Lochaber South Ward Forum (Ward 22 Fort william and Ardnamurchan)
Monday 10 March 2008

Present:

Councillors Bren Gormley(Chair), Donald Cameron, Brian Murphy, Michael Foxley; Nether Lochaber Community Council; Duror and Kentallen Community Council; Glencoe and Glen Etive Community Council; Ardgour Community Council; Ballachulish Community Council; Morvern Community Council

Officials in attendance:

Simon Jeffrey, Education, Culture and Sport; Dot Ferguson, Chief Executive’s Service, Andy Tuckwood, TEC Services.

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 South Ward Forum at their meeting held on Monday 10 March in Ballachulish Primary School.

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

1. Apologies: Chief Inspector John Chisholm

2. Action Sheet –

Youth Issues – update given by 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

Acharacle street lighting – confirmed that street lighting in a 20mph is not a statutory requirement.

Post Office deliveries – Royal Mail has confirmed that later deliveries are due to EU Road Transport Directive which restricts driver hours and requires lower speed limits for some vehicles and therefore have a knock-on effect for local deliveries.

Jubilee Park – no update available

CalMac Maritime Order – CalMac have been instructed to begin the process again and it is hoped that they will engage effectively with the community this time

Lack of local decision-making – working party has been established to look at this issue, which should report back in June. In addition, budgetary information is now being collated on a ward by ward basis which will allow more effective, local decision- making.

3. A82 Campaign Update

Update provided on launch. 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. Waste Issues

Andy Tuckwood made a presentation re the waste strategy. The main topic was around the Government’s waste policy and the move towards Zero Waste. The following refreshed targets are as follows:

Recycling Targets            Landfill Targets               Energy From Waste

2010 40%                           56%                                    4%
2013 50%                          36%                                    14%
2020 60%                          15%                                    25% maximum
2025 70%                           5%                                     25% maximum

Concerns raised included:

- lack of plastics recycling – being actively investigated – Action TECS

- why rubbish from outwith Lochaber is being landfilled at Duisky? – planning conditions limit amount of material being landfilled, but doesn’t specify where it comes from. As it is a privately operated site, there are commercial considerations for the operator. Planning conditions to be checked – Action DF

- request was made for a recycling centre in Ballachulish to help to reduce fly-tipping – TECS

- request that skips remain in the area for a longer period – difficult due to timetabling of service throughout Lochaber plus limited budget

- request for seasonal street-sweepers – AT to check - Action TECS

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 / Question & Answer

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.

Citylink Buses, Duror – concern was raised that drivers will not pick up/put down on request, even in designated safe areas. This appears to happen elsewhere. Issue to be raised with Citylink - Action DF

Corran Ferry – very strong concerns were expressed re the 20% increase in fares agreed by the Council and this view is supported by all community councils on the Ardnamurchan and Morvern peninsula. Specific issues raised were as follows:

- route should be subsidised as necessary
- should have been consultation with the communities before decision was taken
- should be looking at alternatives and efficiency savings
- what has the cost been for repairs to ramps
- half books of tickets should be available
- discussions must take place with the community to explore options
- is fixed link an alternative
- Council must rethink this decision

In summing up, the Chairman agreed that there are issues which require further discussion with TECS and that information requested would come back to the community. Action TECS/HC Cllrs

Local Plan – Ballachulish Community Council requested that land behind MacColl Terrace should be reinstated in the Local Plan. This has been raised verbally and in writing with the LP Team. Issue to be raised with them – Action DF

Car parking in front of tourist office – what is the current situation re leases etc? To be checked and Community Council informed – Action DF

Home Care – it had been indicated that no home carers service could be provided south of the Ballachulish Bridge. Difficulties exist around availability of carers and resources. Issue to be raised at Local Health Partnership. Action – BG

New Care Home, Fort William – planning application has been submitted for a 60-bed care home adjacent to the Health Centre in Fort William. Some concerns were expressed about the scale of the home and in addition it was agreed that it should have dual-registration. Can this be conditioned via the planning process? – Action DF

Date of Next Meeting – Monday 12 May – 6.30pm – Fort William