Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated by:-

 

Helen Watts

Councillor Robin Currie

Ann Gallacher

Liz Ball

David Rogers

John Forster

Phil Hinchliff

Jamie McGrigor MSP

Alan Walker

Councillor John McAlpine

 

Councillor Colville informed the group that the Council had yesterday confirmed that there would continue to be Local Area Community Planning Groups (LACPGs) although it was now understood these would be renamed Area Community Planning Groups (ACPG).  There was no indication as yet as to whether the KIWG would become the ACPG and therefore he advised the Group that advice he had obtained was that he should retain the chair on an interim basis until the Community Planning Partnership had determined how Area Community Planning would be delivered and whether they wished to put in place mechanisms to appoint a chairperson.   Councillor Colville put this suggestion to the Group for debate. 

 

Maryanne Stewart proposed that Councillor Colville remain as the Kintyre Initiative Working Group Chair for as long as it remains in its current format and Susan Paterson seconded this.  The Group agreed the nomination and Councillor Colville was duly elected as the Chair.  Councillor Colville accepted the nomination as Chair.

 

Councillor Colville proposed that Jim Martin be nominated as the Kintyre Initiative Working Group Vice-Chair, on the same basis as his own appointment and Councillor Horn seconded this proposal.  The Group agreed the nomination and Jim Martin was duly elected as the Vice-Chair.  Jim Martin accepted the nomination as Vice-Chair.

 

 

 

The Minute of the last meeting was approved as a true record.  This was proposed by Jane Mayo and seconded by Maryanne Stewart 

 

 

Matters Arising:

 

Campbeltown Airport – HIA Ltd

 

The Area Governance officer informed the group that this issue was still under discussion and a resolution was still not formalised.

 

Road Issues

 

Stewart Clark had provided a roads revenue programme which he would speak to at Item 5 of the Agenda.

 

The Chair stated that all other issues arising had been fully actioned.

There was no update provided.  However, the Chair informed the group that there was large proportion of steel to be delivered and this would possibly impact onto local traffic.  Jim Martin affirmed that this was the case and detailed instances of recent traffic being gridlocked in the centre of Campbeltown.  The Chair sympathised; however he alluded to the overall benefit to the local community.  

Jim Martin reported that the takeover process was proceeding well and detailed the progress of the legal formalities.  He informed the group that there was an interim manager in place – Lorne MacLeod, HIE.

The Chair wished to record the thanks and congratulations to the MACC Directors on behalf of the KIWG and wished them every future success.  Jim Martin agreed with the Chair’s comments and wished to record his own thanks to the MACC Directors.  

John Lamont advised on the recent work being undertaken at the airport, which included the runway, new fire appliances and bays.  This was 80% complete and he envisaged that the electrical work would be finalised by August.

The Chair enquired if the Civil Aviation Authority would need to approve the work.  John Lamont replied that a visit was scheduled for August to overview the recent work and the annual inspection was timetabled for October.

John reported on a 41.8% increase in passenger figures last month and this could be accounted to the new Machrihanish Dunes Hotel and various charter flights.  The overall figures from April to present amounted to a 19.6% increase.

 

John stated that aircraft movement figures were -2.3% down. He reported on additional fencing which would separate air side/land side.  The Chair enquired if fencing had been erected around the perimeter of the airport.  John affirmed that there was fencing in place which highlighted the airport boundaries but that this could be removed to accommodate larger aircraft.

Finally, he advised that a  HIA Board meeting was being held in Campbeltown in August. 

The Chair reported that Scottish Water had authorised water mains replacement at Southend and this had been passed to their Capital Investment Delivery team.  Work was being undertaken on the project scope, which they envisaged would cover an area of around 2km.  Once the scope had been agreed, the next step would be the design and cost being submitted for final approval.  Scottish Water would notify the local Community in Southend as progress is made on this and advise of the commencment date and agreed timetable.

 

Susan Paterson queried the exact location of the proposed area of the replenishment and detailed the difficulties which Southend Community Council had encountered in endeavouring to get Scottish Water to attend their meetings to clarify this.  She highlighted an individual case whereby the householder had experienced considerable difficulty with their water supply.

 

Action: The Chair stated that contact would be made with Scottish Water to ask them to make contact with either the Convener, John Bakes or the Secretary, Margaret MacDowall.

 

A report by Stewart Clark, Contracts Manager.

Stewart Clark distributed a 4-weekly works programme detailing various projects in the Campbeltown area.  He reported that:-

 

New Quay would be completed in the Autumn

Park Square would be completed mid-July

Muasdale would be completed in August

 

The transportation of the wind turbines would commence early September.  The Chair enquired if there had been adequate public consultation given to alert communities to this traffic movement.  Stewart confirmed that sufficient information had been disseminated.

 

Action: Stewart Clark would bring more information on the proposed traffic flow to the next KIWG meeting in August.

 

Stewart reported that a letter had been sent to all the Community Councils detailing on the grass cutting programme.  However, he advised that the timetable may change as cutting was now necessary on the A83.

The Chair enquired if it was feasible to utilise the residue from the scrub cutting for composting.  He reported on other authorities who undertook this procedure to produce chippings.

 

Action: Stewart Clark agreed to investigate the viability of this and report back to the next meeting.

 

Stewart continued to speak to the group on the work programme and detailed the procedure which the local inspector reviewed additional work for inclusion onto the programme.  The programme was liable to change if weather conditions/resources vetoed work streams.  However, it was normal for targets to be achieved.  The Kintyre work force amounted to 8 men in total.  But, if necessary, additional resources could be brought in from Mid-Argyll to ensure targets were met and vice versa.

 

The Chair enquired on the following:

 

Verge cutting - previously it had been the case that 6 cuts were performed each year.  However, on the approaches to Campbeltown the verges were unsightly and he queried the current timetable and determination of the boundary.

Stewart replied that this was tasked to Amenity Services and he was unaware of any changes to the programme.   He would investigate where the exact boundary lay but his initial thought was that this would be at the 30mph signs.

 

Muasdale – The Chair enquired whether this area was scheduled for resurfacing following work currently taking place on the bend.  Stewart understood that the complete road area could be resurfaced but would check the position and report back.

 

Achnafad - rutting on the road surface 6 inches from the verge.  The road had recently been re-surfaced, but large pot-hole has appeared with ingress of water.

Stewart reported that the area had been patched, but would investigate the issue.

 

Other issues were reported by group members.  These included:-

 

Dunaverty Road - repairs were badly required beyond this area.

Clachan - hedges badly in need of cutting

Killean - potholes in need of repair

Moss Road - in need of repair

High Askomil – potholes

 

The Chair urged the attendees not to wait for the meeting to report these but to contact the Council directly.

 

Stewart replied that in regards Moss Road, the system which was undertaken to prioritise road works took into account:-

 

Engineering needs

Road importance

 

Moss Road featured low on the priority list, but discussion would take place in the formulating of the new Asset Management Plan.  Taking into account the movement of turbines, airport passenger access and golf parties playing on the 2 prominent golf courses, all of which would use Moss Road.

Jim Martin raised the severe lack of car parking in Campbeltown Town Centre.  The Chair reiterated concern on this serious issue which needed be addressed. 

 

Action: Stewart Clark would relay this to the Design Team.  

 

Councillor Horn raised the issue of the difficulties experienced by motorists exiting from Carrick Cemetery onto the A83.  She suggested that signage could be erected to highlight the concealed entrance.  She reported that the white lining at Kennacraig causeway had still not been replenished.

Stewart Clark replied that the issue had been raised with both TranServ and Calmac.  Argyll and Bute council had offered to undertake the work if payment was agreed.  Councillor Horn stated that Fay Harris (Calmac) had assured her that this had been sanctioned.

Councillor Horn reported on the bus bay at Harbour Street, Tarbert and queried how to address the problem of cars parking within the bay.  Stewart Clark replied that he had a new location in mind for the bay but that plans would need to be worked up and put out for consultation before this could be moved. 

 

Alan Reid raised the issue of the threatened landslide on the A83 due to the recent heavy rain and the proposed new 'relief road'.  The change to the previous proposal,  in his view, was detrimental due in part to the steep incline and he felt that in the eventuality of  a landslide, debris would fall directly onto the new relief road.  He suggested that a letter be written on behalf of the KIWG to the Scottish Minister urging him to progress with the development of the forestry track that had been promised and inviting him to attend the next meeting to address the concerns of the community. 

 

The Chair informed the group of a motion which he had submitted to the Council in which he was urging the establishment of a joint working group to pull together the recommendations from an action plan published 4 years ago which remained outstanding.  In response to this Councillor Horn stated that the reason that this had not been taken was that the Council were involved in ongoing dialogue with the Scottish Government through with the Lead Councillor.  She felt it remiss if the KIWG thought the Scottish Government were not working on a resolution to this serious issue and highlighted that safety must be paramount.

 

Further discussion ensued amongst the group and it was agreed that a letter be drafted detailing the concerns of the KIWG on the need to implement solution to the closures of the A83.  As the Chair wished to represent the concerns that had been raised both at the meeting and locally as to the general frustrations within the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

A report updating on the delivery of the Business Gateway service.

A report was provided updating the group on the delivery of the service.

 

Mary reported on more enquiries over the past few weeks.  The Chair advised on the close working relationship between Business Gateway and Mary Dott to raise the identity level of Business Gateway.  He questioned if the AVA office was the most suitable venue to hold meetings given the involvement of businesses.  Possible alternatives were suggested such as the community centre or careers office.  Mary Kennedy agreed that she would relay these comments back to the Business Gateway management team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was no update on the Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Dhonna McCallum had provided a report detailing forthcoming courses which was tabled at the meeting.

 

The Chair enquired if the NC courses in Horticulture and Agriculture were held in an active working environment.  Dhonna reported that students studies were conducted  on active sites.

 

The Chair queried whether  the Council used the services of Argyll College to train existing staff.  It was noted that this was the case and that in particular, the Council put a number of staff and elected members through the ECDL course.

 

 

The Chair welcomed Chris Haran to the meeting.  Jim Martin enquired on the status of the modernisation of the Creamery in Campbeltown.  Chris replied that a further meeting was scheduled next week with producers when more would be known.

 

Action: It was agreed that a letter be written to enquire on  the   status of the modernisation at the Creamery.  Contact would be made with the First Milk representative to ascertain the best point of contact.

 

 

Maryanne Stewart detailed her concerns there were no public toilets open in Campbeltown after 5.00p.m.  The exception being the Aqualibrium which was open to 9.00p.m but that this did not accommodate the arrival of the bus at 10.00p.m.

 

The Chair further commented that he recollected that a major upgrade had been planned for the public facilities at Bolgam Street.

 

Action: It was agreed to contact Jim Smith, Head of Service,  for an update on the closing time of public facilities and the status of an upgrade for the Campbeltown facilities on the Capital Programme.

 

An update from Audrey Baird, Community Development Officer and Anne Binnie, Chair of the Kintyre Community Educaiton Centre Council.

 

Audrey Baird gave a detailed presentation on the Community Centre in Campbeltown, setting out running costs and encouraging attendees to bear the venue in mind for any meetings they may require to facilitate.

 

Anna Binnie reported on behalf of the management group.  She stated that younger groups were using the centre - e.g. Band and Highland dancers.  The centre had the capacity for larger groups.  She detailed plans to improve the Centre's appearance by means of changing the décor.

 

Susan Paterson commented that the link club use the venue and that it should be borne in mind that the Council also has staff based within the premises.  She enquired on the usage of the outside area.  Anna replied that this was used for storage.

 

The Chair thanked both Audrey and Anna for their informative presentation and update.

The Chair advised that SKDT were delighted to announce that community action plans for Campbeltown, West Kintyre, East Kintyre, and Southend are now complete and available for downloading.

 

He continued that Stage 1 of the application to Growing Community Assets had been successful and deadline for the next submission was 12 months.  An advertisement for a new Developmental worker to take this forward to stage 2 would be placed shortly.

Mary Dott introduced herself to the group and reported on various projects which she had been involved with.  These included:-

 

Campbeltown in Colour scheme - hand baskets which were supported by local businesses and maintained by the Streetscene team

New banner for the Mull of Kintyre run.

Street signage finger posts - review completed and a list has been compiled of any alterations and additions required to be made to these signs to bring them up to date. 

Connection Heritage trail banners - these should soon be in place.

Window display Competition (noting the town traders association had lapsed)

 

She advised the group of 2 other projects:

 

Malin Waters Thematic cruise

17 yachts would be departing from Largs via Campbeltown then to Derry.  They would berth in Campbeltown on 30 June where there would be a buffet reception at the sailing club.

Then return on 7 July and a dinner was planned for that evening in the Royal Hotel.

 

Kintyre and Gigha Marketing Group (under the banner of Argyll and the Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership)

There was a steering group who were taking this forward.  The second meeting was scheduled for next week.  Susan Paterson enquired if other groups would be invited to attend.  Mary affirmed that local groups would be involved and it was noted that Mary would provide updates from this steering group to the KIWG.

 

The Chair thanked Mary for her update

 

Jim Martin advised the group of the forthcoming Annual General meeting of the British Ayrshire Cattle Society which was scheduled for May 2013 and  would involve between 140-200 guests.  He expressed his hope that the Victoria Hall would be decorated in time for this prestigious event.

 

Action:  Agreed that a letter be sent from the KIWG advising the Director of Development and Infrastructure of this event and setting out the desire of the Group that the Victoria Halls could be painted externally prior to this.

The Chair reported that a BIDS report would be forthcoming later in the Autumn.

Ishabel Bremner reported on the following:-

 

 

“The Argyll and the Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership (AISTP) has established a new trading arm, Argyll & Isles Ltd (AIT), a co-operative that will be open to any business or organisation with an interest in tourism. 

 

The AIT is currently implementing a two year £164,000 marketing programme to raise the profile of Argyll and the Isles to the domestic and international tourism trade.

 

The primary outputs from this programme relates to the following;

 

• a joined up Argyll & Isles presence at tourism expositions;
• Argyll & Isles branding, which is now complete;
• the continued development of an ‘umbrella’ organisation (Argyll & Isles Ltd) for all local tourism marketing associations in and around Argyll to ensure the inclusion of Loch Lomond;
• the redevelopment and relaunch of  its adopted website www.argyllandtheisles.com; and
• the employment of short term contractors to co-ordinate the above activities.

It should be noted that the Council is a key stakeholder in both the AISTP and the marketing programme which is now well underway after an excellent showing at the VisitScotland Expo in April 2012 which resulted in over 180 business leads with trade buyers from the UK, USA, Canada, India, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Russia, Japan, China, Spain, Italy, France, Finland and New Zealand.  The stand was managed by representatives from local tourism marketing associations and the programme is funded by the Council, HIE, Argyll and the Islands LEADER, the VisitScotland Growth Fund, and local marketing associations. These activities are the outputs of excellent partnership working between the public and private sectors”. 

The Chair reported that the Kintyre Way new Business Plan was being compiled.

Ishabel Bremner reported on the following:

 

“A review of the Renewable Energy Action Plan will be undertaken as part of the Economic Development Action Plan review.  It is hoped for completion in Spring 2013.

 

The Argyll and Bute Renewable Alliance (ABRA) hope to hold their next meeting in August – Cllr Semple will now chair this.  The group continue to work on the following:

•        The skills sub group has initiated a skills demand mapping

       exercise, working closely with the industry.

•     review of the Argyll and Bute Council Policy on Community 

      Benefit from windfarms. 

 

Both the Council and HIE attended and took a stand at ALL Energy event in Aberdeen.  This generated a lot of interest in the interactive renewables map.

 

It was encouraging to see new tidal stream leases of Kintyre being taken forward by Ocean Flow (awaiting marine consent) and Nautricity.

 

At the earliest stages in the development of the Community Renewables Opportunity Plan (CROP), initial consultation was undertaken with stakeholders to assist in defining the scope of the Plan.  The outcome of this work will be placed on the Council‘s web site. This will inform the development of the draft plan which is being taken forward through the Third Sector and Communities group of the CPP.

It was noted that the next meeting of the LACPG was scheduled to take place on 5 September 2012 although this may be subject to change following consideration by the CPP as to the way forward with local area community planning in Argyll and Bute.

The Chair reported on a reception for the launch of the SKDT Community Plans – the event was scheduled for 29 June in the Aqualibrium 6.30-7.30p.m.

 

Councillor Horn reported that Tayinloan had a new Village Committee. It was hoped that the group would successfully tackle recent incidents which had caused consternation in the community.   Pat Dean informed the group that she had attended the recent meeting.

The next meeting was scheduled for Friday, 31 August 2012 – 10.00a.m. Town Hall, Campbeltown