Agenda and minutes

The Chair thanked everyone for attending, apologised for the late entry to the Town Hall building and introductions were made around the table.

Apologies for absence were intimated by:-

Cllr Anne Horn

Cllr John Semple

Cllr Donald Kelly

Cllr Robin Currie

John Forster

Dhonna McCallum

Audrey Baird

Iain McGlashan

Alan Reid MP

Jamie McGrigor, MSP

Chris Haran

David Roger

The Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as a true and correct record.

Proposed by  Susan Paterson,  seconded by Jim Martin.

Scottish Water

Jane McKenzie update the group on issues carried forward from the previous meeting.

These included:-

Machrihanish Base - The Scottish Water Asset planner had confirmed that the properties on the base now had connections to the water mains.

Odour emitting from sewage line between Campbeltown and Machrihanish at Meadowburn – Following discussion it was agreed that as the odour control measures were not successful it was most likely a burst pipe or disjoined pipe that was responsible.  Ross Barclay agreed to investigate this and action as appropriate.  Jane McKenzie reiterated the need for compaints to be made in the first instance through the Call Centre.  The number of which was:-

0845 601 8855

Ross Barclay informed the group of  remedial work to be  undertaken by Scottish Water at Southend.  This would involve the replacement of  4.5km of mains pipework that could cost up to £500k.  John Bakes thanked Scottish Water on behalf of Southend Community Council for attending their recent meeting.  Jane McKenzie reported that Scottish Water were in the process of delivering pre-start packs to the local community advising of the timetable of works and implications.     

Action: Scottish Water would carry out further investigations on this stretch of pipeline prior to other parts of the pipeline being looked at in 2015.    

The Chair enquired if Scottish Water had plans to join Peninver to the mains.  Ross Barclay had requested this element of work, but,  as yet, approval had not been authorised.  The Chair made the suggestion that the local Community Council should make direct representation to Scottish Water requesting this be enacted upon. 

The Chair thanked Jane and Ross for their attendance and update to the group.

CMAL

The Chair advised that following the last meeting, a letter had been sent to CMAL regarding traffic management at Kennacraig.  To date no response had been received from CMAL and it was agreed that this would be pursued in advance of the next meeting.

Action:  A reminder letter would be issued to CMAL in advance of the next meeting.

More positively, the Chair reported that the Victoria Hall would be painted in advance of the British Ayrshire Castle Society AGM in May 2013.

The Chair informed the group of the ongoing difficulty at Southend, the national 'not spots' and the proposed removal of the Northern Ireland mast in Southend.  Susan Paterson reported that the NHS were also currently reviewing this problem in regards their staff being unable to make calls whilst undertaking community based work.  Deirdre Henderson stated that local school buses faced the same scenario.  Drivers were issued with mobile phones, but were unable to make use of these in certain areas.  

Deirdre advised the group of a petition she had started in regards the legal right to a minimum of 2Mbps broadband speed.  Details of the petition are:-

www.facebook.com/ukbroadband

The Chair stated that this item would remain on the Agenda for further discussion and updates.

The Chair reported on the physical works being undertaken at the Town Hall.  This included proposed remedial work on the spire - a meeting was being held later that day to determine the works and agree on a cost solution.

A report on THI was included within the Agenda pack and noted by the Group.

Matthew Willis introduced himself to the Group as the new manager at MACC.  He had commenced in post on 17 September and spoke regarding ideas and plans to market the facility.  He also reported on a forthcoming meeting with Scottish Water to discuss ongoing issues and regarding renewable opportunities.

The Chair thanked Matthew for his attendance and update. 

John Lamont advised that growth was up to 94% in September.  Passenger figures were 3,2%; however movements were down at -14% (overall to date this was -27%)   He reported that passenger numbers last year were 10,000 and it was hoped that this year the figure would be increased.  John advised that staff had moved last week to a new building and invited the group to visit the airport.  He agreed to contact Melissa and/or Theresa with suggested dates for this visit.

Action: Once dates were received, Melissa Stewart and Theresa McLetchie would issue an invitation to KIWG Members.

Andrew Anderson and Phil Hinchliff, Transport Scotland,  provided an update to the group in regards the status of works on the Emergency Diversionary Route (EDR) for the A83:-

A recent Taskforce meeting held on 15 October.

There was still no agreement with the  landowner -  however, a further meeting was scheduled for later that day when it was hoped that this would be obtained.

Test drive undertaken by a Peter McKerral's lorry - this had been successful and a further trial run was planned with a loaded lorry. 

Buses - they did not envisage any difficulties with larger vehicles. West Coast Motors had been offered opportunity to undertake a trial run on the route.

Erines bends - issues were being reviewed and this would be discussed by Jacobs study.  A draft of this report would be taken to the next Taskforce meeting in November.

Pauline Houston reported on behalf of Jamie McGrigor, MSP and advised the group of a recent letter he had written to the Scottish Transport Minister and 2 further Parliamentary questions submitted in regards the amount the Scottish Government planned to invest in the A83 and plans for the diversionary route.

The Group were advised that the works scheduled to take place at Tarbert had been postponed and would now occur in March 2013.  It was also agreed that Transport Scotland would refer the area along Loch Lomond to their Landscape Advisor to look into the possibility of opening up the views of the Loch.

Action:  Transport Scotland to investigate the possibility of opening up views across Loch Lomond and report back to the Group.

Thereafter, Stewart Clark spoke to his report which was contained within the Agenda pack.  He advised on the Safety Audit and Traffic Management review in Campbeltown Town Centre. Susan Paterson raised concerns in regards to crossing points and dropped kerbs and detailed problems encountered by visually impaired residents.  She advised that these issues were being reviewed by the Sensory team.

The Chair stated his own concerns and highlighted the speed of traffic at the new junctions in the Town Centre.

Action: Stewart Clark would have a further discussion with Susan Paterson following the meeting in order that he could feed the concerns raised into the Safety Audit.

John Bakes reiterated his concerns at  walkers on the Kintyre Way crossing at Tayinloan and requested the possibility of coloured tarmac being implemented at this point.  Stewart Clark reported that this was being reviewed at present although no date had been set.  He agreed to report back on this issue to a future meeting.

Action:  Stewart Clark to report back on plans for the crossing at Tayinloan.

Jane Mayo detailed large potholes on the Carradale Road and the potential for an accident being caused due to these potholes being masked by flood water running off the adjoining field.

Deirdre Henderson raised the issue of double yellow lines at the recycling point at the co-op, she suggested that single lines here would be more appropriate.

Stewart Clark agreed to look at these points and advised the group of a forthcoming accident prevention scheme being undertaken between Kennacraig and Campbeltown with the implementation of reflector lights.    These would be put in place during 2013.

Moya Ingram summarised a study into enhanced services at Campbeltown Airport.  Discussion followed in regards the potential for weekend flights at Campbeltown Airport. The Chair spoke of the potential of implementing a late flight on a Sunday departing at Glasgow at 1600 and arriving in Campbeltown at 1700.  John Lamont stated that this would open landings for other private aircraft to land at Campbeltown.

Moya Ingram reported that NHS Highland was the biggest business user although had been unable to provide passenger figures.  She was clear that the PSO should be looked at as a network rather than in individual pockets.  She advised that the Chief Executive of the Council had written to Transport Scotland in support of weekend flights.

The Chair congratulated the authors of a recent report which had been submitted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to Transport Scotland for their consideration in relation to introducing weekend services at Campbeltown airport.

He encouraged the group to support a late Sunday evening flight which would be seasonal - running from April-September and requested that Moya and Melissa liaise with regard to writing a letter of support from the KIWG to Transport Scotland.

Action:  A letter to be drafted to Transport Scotland on behalf of the KIWG intimating support for introduction of a Sunday evening flight from April to September which the Group considered would open up the whole of Kintyre.

A report was included in the Agenda pack and noted by the Group.

Further to this report, Ishabel Bremner advised the group that the next ABRA meeting was scheduled for 5 November.

John Bakes reported on a positive month in terms funding which had been received.  This amounted to £15k from Argyll and Bute Council and a sponsorship deal from RES amounting to £30k over the next 3 years  In addition, an application to Coastal Communities Funding was at the 2nd stage. 

 He reported that the AGM was scheduled for:-

Wednesday, 31 October 12 Noon at Argyll Hotel Bellanchantuy

Kintyre and Gigha Marketing Group

·         Industry led group - 7 businesses driving the group at the moment - Springbank, WCM/Kintyre Express, Southworth/Machrihanish Dunes; The Ardshiel, The Putechan; Machrihanish Caravan Park, Point Sands Caravan Park.  To include all businesses up to and including Tarbert and also Gigha.

·         TCM is involved with this group as coordinator and link with Town Centre

·         CGS pupils have been asked to design a logo and artwork under the branding theme of ‘My Kintyre’

·         Springbank design team will reproduce this artwork as a logo in a form for all to use

·         Website will be produced to list all businesses by category with lomks to own websites.  Support will be offered to anyone who does not have a website to help set up a free website

·         Include art and culture groups who offer attractors and a ‘what’s on’ diary

·         Marketing – Springbank are going to print website details and logo on all product packaging being distributed nationally and internationally.  Southworth/Machrihanish Dunes already marketing their company around the world and will include marketing of the area in this.  WCM are happy to promote Kintyre and Gigha on their coaches (external bodywork or internal advertising – DVD)

The Chair commented that he was pleased that work with the Group was progressing.

Town Centre Performance:

·         Most businesses experienced a downturn in trade over the Spring and Summer season.

·         TIC experienced nearly 40% decrease in visitors - construction

Shop Update

·         Two shops which became vacant this year have now been re-let

·         Two change of use planning applications on Longrow have been approved and these will be put back into use

·         Refurbishment of The Courier Centre nearing completion

·         A business on Longrow which was for sale is in the process of changing hands

·         TCM has reached agreement with owners of two other vacant premises to allow temporary use of windows for display purposes

·         Contacted local schools, groups (Crafters), Xmas Lights Committee etc

·         Bargain Store on Main Street is re-opening  beginning of November for Christmas period

·         Appearance – fronts of vacant shops were washed down by work experience person from Employability who also carried out some other freshening-up work around town

Training

Two well received training workshops took place this week in conjunction with Business Gateway:

·     Build your own business website

·     An introduction to social media

Visual Merchandising and Window Display workshop booked to take place in January.

Fingerpost Scheme

Gordon Bennie of Argyll Signs has been commissioned to make the necessary amendments and repairs to the existing Fingerpost Signage scheme.  GB erected the initial scheme

As David Rodger had submitted his apologies for the meeting there was no report from HIE.

Barbara Halliday reported that the Business Gateway workshops had been well attended thanks to promotion by Mary Dott and James Lafferty.  She also reported on a forthcoming Business Start-up workshop.

Darlene Russell reported that Michael Breslin had retired as Principal and the new Principal was Fraser Durie.  She hoped that Mr Durie would attend the next KIWG meeting. Thereafter she advised on the forthcoming Graduation Ceremony advising that the Student of the Year was a local resident.

The Chair advised on the history and how best to merge and determine the future purpose of the KIWG.  Ishabel Bremner advised the group that the Economic Development Action Plan, 2013-2018 (currently in draft) would be a useful framework to provide an initial focus for the KIWG agenda going forward

The Chair requested that the group forward their views and ideas on new initiatives to Melissa Stewart, Theresa McLetchie or directly to himself.  He stated that David Roger, HIE, and Robert Pollock, Head of Economic Development would assist in the future development of the KIWG Agenda.        

It was agreed that future initiatives would be discussed further at the next meeting.

Morag Duff updated the group on the status of the Opportunity Kintyre group.  They had been dormant, but after recent discussion were now hoping to work with local communities to provide advice in accessing agencies and helping to empower people.  They would be working in collaboration with Business Gateway and HIE.  Deirdre Henderson advised that it would be primarily a networking/problem solving group and not a 'discussion forum'.

The Chair stated that the group fitted in with the Business Gateway and HIE, but would still allow independence and self-reliance.  He detailed the funding issue facing the group - £50k would be necessary per annum to meet running costs.

Deirde Henderson reported that the SKDT has appointed an experience Design team to work with the local community to draw up plans for the Town Hall.  Coltart Early Architects would lead the Design Team of Hulley and Kirkwood M & E Structural Engineers and Brown and Wallace as Cost Consultants.  She reported that there would be public meetings to ascertain peoples views on the design project. 

Partners would be encouraged to use the Town Hall and Deirdre requested that the group bring forward any memorabilia of the Town Hall's usage over the years.

Jim Martin proposed that the KIWG support this initiative and the Group agreed to this request.

Maryanne Stewart advised the group of a forthcoming initiative - Survive and Thrive aimed at tackling domestic abuse.  The point of contact would be Pat Dean.

She reported that Audrey Baird, Community Development Officer, would be holding a  training session on how to use the ‘Better Community Engagement’ resources.  The training is being held at the Community Centre in Campbeltown on Tuesday 4^th December between 1pm-3pm and will form the main part of the agenda for the Kintyre Third Sector Forum meeting.  If anyone is interested in attending the training they should contact Audrey Baird directly.

She reported that the Centre Council for the Community Centre have been successful in attracting funding from the BIG Lottery Fund’s Awards For All programme and from LEADER in support of their business development project.  The LEADER funding depends upon securing match funding from The Robertson Trust and it was hoped notification from the Trust would be received later in November.

Maryanne raised concerns in young people who were undertaking F/T course were having their rent allowances cut drastically.  Although this did not appear to be a new situation for students, the Chair requested further investigation into this issue and stated that he would have this on the Agenda for further discussion at the next meeting.

The date of the next MAKI Community Planning Group meeting has been scheduled for:-

 5 December,  2012 – 2.00p.m.

 Town Hall, Campbeltown

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as – 5 December 2012.

There was no other business.

The date of the next meeting is:-

Friday, 14 December 2012 – 10.00a.m. Town Hall, Campbeltown.

The next meeting was scheduled for:-

Friday, 14 December 2012 – 10.00a.m. Town Hall, Campbeltown.