Venue: TIMBER PIER BUILDING, DUNOON
Contact: Andrea Moir, Senior Area Committee Assistant - 01369 708662
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Minutes: Apologies for absence were intimated by: Councillor Audrey Forrest Willie Lynch, Dunoon
Community Council Callum Robertson, Performance Manager Argyll and
Bute Council Stuart Watson, Traffic and Development Manager Paul Farrell, Technical Officer Martin Arnold, Community Transport Officer Archie Reid, Strachur
Community Council Iain MacInnes, Lochgoil Community Council Simon Richmond, Caledonian MacBrayne Iain Catterwell, Timber Transport Group |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Minutes: No declarations of interest were intimated. |
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Minutes: The
minute of the previous meeting of the Cowal Transport Forum held on the 17th
December 2018 was approved as a correct record. |
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FERRIES UPDATE Minutes: Transport Scotland submitted the following written
update: Gourock to
Dunoon Ferry Service
Local
Engagement
Gourock to Kilcreggan
Ferry Service
Kirstie Reid on behalf of Willie Lynch Dunoon Community Council raised concerns regarding why Community Councils are not invited to the Clyde Ferry Stakeholder Group and the lack of input allowed by the local community. |
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Caledonian MacBrayne · Dunoon – Gourock · Tarbert – Portavadie – Proposed Changes to Winter Timetable · Colintraive - Colintraive-Rhubodach Minutes: Simon Richmond, Caledonian MacBrayne submitted
apologies for the meeting and therefore provided the following written update: 1. Vessels M.V. Coruisk will continue on the Gourock - Dunoon Service until
Saturday 23rd March. Following which she will be undertaking essential
maintenance at Gourock prior to returning to the Mull
- Craigure Service - During this time she will be
unable to be used in service.
2. Dunoon Argyll and Bute have announced that work to improve the ferry
passenger experience at Dunoon Breakwater will begin on Monday 11thMarch. The
work will improve safety and provide facilities more suited to a passenger-only
service, while any disruption will be kept to a minimum. The first stage
of the work will see the toilets and waiting area relocated, which will be undertaken
over the course of the week and require those facilities to be closed in that
time. Temporary toilet facilities will be provided for the duration of
the works and the ferry schedule will not be affected. Shelter for waiting
passengers will be available at the existing shelter at the Breakwater and at
the existing bus shelters. Works are due for completion by Friday 15th,
with the waiting room expected to be operational mid-week. 3. New CHFS 2
Contract Signage CalMac have been
working closely with an external contractor to develop new way finding signage
at both Gourock and Dunoon
ports. The signage should be installed within the coming months. Uniform All crew onboard MV Ali Cat
and MV Argyll Flyer have now received their CalMac
branded uniform and can now be visible wearing these. Waiting Room Refresh CalMac have
received confirmation from CMAL to proceed with refreshing the waiting
area at Gourock. CalMac
have appointed a contractor to undertake the works which will be completed by
the end of March. Vessel Rebranding CalMac are currently
developing plans to rebrand both MV Ali Cat and MV Argyll Flyer. Once these
have been agreed internally, CalMac will share these
images with the public to advise what the vessels will look like. Both vessels
will be rebranding during their scheduled annual overhaul i.e.
Website CalMac have now
included all information regarding the Gourock - Dunoon route on the CalMac
website. CalMac are advising all customers to use the
CalMac website for information on this service. We
are also reviewing the activity on the AFL webpage ensuring this is decreasing
before shutting this website down. A statistical update was also tabled at the
meeting. The Chair updated the Committee
on arrangements that are now in place for Elected Members to visit the
Scottish Parliament for a meeting with the Minister for Transport and
Connectivity on the 12th March 2019 to discuss the future of the Dunoon-Gourock
ferry service. Outcome 1. The Forum requested clarification on why the Dunoon to Gourock service is
cancelled in order to facilitate the Rothesay to Wemyss
Bay service when it is diverted to Gourock. 2. The Forum
agreed to formally oppose the proposed changes to the Portavadie
timetable, noting that the cuts would mean an hour delay in getting home by
school children who currently use the service and in light of the figures
produced by Calmac which indicate the service is
growing in usage. This ferry service is also used by people from the Isle of
Bute travelling by public transport to and from the Mid Argyll Hospital. It was also suggested that there can
be 2 or 3 vessels sidelined during the winter and
perhaps those could be deployed rather than cancelling sailings. |
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Western Ferries Minutes: Gordon Ross informed the Group that works are still
ongoing at Hunter’s Quay but are progressing well and there were no issues to
highlight. Western Ferries summer timetable will start on the 25th
March 2019 and that it was business as usual with no concerns to raise. Outcome It was noted that an extension of the existing
timetable could be looked at if there was a viable need but consideration would
need to be given to the residential housing at both Hunters Quay and McInroy’s Point. |
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Shore Side Infrastructure at Dunoon Minutes: The Marine Operations Manager submitted the
following written update: Dunoon Breakwater – Ferry Passenger
Facilities 1.
Background 1.1 It has been apparent for some time that
improvements could be made to the current traffic management arrangements at
the vehicle mustering / parking area at Dunoon
Breakwater. This issue has been of
particular concern to the local bus company who brought their safety-related
concerns to Council officers’ attention, resulting in the recent Traffic
Regulation Order (TRO) being raised. 2.
Detail 2.1 Following the announcement from the
Scottish Government that Calmac will be providing a
passenger-only service, we are now in a position to progress the preferred
arrangement for the existing mustering area, which meets the objectives of
improving safety, in terms of bus/vehicle/pedestrian segregation; this
arrangement should address many of the objections raised during the TRO
process, which are focussed mainly around drop-off provision. 2.2 The preferred layout (attached) is based
around the Stages outlined below:- Stage 1 – Relocation of Portakabins
(to area shown hatched red on attached Location Plan). · Stage
2 – Reconfiguration of mustering area road markings to create formalised car
park incorporating drop-off area. · Stage
3 – Address the outstanding objections from TRO process and proceed with formal
implementation of bus lane. 2.3 In terms of Stage 1,
plans are in place to relocate the Portakabin units around the middle to
second-half of this month. We shall
endeavour to undertake as much preparatory works in advance to keep the
move/outage to a minimum. Temporary toilets will be provided during the move
but there will be no waiting facility – this will be for only a very short
duration – around 2 days. Outcome The Forum requested clarification on what the
improved passenger facilities will be and noted that Transport Scotland would
lead a sub-group of the Argyll Ferries Infrastructure Group to look at
infrastructure requirements on both sides of the Clyde. |
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PUBLIC TRANSPORT Minutes: Martin Arnold, Community Transport Officer had
submitted apologies to the meeting, he therefore provided the forum with a
written update on each item listed on the agenda. |
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Helensburgh - Carrick Castle Bus Service Minutes: No further update on this item was provided. |
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McGills 907 Service to Glasgow Minutes: As
indicated earlier to the forum, this service has ceased as of Saturday 2nd
March 2019. There are currently no plans from the transport team to replace
this. The
Forum held a conversation around the impact the cancellation of the service
will have on the local community and the viability of any alternative services
that could potentially be put in place. Outcome
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Bus Stop at Rest and Be Thankful Minutes: CityLink Coaches are now using this stop
again for the Summer. As with previous years public transport will make
representation to CityLink and West Coast Motors to
continue using this stop during the winter months. The situation regarding
parking at this stop will continue to be monitored. Outcome The
Forum agreed to request additional gritting by Transport Scotland and Argyll
and Bute Council in order for buses to utilise the area better in the winter
months, noting the commitment given that safer driving conditions would lead to
WCM re-evaluating their current stance on this. |
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Bus Stops, Toward: Update on Site Visit Minutes: This
has not been actioned yet, however a team will be in Dunoon
area on the week beginning 22nd April and will endeavour to arrange
a visit to take stock of this. Outcome Having
heard from South Cowal Community Council, the Forum suggested that additional
stops are not required and this item should not be taken forward. They agreed instead to ask that the Public
Transport department speak to West Coast motors to seek extension of the
current service to have them terminate at Castle Toward. |
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Dial-A-Bus Minutes: This
will be advertised when new booklets for the Cowal area are produced – likely
in April/May 2019. Consideration will be given to producing a special leaflet
for the Dial-a-Bus service separate to the entry in the Cowal Area Booklet. Outcome The
Forum requested that all advertising material be circulated to the Group to
enable members to promote the service. |
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Fountain Quay Bus Shelter Minutes: As per the last report, this is currently
on hold due to the sale of Dunclutha House. |
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Kames Bus Stop Minutes: The
Community Transport Officer had spoken to the Roads department who advised that
due to current commitments the matter cannot be looked at, however the
Community Transport Officer will contact them again in April to establish when
it would be possible to put a yellow bus stop cage down on the road at the bus
shelter. In the meantime West Coast Motors
confirmed their drivers will stop at the bus shelter, not the Post
Office, however they noted that locals tended to wait at the Post Office for
the bus. Outcome It was agreed that Kilfinan Community Council will promote the use of the bus shelter with residents. |
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479 Dunoon to Rothesay West Coast Motors Service Minutes: West
Coast Motors have been asked to provide cover for this and ensure even if the
ferry is off that the last bus to Colintraive from Dunoon will still operate. Outcome
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TRANSPORT SCOTLAND Minutes: The Forum raised concerns around the lack of recent
attendance by Transport Scotland to the Cowal Transport Forum and the lack of
Community Council representation currently on the A83 Taskforce Group. Outcome The Forum agreed to write to Transport Scotland
asking that Community Councils in the Cowal Area be extended an invite to the
A83 Taskforce meeting. |
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VMS Update Minutes: A representative from Transport Scotland was not
present at the meeting and no written update was submitted. Outcome The Forum requested that Transport Scotland look at
utilising the VMS signs to highlight the upcoming night closures on the A83. |
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A83 Minutes: A representative from Transport Scotland was not present at
the meeting and no written update was submitted. |
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Butterbridge Car Park Minutes: A representative from Transport Scotland was not
present at the meeting and no written update was submitted. Debbie Donald informed the Group
that the barrier has been moved to allow more cars to park and it was agreed
that this item is now concluded. |
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POLICE SCOTLAND Minutes: PC Alex Smith provided the Forum with the following
verbal update:
Outcome
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TIMBER TRANSPORT GROUP Update by Iain Catterwell, Project Officer – Argyll Timber
Transport Group Minutes:
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ROADS UPDATE Minutes: Roads Representatives had submitted apologies to the meeting and a written update was tabled. |
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TRO Updates - Dunoon Pier Dunoon Pier Minutes: Pier Rd Dunoon TRO - 10 objections received at
least are going to be upheld, this may be forwarded to an independent reporter.
Queen Hall TRO - objections received, these will require to be reviewed
and removed if possible otherwise the TRO may have to be passed to an
independent reporter. Outcome The
Forum requested clarification on what constitutes as Pier Road in relation to
the TRO. |
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Parking Restrictions- Bus Bays at Queens Hall; Tudor Rooms and Morrisons Bus Bays at Queens Hall; Tudor Team Rooms and Morrisons Minutes: Parking
Restrictions- Bus Bays at Queens Hall, Tudor Tearooms & Morrison’s. The TRO will require to be amended to “local buses”
only, with appropriate signage to stop tour coaches using these bays. |
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Parked Vehicles on Paving Slabs Outside Argyll Hotel Minutes: Bollards
etc. have been ordered to stop Vehicles parking within Argyll Gardens..
Operational Services will programme the requirement to erect on site, once
delivered. |
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Road Markings in Cowal - General update Minutes: Awaiting
sub-contractor to complete previously issued works. As previously stated, this work is highly
weather dependent with contractors working to timescales for mobilisation,
which are unable to take advantage of short term localised improvements within
network wide programmes of outstanding work. Outcome
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Minutes: Speed Surveys Kirn (2 have been carried out) Cairndow
(1 has been carried out opposite Inn) Sandhaven
to Cothouse (1 has been carried out) Sandbank Shore
Rd (1 has been carried out, second visit not carried out yet.) Colintraive ( 1 has been carried out) , Millhouse ( 2 surveys have been
carried out, first 1 at hall, unfortunately second survey information was corrupted on file. To be
redone.) Only
the results at Colintraive have merited any physical
improvements. Carriageway
roundels and additional signage will be used to enhance the 30MPH “gateway” and
will be programme in the new financial year. Outcome The
Forum requested that their concerns around the type of speed survey used be
raised with Roads and Amenity Services. In particular the Forum wished to record dissatisfaction
regarding the lack of figures available on the range of speeds recorded
following a survey being conducted. |
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Traffic Management in Tighnabruaich, Kames and Millhouse Minutes: Traffic management Tighnabruaich, Kames and Millhouse
to be progressed when speed/volume surveys have been
carried out. Outcome Paul Paterson on behalf of Kilfinan
Community Council expressed concerns regarding traffic management and would
like Roads and Amenity Services to look at speeding, infrastructure, lights,
ditches and road markings in the Tighnabruaich, Kames
and Millhouse area. |
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Winter Maintenance - Kilmun and Strone Minutes: Winter
Maintenance – Kilmun & Strone, The department is not aware of any issues. The
period of snow and sharp frosts late January were a feature of the whole Argyll
and Bute network. However, that apart, all treatment plans have been delivered
as per Policy. Outcome Graeme
Revill on behalf of Kilmun Community Council asked if the large volume of grit
remaining on the pavements in Kilmun could be swept. |
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Road Closure Notifications Minutes: Road Closure Notifications.
Emergency Services; Public Transport; Chair of Area Committee; local Councillors and
local Community are all informed of issues related to Roads Closures in their area.
Further to this, any emergency / reactive closures due to incidents are posted on
the Council Webpage in the Service Disruption – Roads, section. |
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Waiving of Parking Charges Minutes: Waiving of Parking Charges. This
will require permission from Full Council if there is loss or potential loss of income.
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Flooding at Cot House Bus Stop Minutes: Roads advised that they were unaware of “flooding” at Northbound plinth conceding that Southbound may have some water gathering in channel. An initial inspection may be practicable on Fri 8th March but given the nature of the road embankment arrangement here, water accumulation of any great extent or depth is unlikely. |
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ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS Minutes:
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DATE OF FUTURE MEETINGS Monday 11th March 2019 Minutes: It was agreed that the next meeting of the Cowal Transport Forum would be held on: · Monday 17th June 2019 |