Arran Community Council Minutes
1. Minutes of Meeting held Tuesday 29th June 2010 were agreed as a true record.
2. Matters Arising
Cllr Currie reported that NAC had again reconsidered how the outstanding work should be progressed, and had approved 30 – 40 metres to be replaced using the Geotextile method. This will involve the use of bags filled with sand, that have a life expectancy of 50 year. This would cost circa £150,000. The manner of the repair is again under review. It was still expected that the work would be carried out in September 2010. The NAC Chief Executive has insisted the proposed work goes through the planning process.
The Council are concerned about the erosion at the mouth of the Rosa Burn, and the associated cost implications.
Harry Davidson spoke of the lengthy delay (from 28th February 2010) has caused locals to be very unhappy with the delay from NAC to rectify the problem. Originally it had been stated that the Council would meet on 22nd June to discuss the problem, but the beach was not spoken about. The Brodick residents are very disappointed at the stalling and delaying of the remedial work.
Willy Kelso commented that the cost of circa £3000 per metre seems excessive. It was queried why NAC are planning to use their own employees on what is regarded as emergency work. Cllr Currie advise that she had been informed by the Roads Officer that NAC are not required to go out to tender, but agreed to raise the question as to why the work is not going out to tender.
The Community Council recorded that they were appalled by the slowness of the exercise of restoring the beach.
Cllr Currie had received a letter from the Chief Executive in relation to the charge imposed for inspection. This stated that the Council were required to get best value for money.
The report indicated that 50% of the lamp posts were unsuitable to have decorations placed on them.
3. Police Matters
Richard McMaster enquired of the legal position regarding organised road races on the Island, where it was asserted that the runners had formed a continuous line. Sgt MacKay advised that they were required to obtain advance permission from NAC. In respect of the recent race, he undertook to take it up with the organisers via e-mail.
4. Correspondence
4.1. Post Office – Kildonan
A letter from the Post Office advising that it was proposed to run the service on the basis of 2 mornings of 2 hours each per week.
4.2 Fuel Prices
Katy Clark MP had raised with central Government the need to keep fuel prices on Islands at affordable levels.
4.3 Regeneration/Social Inclusion
NAC has applied to the Highlands and Islands Enterprise for RDC money to carry out road improvements at A841, North Sannox.
4.4 Non Response from NAC to communications.
Reply received from Liz McKewan, NAC Communications Manager indicating that letters are acknowledged within 2 days of receipt, and replies are sent within 14 days. She requested details of the cases that had caused the original complaint.
Alison Prince noted that each letter she had forwarded had taken 6 weeks to receive a reply.
The Chief Executive has said a Council Officer may attend a future meeting of the Community Council.
4.5 Community Council Elections
A note outlining the timetable for the election process was read:
20th August Newspaper Advert
1st September Closing date for nominations
10th September Newspaper Advert detailing nominations
15th September Community Meeting @ 7.30, with elections if necessary.
4.6 3 mile Fishing Limit
Harry Davidson read a letter seeking support for the introduction of a 3 mile limit to bottom trawling/dredging fishing.
The Community Council agreed to support this petition unanimously.
5. Planning
Gillean Langley reported on the public meeting she had attended at Auchrannie regarding the proposed new development.
It was noted that Neighbour Notifications are now sent out direct from the Planning Department.
6. Housing
John Inglis reported that Hifar was putting together a business case to be sent to the Quakers and Historic Scotland. This contained 4 alternatives. Hifar were hopeful that Historic Scotland may fund, as the Church may contain a small museum dedicated to the Clearances.
The Forestry Study final meeting was now re-scheduled to September 2010.
Concern was expressed regarding the non replacement of roads signs at Machrie Road end. In addition, the bollards that were agreed have not been installed. Cllr Currie agreed to take up with NAC.
8. AOCB