Deirdre Forsyth, Bruce Robertson, George Lyon, David Starck, Brian Rattray, Roddy Mcleod, and Felicity Kelly
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING OF MID ARGYLL PARTNERSHIP held in DALRIADA HOUSE, LOCHGILPHEAD on MONDAY 23 May 2006 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from: Deirdre Forsyth, Bruce Robertson, George Lyon, David Starck, Brian Rattray, Roddy McLeod, and Felicity Kelly. Alison Hay expressed her concern that only two Council officials were in attendance. Just sending in a report is not satisfactory. 2. MINUTES OF MEETING OF 21 FEBRUARY 2006 The minute of the Meeting held on 21st February 2006 were submitted and approved. 3. MATTERS ARISING Japanese Knotweed – Alison Hay will report to the next meeting. 4 DALRIADA PROJECT PRESENTATION – David McGilp David explained that £1.8 million worth of funding had been granted by the Heritage Fund and that the project is proceeding well. A Landscape Partnership has been formed and has been divided into 4 categories:- Species & Habitat - includes a combined venture between the Forestry Commission and Private enterprise, to replace native trees and to build paths and bridges in the Knapdale Forest and Crinan Canal areas. Building & Cultural Heritage - will examine records of the area throughout the ages. Surveying and Conveyance – to make safer and give easier access to old and new structures. Community History - will involving senior members of the community by recording and logging their stories of the past. Access to the land project will make the countryside more user friendly for walkers and bikers by linking the routes at Knapdale and Kilmartin allowing a circular tour for Tourists and local users. Virtual visitor sites to be positioned throughout the area and to be incorporated with traditional media. The £1.8 million is ring fenced and there is a need to raise a further million to complete the project. The whole of Mid Argyll should feel the benefit of the increased tourism and hopefully there will be enough attractions to encourage longer stays in the area. 5. SCOTTISH WATER Lochgair The planning application has been made and it has been decided to hold a Public Local Enquiry, probably in October 2006 Ardrishaig Project is almost complete. A meeting with interested groups has been arranged for 5 June to sort out a few minor issues regarding access to the shore etc. Lochgilphead The Peddie Bank and the Green projects are being finalised and it is hoped to include Paterson Street in the upgrade. Minard Plans are being ‘re-scoped’ and funding is being sought, in order that additional work can be carried out which will permit new houses into the system Tarbert A local meeting will be held either this week or next to discuss the resolve the problem caused by the ingress of sea water into the system This is causing a smell in the area around the treatment works. John McAlpine asked if he could be included in these discussions as he is the person who gets the backlash from the community. He also asked why there is only a flow of 7 litres per second and not 15 litres as should be. The yacht race is taking place in Tarbert this weekend and there are Traffic Lights on Barmore Road but no actual work taking place. He has been informed that they have been sited at Scottish Water’s request. Jane MacKenzie agreed to arrange for the removal of the traffic lights. The verges from the Co-op corner to the new Treatment works should have been tidied up during the last six months but this has not happened. Inveraray Alison Hay reported that the smell is back in the area between Lochfyne Hotel and the Golf Course. This was noted by Scottish Water Kilmartin The letter received by Kilmartin Community Council was felt to be dismissive. The work promised by Scottish Water at the area surrounding the Cairns had not been brought up to the standard expected. The ground is an eyesore and there is an odour. It was expressed that there should be a site visit by Scottish Water accompanied by a Community Council member. Minard The landscaping is very satisfactory but the sign, to prohibit overnight parking needs replaced. 6. FORESTRY COMMISSION/SNH Kintyre Way Due to some legalities with participating Land Lords the opening day has been delayed until 12 August 2006. Every other aspect of the walk is on schedule. Grants for assistance to provide catering/sleeping facilities on this route may be available from AIE. Forest Drive The roadway from Auchindrain to Loch Awe will not now be open until the end of July. The road surface still needs to be done and restraints have not permitted this. When open the public will be permitted to use this route from Easter until October. Beinn Ghuilean AIE are funding this new Trail which will be for the use of walkers and bikers. Kilmory Woodland Park A package is being made to revitalise the park and the forest. A fuller report will be available at the next meeting. Barluasgan Excavations have taken place this year and there findings have proved very interesting giving an insight into the life of the area. Further Digs are planned for next year. A group of top Archaeologists have been looking at the ‘Rock Art’ in the area and the Forestry Commission hope that it’s links with the Dalriada Project will encourage more visitors to these sites. In the Tarbert area there has been problems occurring with motor bike/scramblers disrupting walkers on some to the tracks. An alternative site for bikes is being sought. The success of the Mountain bike event held last year has led to the event being repeated again on the 17/18 June 2006. Members of the Mid Argyll Cycling club will be available to guide cyclists round the route and a Barbeque and live music will be provided for any one who wishes to take part in the event. If any Community Council requires copies of leaflets detailing Forest Walks, supplies can be collected from the Whitegates Forestry Office. At present there are no leaflets covering the Minard to Lochgilphead cycle path. 7 STRATHCLYDE POLICE No report 8 BRITISH WATERWAYS SCOTLAND The canal opened again on the 3 April and already is being well used. It has been estimated that each crew member brings £25 each day to the local economy. Along with the Dalriada Project, British Waterways are trying to encourage visitors to stay for longer than a couple of days in the area. A Youth sailing group has been set up in Ardrishaig to encourage sailing skills and is being well attended. On the 8 April, the entrance to the Sea Lock benefited from a Beach Cleaning event which unearthed 2 Lobster pots and a pile of old plastic. The repairs on the Swing bridge are virtually completed with only a small list of snagging to be done. The toilets at Cairnbaan have been upgraded and extended to facilitate the disabled but unfortunately it was vandalised on the first weekend of its opening. Retrospective planning has been applied for nine pontoons at Bellanoch Basin Forty members of the German Canal Society are to visit Scotland on the 16/17 June and visits have been arranged for them at Crinan and at Kilmartin. Winter renovations will be ongoing for the next 2 – 4 years to ensure the safety standards of the canal. The ‘Linnet’ shed is to be stabilised as part of the Dalriada Project. When asked if there was a possibility of reduced rates for locals using the canal it was explained that the charges are set at a national level but David Lyon said he would ask at the next ‘pricing’ if this could be considered. 9 COMMUNITY CARE ISSUES No report 10 COMMUNITY COUNCILS 10a Ardrishaig Liaison with Scottish Water is on going regarding the problems encountered. The Community Trust [Robbers Den, Ardrishaig, Community Woodlands Group (RAG)] is now up and running and the Community Council has a place on the management committee. The main problem facing the Community Council at present is the Local Plan. It is felt that the proposal of 50 houses set high on a green field site above the town does not comply with the spirit of the relevant Scottish Executive guidelines relating to green field building. There is a strong feeling in Ardrishaig that this is the wrong type of development in the wrong place. There is more need for starter homes for young workers and sheltered accommodation for elder people, than larger houses. If the allocation of houses to each area could be changed, the land vacated by the Hospital and the School would make good housing sites and permit the Council to build the overall required total of 203 houses, without building on green field areas. It was suggested that a representative from ACHA and Fyne Homes could be invited to all meetings. Alison Hay agreed that Alastair MacGregor, ACHA be asked to make a presentation to the next meeting. She emphasised the importance of a member of the Housing Department being present at MAP meetings. 10b Dunadd At the last meeting a presentation was given by the Dalriada Project. The new approach road leading through the McLeod scheme to Castle Park, has been completed but concern was expressed as to its upkeep. Alison Hay advised the community to contact the Council regarding this. If this was unsuccessful to come back to her. It has been noted that there has been cause for concern at the cross roads at the Long walk, and it was felt that a ‘give way’ sign at East Lodge, (Luibs) would help the situation.