Bute Council will be submitting a Sustrans funding bid again this year.

ACHA have submitted a planning application for a proposed new build at Oakfield, Tarbert which will comprise of 8 units.  The design & build contract has been awarded to MacLeod Construction and the planning application has been approved. The site is currently owned by the Council and a land transfer agreement is being progressed.

In addition, a Planning application for Barn Park, Inveraray (12 units) in February and a design & build contract has been awarded to Stewart McNee Ltd., Dunoon. Subject to planning approval, a site start could be made in May 2014. The site is currently owned by Argyll Estates and a land transfer agreement has been agreed.

Iain informed the group of the on-going joint working between ACHA and PO on the CARS project.  He advised of the appointment of the new CARS officer – Mr Iain Barker, who will work closely with all involved and help with the consolidation of the project.

Iain confirmed that the various Roof & Roughcast, Heating & Rewire Projects were still on-going. The replacement Windows, Doors, Kitchen & Bathrooms projects were drawing to an end.  He highlighted that engagement with private owners was proving difficult in some R&R projects and causing these projects to be at a standstill. This in turn is causing problems for ACHA repairs and re-letting. Iain confirmed that ACHA was working with the Bill Halliday (Argyll and Bute Council, Area and Private Sector officer) on some of the more difficult projects.

Iain reported that the new Home Argyll policy would coincide with the introduction of the on-line application form.  ACHA were preparing to rollout press releases, posters and letters to applicants.  He advised that the introduction was due to commence on 22^nd April and would ‘go live’ on 1^st July.

In regards Argyll Homes for All (AHFA), Iain confirmed that the end of the first year reports and comments received from users have been good.  He commented that 9 tradesmen were currently working for ACHA in Mid Argyll & Kintyre.

Councillor Horn enquired if the new on-line application form would enable applicants to make preferred housing choices, especially in rural areas where there are presently no existing socially affordable housing. Iain undertook to relay this question to the Area Manager, who would respond directly to Councillor Horn.

Decision

The group noted Iain’s update

1.                  That a request be made for Yvonne Litster to attend a future MAP meeting to provide a strategic overview of ACHA.

2.                  That ACHA would verify if the new on-line application form would have provision for applicants own preferred choice of area.

There was no update from Scottish Water.

Decision

The group requested that the contact details of the new Scottish Water representative be disseminated.

A report was tabled from Stewart Clark, Roads Performance Manager detailing the Roads Capital Budget for the Mid Argyll area for 2014-2015.

Decision

The group agreed

1.                  To note the update.

2.                  That the Area Governance Officer would report the large pot hole on Union Street to Roads Department.

(Reference: Report by the Roads Performance Manager, dated 12 March 2014, tabled).

There were no updates provided.

The group heard updates from both Roanna Clark, Argyll and Bute Young Scot

Co-ordinator and Raymond Flanagan, Youth Development Worker in regards the processes currently in place for engagement with young people.

The Chair advised the group that the Short Life Working Group (SLWG) was currently working on these issues.

Discussion ensued and the group detailed the various procedures being implemented locally in encouraging more community involvement with local young people.  Roanna advised of the local representation on the Scottish Youth Parliament and the forthcoming Referendum workshop which would be held on 17 March in Lochgilphead.

Roanna highlighted various initiatives which included:-

Local Youth forums     

Homecoming Event

Leadership Courses – which were SVQ Level 2 accredited

The group gave further consideration to the most opportune ways to involve young people.  These included:

Leaflets/posters to be distributed on school buses

Use of social media sites.

Both Roanna and Raymond indicated their willingness to work with and advise Community Councils in relation to the best ways to engage with young people in their area.  The Community Council representatives welcomed this opportunity

The Chair thanked both Roanna and Raymond for their informative updates.

Sergeant McGeachy provided an update on local issues to the group.  These included:

Incidences of two drunk drivers being detained in custody due to the level of alchohol intheir blood (over 105 Mg) 

The arrest and indictment of an easter European Man on charges of theft of property (Two large outboard Engines)

He reported on the reduction in housebreaking incidents which he indicated may be related to the increased number of police patrols.

Sgt. McGeachy also noted that as of 1^st April Restructuring and staffing changes within Police Scotland will see Chief Inspector Baillie take command of police both in OLI and in MAKI 

Discussion continued and the new Police Scotland newsletter was commended.

It was confirmd that police stations public desks  in Lochgilphead Campbeltown and Oban will remain open 24hours

It was also noted that Sgt. Mark Wilson is in charge of the Local Police twitter feed and regular announcements appear on this platform  

There were no new Community Initiatives

Paul Martin advised the group that remedial work on the cemetery wall at Craignish had been completed.  He continued that a recent clean on the front green at Lochgilphead had resulted in 60 tonnes of debris being collected.

Paul highlighted that Community Councils should make contact with him in regards any local Amenity issues.

The Chair advised that the Local Economic Development Plan was still being amended.

Decision

The group agreed:

1.                  That this Agenda item would be continued to the next MAP meeting

scheduled for 11 June.

2.                  That a request would be made for representation from Economic

Development.       

The next MAKI Community Planning meeting is scheduled for:-

4 June, 2014 – 2.00p.m.

Islay High School, Bowmore, Islay.

The next MAP meeting is scheduled for:-

11 June, 2014 – 10.00a.m.

Council Chambers, Kilmory

There was no other business.