Issue - meetings

The Group heard a presentation by Jolyon Gritten in regards to the Argyll and Bute Finalised Core Path Plan.  He reported that, to date, 46 comments had been received and the deadline was 4 April 2011.  After this there would be a 12 week period whereby objections could be reviewed and considered.

Councillor Currie enquired on the procedure for responses from the Islands and local Community Councils and if there was budget provision for Core Paths.  Jolyon replied that, if requested, he would visit the Islands and meet with relevant Community Councils.  In regards to the budget, there was sufficient means for Core Paths and Public access.  However, not enough for future development or improvements.  Local communities did not have the capacity to take this further.  The Coast and Countryside Trust provided consultancy advice, but did not contribute towards maintenance costs.  Jolyon commented that he hoped the Scottish Government would overview this and allocate some grant funding.

Councillor Philand asked if the responses received were indicative of a good degree of interest.  Jolyon stated that routinely more responses were generated in the last few weeks of the consultation. 

The Chair enquired if leaflets would be produced and distributed providing relevant information on the Core Paths.  Jolyon informed the group that the next edition of the Ordnance Survey maps would include Core Paths.