Nairnshire Partnership/Ward Forum
Agenda
Action Note of Nairnshire Partnership/Ward Forum held on Wednesday 16 December 2009 at 6.00 pm in the Chamber, the Court House, Nairn.
Attendees
Provost Liz MacDonald, Nairn Ward, Highland Council (Chair) (LM)
Councillor Laurie Fraser, Nairn Ward, Highland Council (LF)
Councillor Graham Marsden, Nairn Ward, Highland Council (GM)
Councillor A S Park, Nairn Ward, Convener of Highland Council (SP)
Sheena Baker, Association of Nairn Businesses (SB)
Ed Chambers, Council for Voluntary Service, Nairn (EC)
Louise Clark, Ward Manager, Highland Council (LC)
Iain Fairweather, Tourism Sector (IF)
William Gilfillan, Corporate Manager, INBS, Highland Council (WG)
Debbie McBean, Chairperson, East Nairnshire Community Council (DM)
Inspector Willie MacLennan, Northern Constabulary (WM)
John Mackie, Chairman, Nairn Suburban Community Council (JM)
Margaret Robertson, Chairperson, Cawdor & West Nairnshire Community Council (MR)
Mrs J Tolmie, Chairperson, Nairn River Community Council (JT)
John Dolan, Reporter, Nairnshire Telegraph
Maureen MacKenzie, Administrative Assistant, Highland Council – Minute
Seonaid Armstrong, Secretary, Nairn West Community Council (joined the meeting at 6.40 pm)
David Brownless, Association of Nairn Businesses
Tommy Hogg, Nairn River Community Council
Brian Stewart, Nairn West Community Council
Graham Vine, Treasurer, Nairn West Community Council
Dick Youngson, Treasurer, Nairn Suburban Community Council
In Attendance:-
Geoff Robson, Head of Development & Environment, Planning & Development Service, Highland Council (GR)
Sam MacNaughton, Head of Transport & Infrastructure, TEC Services, Highland Council (SM)
Jim Smith, Principal Engineer, TEC Services, Highland Council
Kenny MacCormack, Engineer, TECS Services, Highland Council
and 7 members of the public
1. Apologies:
Apologies for absence were received from Liz Bow, Nairn Access Panel; Marie MacKintosh, HIE – Inner Moray Firth; Jimmy Ferguson, Nairn West Community Council; Martin Ashford, Nairn Suburban Community Council and Rosemary Young, Chairperson, Nairn West Community Council
Provost Liz MacDonald in the Chair.
2. Minute of the Previous Meeting
The Minute of Previous Meeting held on 28 October 2009 was APPROVED as a true record.
LM commented that she had received a positive response from David Middleton of Transport Scotland with regard to the proposed Nairn By-Pass; and also thanked David Brownless for providing a letter of support from the Association of Nairn Businesses.
On the question being put by DM, the Convener commented that a decision on Sainsbury’s planning application would hopefully be known prior to Christmas.
3. Matters Arising
3.1 (8) Nairn as a Fairtrade Town – LM commented that she had researched some fair-trade towns and in the whole most were inactive so felt it would be appropriate to cancel this proposal and perhaps look at other options.
4. Nairn Developments
4.1 Update by William Gilfillan
4.1.1 Meeting with Representatives of the Co-op on 7 December 2009
William Gilfillan reported that Highland Council officials had met with representatives of the Co-Op on 7 December which was by way of a formal introduction between officers and technical staff. WG added that the Co-op were happy to discuss their original plan for a new store, but not any alternative Plan B that Highland Council may wish to put forward. WG further commented that the Co-op are awaiting the outcome of the Sainsbury’s planning application before detailing their plans but timescales and what works may be done in the first instance were discussed. WG added that it was agreed that joint press statements would be issued in the future.
WG further reported that the Co-op were prepared to provide materials, etc if anyone wished to paint the “Regal” building but WG intimated that the town would prefer to wait for the work to be undertaken by the Co-op.
WG reported that there would be a further meeting with the Co-op in January, when a decision would be known regarding the Sainsbury planning application.
On the question being put by LM, WG confirmed that the Co-op were aware of Highland Council considering a Plan B.
SB read out a letter from John MacNeill of the Co-op suggesting that Nairn requires only one supermarket. SB added that the Highland Council must have a Plan B in case the deal with the Co-op does not proceed.
WG commented that the Co-op required to make their plans known by August, adding that they would be in a better position to discuss matters once there had been a decision on the Sainsbury’s planning application.
SB commented that the town is feeling very frustrated about the lack of progress with the town centre development and felt that the Co-op required to make their plans known in the near future or other proposals should be looked at. The Convener agreed with Sheena.
ACTION: WG agreed to report back the feelings of the Nairnshire Partnership members to the next meeting with the Co-op.
4.1.2 Office Rationalisation
WG reported that he would be presenting an outline business case looking at office accommodation for staff in Nairn to the Highland Council around March/April time. WG added that this would include:-
• Barron House (whose lease runs out next year)
• The Court House
• The Listed Building at the back of the Court House (the Police have recently vacated this building so very little refurbishment would require to be done)
LM thanked William for the updates.
4.2 Regeneration Fund Application and Streetscape Phase II (Geoff Robson, Head of Environment & Development)
Geoff Robson reported that Nairn had been awarded £800,000 from the Government’s Regeneration Fund and this would allow them to proceed with Phase 2 of the Streetscape Project (High Street). GR added that there was a tight timescale for spending this money (within this financial year) and it had already been advertised on the Scottish Government’s eProcurement portal. GR explained that this first stage was where Expressions of Interest were made and the next stage is where various contractors are asked to tender for the work.
GR explained that various surveys have already been carried out ie topographic etc and discussions are to take place with street lighting, roads, CCTV, etc in the near future. GR added that the contract should be awarded around mid to late May, with work commencing in June, which will take 20 weeks (update - draft programme subsequently proposed as - contract awarded end of March, with work commencing in late April, which will take 24 weeks, allowing for a 2-week contingency). GR added that Traffic Management problems will necessitate the work taking place in three stages with the High Street requiring to be kept open at all times.
GR referred to a letter he had received from Danny Alexander, MP expressing concern that the works would cause Nairn businesses some hardship; as had been experienced during the Inverness streetscape works; and asking whether businesses had been consulted. GR reported that disruption will be kept to a minimum and businesses had been consulted.
On the question being put by LM, GR reported that there had been no changes to the plan which had previously been consulted and agreed.
SB raised concerns about gas pipe-work (as the pipe-work on the “Brae” had been in a very poor state of repair); and parking bays (requesting curved kerbs into the parking bays).
ACTION: Geoff Robson to ensure this information is passed to the relevant officers.
JT requested that heavy plant is not accommodated in the Barron House car park due to its close proximity to houses. GR commented that it would be for the contractor to identify where heavy plant will be stored but he had noted her request.
Brian Stewart commented on the timing constraints; queried whether there would be a net decrease or increase in parking on the High Street; and queried whether this work was essentially a resurfacing job or were there any qualitative benefits for vehicles or pedestrians. GR responded that timing was restrictive as the funding must be spent in this financial year (although some Local Authorities have flagged that the timescale is too tight so this might change) and businesses do not wish to lose out on any Christmas trade so a start date of late May/early June would result in the work being completed by mid-November. GR confirmed that there would be a slight increase in car parking. GR also confirmed that there would be a modest increase in the size of the pavements and resurfacing which allows the area to be made “future proof” with ducts for cabling etc.
On the question being put by BS, GR confirmed that there would not be a cycle lane but there would be parking available for cyclists.
Murd Dunbar enquired whether there was any proposal to open up Leopold Street to 2-way traffic during the works. GR was not aware of any proposal and felt it would be detrimental to lose the parking spaces in Leopold Street. SB felt that MD’s suggestion should be looked into and GR agreed to speak to his colleagues about this.
ACTION: GR to speak to his colleagues in TEC Services (Roads Section) on the possibility of opening up Leopold Street to 2-way traffic whilst the works are ongoing. GR intimated that Transport Scotland’s agreement would also be required.
SB intimated that it was important for businesses to be consulted by way of a Stakeholders Group.
WG commented that although Inverness businesses felt the streetscape works were detrimental to their businesses whilst it was ongoing, the feedback received now was very positive.
SP commented that he felt this project would send out a positive message to the retail community and would encourage more businesses to locate here. SP added that there may be difficulties in the short term but this is a positive step for the long-term look of the High Street.
LM enquired whether a bid could be made through LEADER for additional monies for the streetscape. GR replied that yes, this might be possible for eg the vennels.
Graham Vine commented that the traffic calming measures should be looked at as speed-bumps are discredited now. GR commented that the traffic calming measures are more in the way of a rumble-strip which was less noisy. GV still had reserves about the noise.
Brian Stewart suggested that this was a good opportunity to “bolt on” some extra funding eg LEADER for businesses to refurbish their frontages; or to smarten up the Bus Station site.
LC reported that she is due to meet officers from the LEADER scheme on 12 January to discuss the possibility of a face-lift scheme or environmental project for the High Street.
LM thanked Geoff for a very interesting discussion.
5. Tourism
Iain Fairweather gave the following update on Tourism matters in the town:-
• Next meeting of Visit Nairn to take place on 12 January in Inveran Lodge, with the main topic being a new membership scheme
• First newsletter has been sent out to 90 subscribers
• Various local blogs have highlighted the problem with discarded chewing gum in the High Street area and Iain wondered if there were ways The Highland Council could help alleviate this problem. Geoff Robson commented that measures such as chewing gum bins and boards had been provided in Dingwall with some limited success, but added that it was really down to educating people. Geoff added that there was no protective measures they could take, but simply blast the offending gum from the pavements.
6. Leader Programme
LC reported that there were no new applications and it was slightly disappointing that only 4 applications had gone through, amounting to £31,668, leaving a total of £357,000 to be allocated. LC was due to meet Leader officials in the New Year to discuss what is happening in other areas and also the new guidelines which may come into operation should certain elements of the Rural Priorities Programme be transferred to LEADER.
WG added that there had been quite a large number of projects put forward through the Highland LEADER group.
7. Any Other Competent Business
There being no other business the Chairperson went on to the next item on the Agenda.
WARD FORUM
8. Minute of the Previous Meeting
The Minute of the Previous Meeting held on 28 October 2009 was APPROVED as a true record.
9. Matters Arising
9.1 (10) Members’ Meeting with representatives of BEAR (Scotland) and Transport Scotland on 26 October 2009
LC commented that the Agenda for the above meeting had been tabled for information to highlight issues which were regularly discussed.
GV highlighted that the positioning of pedestrian lights on the A96, at the Harbour Street junction, should have been raised at this meeting. On checking the Minute it was noted that issues with hatching and the lack of flashing yellow lights were raised, but not the actual positioning of the lights.
ACTION: LC to include on the Agenda for the next meeting with representatives of BEAR (Scotland) and Transport Scotland.
9.2 (11.2) Nairn Bus Services (Inverness to Aberdeen) – timetabling
LC advised that this item formed part of the question and answer session paper circulated under item 13.
9.3 (11.3) Dial-A-Bus
LC advised that the guidelines for this service formed part of the question & answer session paper circulated under item 13.
Debbie McBean commented that the answer supplied was unsatisfactory as the literature/information is incorrect. DB added that the bus is not available from 8.00 am due to the school run, which is not mentioned in the leaflet, and the service is not available late enough to allow people coming off the Inverness train from work to make use of it.
ACTION: LC to contact TECS again on this issue.
10. Nairn By-Pass – Sam MacNaughton, Head of Transport & Infrastructure; Jim Smith, Principal Engineer and Kenny MacCormack, Engineer, in attendance.
Sam introduced his colleagues, Jim Smith and Kenny MacCormack, commenting that both were very experienced engineers and had been involved in a number of trunk road schemes.
Sam then gave an interesting and informative presentation on Highland Council’s proposed engineering line for the Nairn Bypass, including:-
• the engineering line was now ready and out to consultation
• Transport Scotland had included the upgrade of the A96 and the Nairn Bypass in their STPR document
• The proposed Nairn Bypass has been included in the Local Plan, the Highland Development Plan and the STPR document
• Historic Scotland require to be consulted on any specific sites of interest
• Transport Scotland had the final decision on the line; and they would want to consult heavily to avoid any problems at a later stage
• The next stage is to get the project into the Design Plan
LM thanked Sam and his team for the interesting presentation and also for all their hard work on this project to date.
There then followed a short question and answer session:-
Q1 LM enquired how long it would take to get into the Design Pool.
A1 SM replied that Transport Scotland have not given any indication of which projects will go into the Design Pool, or a timescale, at this stage.
Q2 BS commented that if the road was viewed as a distributor road, rather than a Bypass, then more funding would be available; and would this affect the decision-making of Transport Scotland.
A2 SM responded that a distributor road would not be funded by Transport Scotland; and in similar cases throughout Scotland the case was certainly made for a Bypass.
Q3 BS enquired what linkage there was between the dualing of the A96 and the Nairn Bypass; and which is likely to come first. BS added that if the A96 from Inverness is dualed without a Nairn Bypass then traffic situation in the town would be worse.
A3 Sam responded that other developments would be looked at and could add to the pressure for a Bypass but it was difficult to answer until work on the design was started.
Q4 GV commented on the Sandown/Delnies development and the debate over access onto the A96, pointing out that if the development goes ahead, with the Bypass in place, then this section of the A96 would no longer be a trunk road and thus no longer the responsibility of Transport Scotland.
A4 Sam replied that at the moment it is a Trunk Road but if the development went ahead then it would be a Local Authority Road, adding that we can only act on the facts at the time.
SP thanked Sam and his team and commented that the way forward is to get the Bypass into the Design Pool in the hope that there may be some slippage in the budget.
SP then suggested that he (in conjunction with Sam MacNaughton) write to Stewart Stevenson prior to the next HC Project Team Meeting in January to set out the thoughts of this group.
This was AGREED.
11. Nairn Ward Discretionary Budget 2009-2010 (£59,659)
LC reported that £31,265.32 had been committed from the Ward Discretionary Budget to date leaving a balance of £28,393.68, with matched funding amounting to £174,444.25. LC added that she would be happy to discuss any potential applications with community groups. LC is currently looking at completing the access work at the Laing Hall, the shelters on the Links and the streetscape project.
Graham Vine and Tommy Hogg both reported that they had been approached about security for the new pontoons at the Harbour. The Convener explained that he was dealing with this through the Director of TEC Services.
12. Community Safety
Inspector Willie MacLennan introduced himself and gave an update as follows:-
• New Police Station opened today; looking at the possibility of holding an Open Day so the public can have a tour of this magnificent building – hopefully prior to the next Ward Forum Meeting
• There has been a significant drop in crimes overall in the area however there has been an increase in drug offences, which is an issue featured throughout the Highlands
• Detection rates remain fairly high – 69.9% (basically 7 out of 10 crimes are being solved)
• There have been a number of notable incidents, namely (1) street robbery where 2 people have been arrested; (2) 2 house break-ins and 1 garage break-in; and (3) 2 nasty incidents of police being attacked.
• Operation Magma (underage drinking) – still being used with some success
• Operation Round-up – a new initiative similar to Operation Magma but involving multi-agency support, which was received well by parents recently. It is hoped to develop this initiative in the future.
• Winter Road Safety campaign – looking at general road safety
• Trying to increase visibility of police force by having more policemen out on the streets.
• Sandy Ford, the local Traffic Warden, is taking voluntary redundancy and will be leaving on 31 March. It may be that Nairn will not have a dedicated Traffic Warden after that date. Graham Vine commented that Sandy was highly regarded in the town and managed to keep the traffic moving without being heavy-handed, and he hoped that would continue with any replacement. Provost MacDonald commented that Sandy would be missed from the town; and thanked Inspector MacLennan for his update.
13. Open Question and Answer Session (handout attached)
13.1 Dial-a-Bus - Discussed under item 9.3
13.2 Inverness–Aberdeen Bus Service/timetabling
Question and Answer forms part of the attached handout.
13.3. Proposed Nairn By-Pass
Mr Jenkins thanked officials for answers to his queries (included in the attached handout) adding that he is in favour of a By-Pass but feels that a line closer to Nairn would be less expensive thus more likely to succeed.
SM replied that both engineering lines have been passed to Transport Scotland and it is their decision which one to take forward. HC’s preferred option is MC20 due to a number of factors including flooding; land; development contained within the line; and if the line is too close to the town then it could be looked at as a distributor line and not a By-Pass.
Mr Jenkins asked for support from Sam MacNaughton on a junction for the heavy lorries going to Balblair Road.
SM responded that he was sure HC and Transport Scotland would be looking at this problem as it was unsatisfactory to have lorries on unsuitable minor roads.
SB thanked officials for the answer to her question (number 7).
13.4 LC read out an extract, as follows, from the paper (item 3.0) concerning the removal of wood/branches form Tradespark Wood and the riverside following reports of members of the public with chainsaws at both locations.
“All the trees in Tradespark Woods have Tree Preservation Orders and anyone found to be felling trees would be liable to prosecution. However, both incidents cause concern in terms of public safety, the ecology of the areas and vandalism and so the public are asked to report any similar incidents to the police.”
Brian Stewart commented that elm is very valuable, even when diseased, and enquired what arrangements had been made for its disposal.
Geoff Robson reported that diseased wood requires to be sanitised and the bark removed but on investigating this previously it was found to not be cost-effective.
On SB enquiring whether a contractor had been found for the work to be carried out at Viewfield, LC reported that no contractor had been selected to date.
14. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 24 February 2010 at 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm in Nairn Court House.
The Provost wished everyone a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year; and thanked them for attending the meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.15 pm.