PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
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Minutes:
Question
from Robert MacIntyre, Transportation Spokesperson for Bute Community Council
Mr MacIntyre asked why there had been a reduction
on spending on roads and pavements in the last year despite their deterioration
in Rothesay and on Bute as a whole. He
stated that additional funding was now available from the Scottish Government
and asked how much of this was going to be allocated to roads.
Response
from Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services
Mr Smith responded that the roads network had seen
significant investment over several years, some of which had been match funded
through timber transport monies. He also
stated a reasonable capital programme would continue over the next couple of
years.
Mr Smith explained that roads are subjected to
routine inspection with additional inspections carried out in response to
issues reported by members of public and that the Committee and members of the
public could expect to see an annual status report published later in the year.
He also encouraged people to report dangerous defects via the online system.
Question
from Isobel Strong, Resident on Bute
Ms Strong reported that utility companies were not
reinstating the roads and pavements on Bute to an acceptable standard after
digging up the surfaces. Ms Strong highlighted Ministers Brae as a particular
example of bad practise.
Response
from Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services
Mr Smith responded that utility companies were
obliged to submit a notice to the council who would then check that the
affected surface was left in an acceptable condition after the works were
completed. If it is found the surface was not reinstated to a satisfactory
condition and, if appropriate, the council can impose a financial penalty. He agreed to look into this case further and
provide an update to the Committee.
Question
from Hamish Kirk, Resident in Rothesay
Mr Kirk raised the issue about cars parking on
pavements which was causing deterioration in pavements in several locations as
well as posing potential dangers to pedestrians. He asked if this was a
criminal offence and what was being done to prevent people from parking
illegally.
Response
from Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services
Mr Smith explained that currently it was a criminal
offence under Road Traffic Act which meant it was for the Police to
enforce. However, the Scottish Transport
Bill, which is currently going through Scottish Parliament, will de-criminalise
parking on pavements which may allow council officers to issue penalty charges
at some point in the future. Mr Smith also confirmed that there is still a
traffic warden employed with responsibility for the island.
Discussion focussed on what the definition of an
obstruction was; parking on double yellow lines and what the Police are doing
to tackle illegal parking. Councillor
Reid agreed to raise the issue with the Police at the next meeting of the Cowal
Transport Forum and the Chair agreed to invite the Police to the next Bute and
Cowal Area Business Day.
Question
from Robert MacIntyre, Transportation Spokesperson for Bute Community Council
Mr MacIntyre asked when work on the Rothesay
Pavilion would be completed.
Response
from Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services
Mr Smith confirmed that the hand-over date to the
Rothesay Pavilion Trust was planned to be March/April 2020 with the anticipated
opening date of late Summer/early Autumn.
Question
from Robert MacIntyre, Transportation Spokesperson for Bute Community Council
Mr MacIntyre asked if the ward 8 members were happy
with the amount of time the Rothesay Pavilion project had taken.
Response
from Ward 8 Members
Councillor Findlay responded that he was not happy
with the length of time it had taken but that there were well documented
reasons as to why it had taken so long.
Councillor Moffat stated that it would have been preferable
if the time taken had been less but there were complicated structural issues
that had to be resolved.
Councillor Scoullar said that he was increasingly
optimistic as the main contractor was almost complete.
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