News

Making best use of technology available is changing the way the council delivers roads and infrastructure services, protecting travellers and staff, reducing carbon emissions, and saving time and money. The Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee heard on Thursday 5 March how technology is providing and processing data that helps deliver front line services. Electronic ticketing on council run ferries lets people book on line or by mobile phone app;

Argyll and Bute residents are now using a range of digital options to check when their bins are due to be uplifted, helping the environment by significantly cutting down on paper, and also making financial savings. Previously 48,000 paper calendars were delivered to homes throughout the area. This year, anyone who was unable to make use of the internet to check when their bins would be uplifted was able to request a printed calendar. Just over 3000 people took up the offer.

Work to re-align the junction at Barmore and Garvel Roads in Tarbert, funded through the council’s £3million Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund, is now complete. These improvements have made it easier for vehicles to enter and exit Garvel Road in all directions, while also improving visibility and safety at the junction. And as a result, in February, Tarbert Harbour Authority (THA) was able to start work on its proposals to construct a new car park, with a further £105,000 regeneration funding.

The planned capital roads programme for 2020/21 includes an allocation of £1.96m for Oban, Lorn and the Isles. The programme will focus on a mix of carriageway resurfacing schemes that deliver the best value for money for the roads’ network. It does not simply concentrate on roads in the worst condition, but also treats roads at an earlier stage to prevent them deteriorating further.

The planned capital roads programme for 2020/21 includes an allocation of £784,000 for Helensburgh and Lomond. The programme will focus on a mix of carriageway resurfacing schemes that deliver the best value for money for the roads’ network. It does not simply concentrate on roads in the worst condition, but also treats roads at an earlier stage to prevent them deteriorating further.

The planned capital roads programme for 2020/21 includes an allocation of just over £1.73m for Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands. The programme will focus on a mix of carriageway resurfacing schemes that deliver the best value for money for the roads’ network. It does not simply concentrate on roads in the worst condition, but also treats roads at an earlier stage to prevent them deteriorating further.

The planned capital roads programme for 2020/21 includes an allocation of just over £1.12m for Bute and Cowal. The programme will focus on a mix of carriageway resurfacing schemes that deliver the best value for money for the roads’ network. It does not simply concentrate on roads in the worst condition, but also treats roads at an earlier stage to prevent them deteriorating further.

The Leader of Argyll and Bute Council calls again for a permanent solution for the A83 following a new funding announcement from Scottish Government (5th March) Councillor Aileen Morton said: “The issues with the Rest and Be Thankful have been recognised for over a decade now, a decade in which a sticking plaster approach has been taken by the Scottish Government. This is a vital route for Argyll and Bute, for Scotland, and it’s time for a more substantial commitment to be made. 

Argyll and Bute Registrars are putting on a free Wedding Showcase, in collaboration with HLCC Events, at the Civic Centre on Sunday 22 March, from 12.00-4.00pm, to help Helensburgh and Lomond couples who are planning their special day. The event brings together 32 of the best local vendors under one roof and is the ideal place to not only get great ideas but to potentially book everything you need for your big day. Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre is itself a fantastic, central venue to not only hold the ceremony, but to also celebrate the wedding reception.

The deadline is looming for any employers who would like to take the opportunity to recruit and train employees through the Argyll and Bute Employer Recruitment and Training Incentive (ABERTI). ABERTI is run by Argyll and Bute Council’s Employability Team, under the new No One Left Behind employability delivery model. The scheme is aimed at helping people aged 16 to 67 years who are facing many barriers, to enter into sustainable employment.