Agenda

 

LOCHABER NORTH WARD FORUM (WARD 12 CAOL AND MALLAIG)
TUESDAY 11 MARCH 2008

Present:

 

Councillors Allan Henderson, Bill Clark, Eddie Hunter; Spean Bridge Community Council; Mallaig Community Council.
Officials in attendance: Insp. Dougie Allan, Northern Constabulary; Mike Leary, Ian McLelland TEC Services;  Dot Ferguson, Chief Executive’s Service.
For Action
Chief Executive’s (CE)
Education, Culture and Sport (ECS)
Finance (F)
Housing and Property (H & P)
Planning and Development (P & D)
Social Work (SW)
TEC

 

Listed below is the action required as a result of the decisions/discussions taken by the Lochaber North Ward Forum at their meeting held on 11 March in Banavie Primary School.

Please arrange to take the required action on the basis of this Action Sheet.

 

1. Apologies: None

 

2. Action Sheet –

 

Youth Issues – update given on behalf of Simon Jeffrey.  Meeting held with young people in February.  Seeking ideas as to how to engage more young people with Ward Fora, A82 campaign etc.  Action – Simon Jeffrey (ECS)

 

Ward Forum Review - a Highland-wide review is being carried out of the effectiveness  etc of ward fora.  Although similar to previous Lochaber one circulated, a request  was made for everyone to complete and return the form as soon as possible.

 

3. A82 Campaign Update

 

Update provided on launch and campaign.  Goal is to ensure that the upgrade of the A82 is included in the 2012-2022 STPR.  While the campaign received excellent press coverage, ongoing press events will have to be held to ensure the topic remains live.  Essential that as many people as possible sign the e-petition and contact MSPs – Action All

 

4. Grounds Maintenance Issues

 

Mike Leary presented an outline of the works carried out in Lochaber by grounds maintenance teams.  Main points included:-

 - update on grass cutting carried out – now contracted out to commercial business

- summary of other general amenity sites – eg play areas; pitches; burial grounds  etc

 - high amenity area including flower beds etc 

   Concerns raised included:  

- all the works appear very urban based; not much for the outlying areas.  It was suggested that groups such as Caol in Bloom, Corpach in Colour etc can access external funding and HC discretionary monies.  This is probably the best way forward for a community. 

- Kilmallie Cemetery – now closed other than for existing lairs.  Trying to acquire additional  land.

 

5. Ward Discretionary budget

 

Fully committed for 2007/08.  However, small budgetary increase planned for 2008/09.  Full breakdown of 2007/08 spend to be given at next Forum.

 

6. AOCB

 

Northern Constabulary informed the meeting that the force was again the highest performing mainland force in Britain.  Although staffing has been slightly reduced due to sickness, a full complement of staff is expected by June.

 

Question and Answer Session

 

1. Road surfaces – concern was expressed about the road surfaces at Lochybridge and Argos junction.  This has previously been brought to the attention of Transerv/Transport Scotland.  Reps from both organisations will be at the next forum.

 

2. Surface Water – concern was expressed about the lack of drainage from Hillview Drive along to the school area which is causing a great deal of surface water both on the pavement and on the road.  Has been reported but nothing done. Raise with Transerv – Action DF.

 

3. Speed limits – advice was sought on how to have a 30mph speed restriction implemented – write to TECS who are likely to advise installation of speed counters – this would determine whether a speed restriction was required.

 

4. Change of junction priorities, Gairlochy – advice sought re changing road junction priorities.  Ian MacLelland to arrange site visit and advise.

 

5. A830 temporary closures – the meeting was advised that initially the contractor had considered the road closures would have to extend throughout Easter etc, but it has now been agreed that there will be no interruption over Easter weekend.  Illuminated sign is still a concern as it indicates possible delays at weekends etc and has a detrimental impact of businesses etc.  To be followed up – Action – AH.

 

6. Fly-tipping at Kilmallie Hall – ‘no dumping’ sign was requested for installation close to the recycling banks. Mike Leary agreed to provide – Action TECS.

 

Date of Next Meeting – Tuesday 13 May – 7.30pm – Invergarry