Issue - meetings

Update from Dunoon Community Council

David Clough, Dunoon Community Council stated that the ScotRail change in timetable from 1^st June had not resulted in any advantage to users of public transport as it has caused longer waiting times at Gourock of up to 27 minutes on a ferry.  Mr Clough added that there had been a lack of co-ordination between the partners including Calmac, Western Ferries and West Coast Motors.

Mr Clough advised that last minute ferry cancellations, by Calmac, were often as a result of the working hours of staff and he had sought clarification on this from Calmac, with the response outstanding.

Mr Clough highlighted that Argyll and Bute Council had sanctioned work at Rothesay Pier which had resulted in Dunoon Ferries being displaced as the Bute Ferry had to use Dunoon Harbour for berthing.  Mr Clough registered his frustration at the lack of coordination between partners as they would have known the negative consequences of this change in service well in advance of the public.

Councillor Hampsey advised that he would liaise with the officers responsible to ensure that any future works are relayed to the public in advance and that he would look to organise a meeting between ScotRail, Calmac, Western Ferries and West Coast Motors to discuss the concerns surrounding timetables.  Councillor Hampsey further advised that he would also be keen to ensure that ScotRail were represented at future meetings of the Forum.

Jeff McCormick of West Coast Motors agreed that any opportunity to get partners together would be welcomed.  Mr McCormick advised that he would look at connection issues and would make improvements if at all possible.

Councillor Sinclair stated that he would make a point of raising this at the next administration meeting and write to Councillor Moreland, as Chair of the Harbour Board.  David Clough advised that Councillor Moreland had emailed Dunoon Community Council and he would forward it to Councillor Sinclair for information.

Kerris Bone, Kilmun Community Council read out an email that was sent to the Community Council raising concerns over the changed timetable and how chaotic it was as there was no coordinated approach.  Miss Bone also advised that there are no paper copies of the timetables available for users and that these would help those who do not have smart phones or internet access.

Outcome

To note the update and concerns raised by Dunoon Community Council regarding recent changes to timetables.

(Reference: Update by Dunoon Community Council, submitted)