Venue: Timber Pier Building, Dunoon
Contact: Andrea Moir, Senior Area Committee Assistant - 01369 708662
No. | Item | ||
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Minutes: Apologies for absence were intimated by: Councillor Audrey Forrest Debbie Donald, Cairndow Community
Council Graeme Revill, Kilmun Community Council Martin Arnold, Community Transport Officer Kenny Aitken, Transport Scotland |
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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 11th
March 2019 was approved as a correct record. Outcome To
forum agreed to request the following updates: ·
The date the work on carriageway
roundels and additional signage at Colintraive is
programmed for; and ·
Clarification of discussions with
West Coast Motors regarding the extension of the current service towards Castle
Toward. |
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DATE OF FUTURE MEETINGS Minutes: It was agreed that the next meetings of the Cowal
Transport Forum would be held on:
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APPOINTMENT OF COMMUNITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CLYDE, KINTYRE AND ISLANDS FERRY STAKE HOLDER GROUP Minutes: The Chair requested nominations for an appointee to
serve as the Forum’s representative on Clyde, Kintyre and Islands Ferry
Stakeholder Group. Outcome The Forum agreed to appoint Willie Lynch, Dunoon Community Council, as the representative to the Clyde,
Kintyre and Islands Ferry Stakeholder Group. |
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FERRIES UPDATE |
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Caledonian MacBrayne Minutes: Simon Richmond reported that over the winter period
passenger numbers were down but had improved along with the better weather,
adding that in general passenger numbers were up on the same period last
year. Mr Richmond acknowledged that
there had been cancellations over that period, adding that the weather related
ones were determined by the Masters and were solely down to ensuring the health
and safety of passengers It was reported that the MV Argyll Flyer had been
rebranded and that the MV Ali Cat would undergo a similar process in October.
Mr Richmond confirmed that there were no immediate plans to replace the
existing vessels but that work was planned to replace mechanisms within the
engines. There had been an increase in violence and
aggression directed towards Caledonian MacBrayne staff. Sergeant Watt responded
that Police Scotland would happily work with Caledonian MacBrayne to respond to
this. Concerns were raised that the Road Equivalent
Tariff had resulted in higher fares on the Gourock to
Dunoon ferry service compared to the longer Wemyss Bay to Bute service and that consideration must be
given to readdressing this inconsistency. Outcome 1.
It was requested that Caledonian
MacBrayne investigate whether it would be possible to use historical data to
determine passenger usage over a longer period, rather than over a period of 12
months. 2.
Caledonian MacBrayne to confirm
that all cancelled sailings when Western Ferries are operating are covered by
the replacement bus service. 3.
That the Chair contact Transport
Scotland and highlight the concerns raised regarding the pricing structure of
tickets for the Gourock to Dunoon
ferry service. That the Chair contact the Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee and request that the pricing structure of Gourock to Dunoon ferry service be discussed at the next Area Committee. |
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Western Ferries Minutes: Gordon Ross reported that of 15,000 sailing between
October 2018 to March 2019 only 31 had been cancelled, which was a far better
ratio that other service providers. Mr Ross anticipated that the linkspan would be installed during July 2019 and fully
operational soon thereafter. At the conclusion of the linkspan
development attention would then be given to building a new office block. Mr Ross voiced his frustration at the lack of
investment being made to shore-side infrastructure within and around Dunoon Pier. The Chair responded that it would not be prudent
for the Council to invest in improved berthing facilities for the present
vessels at the moment as there were no guarantees of the future structure of
ferry services and that a working group had been established to map the best
course of action. Councillor Reid also highlighted that pressure should be
brought on the Scottish Government via MSPs to encourage investment. Outcome The Forum noted the update. |
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Shore Side Infrastructure at Dunoon Minutes: The Chair reported that a working group had been
established which is being led by Transport Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council
and CalMac to look at what improvements could be made
to the Shore Side Infrastructure at Dunoon. Outcome The Forum noted the update. |
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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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Integrated Transport Minutes: Cathleen Russell, Colglen
Community Council, reported that there was disconnect between ferry and bus
timetables which negatively impact on people travel plans should one of the
services fail. Willie Lynch, Dunoon
Community Council, shared Mrs Russell’s concerns and stated that he had had
direct experience of limited public transport integration. Gordon Ross acknowledged the frustration of the
Forum, stating that he would forward suggestions from the Forum regarding the
integration of the Western Ferry timetable and would discuss options with McGill's Buses. Outcomes 1.
Caledonian MacBrayne agreed to
share contact details of the Integrated Transport Officer and would consider
any suggestions made for changes to the timetable to improve transport
integration. The Chair to contact West Coast Motors to enquire what, if any, consideration had been given to the integration of the 489 service with ferry services. |
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Martin Arnold, Community Transport Officer had submitted apologies to the meeting, he therefore provided the forum with a written update on the following items. |
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Helensburgh - Carrick Castle Bus Service Minutes: Unfortunately we do not have sufficient funds to extend the last journey from Lochgoilhead/Corrow Farm down to Carrick Castle. While the management and tendering of the service is performed by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, we do contribute to the costs of the route within our area of Argyll. As such we would have to meet the full cost of extending the service, and this would be in the region of an additional £180 a week to implement this change |
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McGills 907 Service to Glasgow Minutes: Officers are currently in discussion with West Coast Motors to see if a cost-neutral solution can be worked out, without disrupting current network. |
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Bus Stop at Rest and Be Thankful Minutes: No further update on this item was provided. Outcome 1.
The Chair to contact Transport
Scotland and raise concerns regarding the failure of the turning circle to
resolve ongoing issues at the Bus Stop at Rest and Be Thankful and to further
request that consideration be given to installing a layby on the Glasgow to Campbeltown side of the A83. 2.
Police Scotland to highlight the
ongoing parking issues to Officers and that, when appropriate, enforcement
action should be taken. 3.
The Forum requested clarification
on how many fines had been issued since the introduction of the existing
Traffic Regulation Order and what progress had been taken regarding the installation
of CCTV at the location. |
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Dial-A-Bus Minutes: Due
to staff shortages through long term sickness and retirals, Roads and Amenity
Services have not, as yet, produced a Cowal booklet advertising the Dial-a-Bus.
The Community Transport Officer’s post
will be out on MyJobScotland soon, once appointed the service will proceed with
booklet production. |
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Fountain Quay Bus Shelter Minutes: No further update on this item was provided. |
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Kames Bus Stop Minutes: Roads
and Amenity Services reported that the intention is to have this installed by
the end of July/start of August 2019, possibly sooner if weather/workload is
favourable. |
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479 Dunoon to Rothesay West Coast Motors Service Minutes: No further update on this item was provided. |
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Additional documents: |
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VMS Update Minutes: A representative from Transport Scotland was not
present at the meeting and no written update was submitted. The Chair reported that the VMS system had been passed to the Council to operate and that Transport Scotland had trained Council officers. The solar panels would be fixed by BEAR Scotland. |
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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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POLICE SCOTLAND Minutes: Sergeant David Watt, Police Scotland, had nothing specific
to report but welcomed questions from the Forum. Forum members expressed concern about speeding on the High
Road between Dunoon and Sandbank. It was also
discussed that slow drivers can be as much of a hazard as those driving at
excessive speed. Outcome Police Scotland to monitor possible speeding
violations on the Dunoon to Sandbank Road. Police
Scotland agreed to investigate whether there was data held
regarding the number of fines issued concerning for the reason of driving too
slowly. |
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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: Officers are currently awaiting one objection to be
withdrawn leaving one objection outstanding. If this can be withdrawn after
more discussion the next stage of the TRO can be processed, which is
advertising that the correct procedure has been adhered to and a date for the
implantation will be given. Failure to remove objection would result in
involvement of The Reporter from the Scottish Government. Outcome To request clarity on any proposed changes to the kerb lines associated with 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: Revised signage requires to be erected and also modification to existing TRO/s to reflect use of bays by local buses only. |
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Parked Vehicles on Paving Slabs Outside Argyll Hotel Minutes: The area has been marked out, bollards and chains in store awaiting erection. Councillor Jim Anderson added that he anticipated that the work would be completed by July 2019. |
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Road Markings in Cowal - General update Minutes: This will occur when the nominated lining
subcontractor is in the area after this year’s capital programme. Cathleen Russell highlighted that as a consequence
of a lack of white lining there remains a serious health and safety issue on
the A8003 T-junction at Glendaruel. The Chair advised that the Executive Director of
Development and Infrastructure had informed him that white lining requires the
use of a specialist contractor and that due to the limited contractors it is
often difficult to get them to commit to specific timescales in the area due to
its rurality and relatively sparse volume of work. Further complications
including the work being weather dependent means that it was not possible to
provide timescales for the completion of work. The Executive Director reaffirmed that Officers
would continue to do all they can to see timely completion of this work and
that they are in ongoing dialogue with trunk road colleagues to explore any
improvements that may be deliverable through joint working. Outcome To request that officers explore the economic viability of Argyll and Bute Council owning it’s on white lining vehicle(s) and associated equipment. |
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Speed Surveys Minutes: Speed Surveys at Millhouse
had been completed while revisits would be required for Cairndow, Oakbank at Sandbank and Kirn. The outstanding surveys would be undertaken when the equipment becomes available. This equipment is shared between Bute and Cowal and Helensburgh and Lomond |
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Traffic Management in Tighnabruaich, Kames and Millhouse Minutes: Parking at the bottom of Shinty
Brae had been investigated and only occurs when occupants of the properties
have visitors. No action had been taken at Kames to date. A request to introduce a 30mph speed restriction at
Millhouse would be forwarded to Asst. Network
Manager, (NRSWA, Traffic and Development) for consideration. Outcome To note the frustration of the Forum at the lack of
officer attendance and request that in future officers attend in person, or at a
minimum, are available by either phone or video link. |
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Grit and detritus Removal Required from Pavements and Channels - Kilmun and Strone Minutes: Grit and detritus removal at Kilmun and Strone
would be picked up during cyclic maintenance programme. |