Action Note – Caol and Mallaig (Ward 12)
Lochaber North Ward Forum
Tuesday 6 October 2009
Present:
Councillors Eddie Hunter, Allan Henderson, Bill Clark; Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge & Achnacarry Community Council; Glengarry Community Council plus 8 members of public.
Officials in attendance:
Dot Ferguson (CE); Mike Leary (TECS), Janet Bromham (P & D); John Chisholm (Northern Constabulary)
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 Tuesday 6 October 2009 in Spean Bridge Primary School.
Please arrange to take the required action on the basis of this Action Sheet.
1 Apologies – Tracy Ligema, NHS; Mallaig Community Council; Morar Community Council
2 Action Sheet from 18 August - accepted Updates as follows:
a) Roads Issues – Garry Crescent – preliminary design complete – scheme may be constructed in two phases depending on funding. HQ for this scheme. Scottish Water only confirmed within last couple of weeks that their works in Garry Crescent will not be happening this financial year. With regard to related drainage issues, ML will investigate and respond to Glengarry CC – Action - TECS
b) Coteachan Hill – street signage – translations awaited
c) Bus shelters - required at Woodside and Morar Falls - requests have been placed on register of outstanding shelter locations which is increasing in length. Unlikely that additional funding will be made available for further shelters at this time. A request that bus shelter in village should be illuminated will be investigated with street lighting – Action TECS
3 Community Safety – there has been a 20% reduction in crime in the Skye and Lochaber area on the same period last year; this equates to 162 fewer victims of crime, with a detection rate of 54.3%. Vandalism is a particular issue with numerous incidents in the area. However, there have been no serious assaults in the period and no house breakings. No serious road incidents since August although motorbikes continue to be a problem.
A new community Police Officer will start in Spean Bridge soon.
Test purchasing has started in Lochaber to try to reduce sales of alcohol to underage children.
Concerns were raised about increased number of minor accidents on the A830 between Glenfinnan and Lochailort – this is supported by a number of minor incidents being reported but without any specific cause being identified.
Speeding motorbikes were also raised as a concern and the difficulties in dealing with this were acknowledged.
The number of fatalities at Cabernish over the last five years was also highlighted as cause for concern.
In summarising, the Chairman commended Northern Constabulary for their work in developing the Street League in Caol and this was fully supported by the meeting.
4 Draft Highland Biodiversity Plan – Janet Bromham (HC Highland Biodiversity Officer) - The Highland Biodiversity Partnership is currently consulting on a draft Highland Biodiversity Action Plan, and is looking for comment from local communities. The Plan will update and supersede the 2006 Plan that was produced as part of the Highland Biodiversity Review, and will provide the Partnership's work programme for the next three years.
There are currently seven local biodiversity plans for Highland (plus one for Cairngorm). The Lochaber Plan (Living Lochaber) has been developed by the Lochaber Biodiversity group who along with the Council’s Ranger service and others, raise awareness of the local biodiversity. The current Highland-wide Plan has a range of proposed actions ranging from mapping of invasive non-native species to development of local wildflower nurseries which communities are invited to comment on before 31 October.
Comments following the presentation ranged from concerns about the increase of Japanese Knotweed to the lack of information given to children in terms of identifying local wildflowers etc.
5 Home Insulation Scheme – Finlay Taylor – plans for the roll-out of the Energy Saving Scotland home renewables advice scheme, which offers home insulation surveys and potential savings through bulk buying were outlined. Those present were encouraged to consider contacting Finlay for advice as necessary. More information can be found at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or by telephoning 01397 705712.
6 AOCB
Community Council consultation – the meeting was reminded about the ongoing consultation and those present were encouraged to respond.
PUBLIC QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
Litter bins – concern was expressed about the lack of litter bins in the village and nearby lay-bys. It was agreed that TEC Services would liaise with the Community Council and the tourism group and look at suitable sites. TECS will also check re privately-owned bin in car park. – Action TECS
Appreciation was expressed for the village skip service, which it is hoped would continue.
Travel cards – concern was expressed about the HC travel card which has to presented each time someone travels. A greater degree of trust was requested as this is particularly difficult where people are booking group tickets. This issue has been taken up by Cllr Henderson and the Lochaber Transport Forum is also progressing the matter.
Car Scheme – concern was also expressed about the reducing funding being given to the Lochaber Community Car Scheme and the impact this is having on delivery of the service in the most rural areas. This is being raised with Bob Edwards.
Verge cutting in Spean Bridge – response required from Transerv. Ward Manager to request response – Action DF
Village signage – a request was made for the village to have signage similar to the new signs at Inverlochy, Claggan etc. Ward Manager explained that these had been wholly paid for by the businesses and that this may be a model the Spean Bridge businesses may like to follow.
Speed Restrictions – request was made for a 30mph speed restriction at Bunarkaig and Clunes
Roads issues – poor visibility because of height of scrub was reported at the junction of the A8005/A8004 and concern was raised over the lack of a south verge on the A8004 near Mucomir – Action TECS