Ardchattan Community Council May meeting minutes

ARDCHATTAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting held in Barcaldine PS 18th May 2017 at 7.45pm, following AGM
Present: Geoffrey Miller (Vice-convenor), Tim McIntyre (Secretary), Anne Hilditch (Treasurer), Lachie Strathern (CC), Robin Dodman (CC), Jill Bowis (CC), Colin Morrison (CC), Breege Smyth (CC); Cllrs Elaine Robertson, Kieron Green, Andrew Vennard; 9 members of the public.
1. Apologies: Margaret Adams (Convenor), Tony Dalgaty (CC), Ashley Stones (CC), Sian Griffiths (CC), John Campbell (CC)
2. Declarations of interest: none
3. Minutes of previous meeting: held on 6th April were approved.
4. Police report: Community Report. Stuart advised that the police do not have any remit for school crossing patrols. He has asked the traffic department to cover the area as well, but resources are very limited. Stuart advised that before speed enforcement can be carried out, a risk assessment has to be done and that there may be risks associated with speed trapping near the school & junction. John Gosling suggested a fixed speed camera, but the costs rule this option out for the level of traffic locally. Jill advised she is still having problems registering with Rural Watch – Stuart said it seems to be working fine, so is mystified by this. Tim will try to sign up, to check if it works. Stuart said the response to the Rural Watch has been very poor so far in the local area. Stuart described the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers scheme – this gives high-school age youngsters the opportunity to find out about police work and get involved in their communities. They are looking to recruit approximately 14 children to take part in the local area. As well as useful experience, participation leads to Saltire Accreditation. Stuart has leaflets for anyone interested, and there is a Facebook page for the organisation.
5. Matters Arising:
Tralee Road: White lining – noted, will be done this year (Elaine). Speeding on the Tralee Road was then discussed. Elaine advised that the Council is surveying local roads/speed limits etc. CC to request a traffic management speed survey report on the road from Jim Smith, cc to ward councillors and Cllr Roddy McCuish (policy lead for roads & amenities). CC also to write to Scottish Sea Farms to ask them to circulate their employees asking them to drive with consideration – though lorries do not generally cause problems, comments were made about excessive speed of smaller vehicles on the road.
Recycling Area/Viewpoint: Lachie & Tim will remove the fence from the recycling area in the near future. Jill will ask Gary about re-coating the Viewpoint benches.
6. Trunk Road Crossing at Lochnell School: An email had been received from the Lochnell Parent Council, who are happy to take the lead in progressing improvements to the road safety outside the school, with the support of the Community Council. Elaine: Transport liason meeting is on 2nd June. Geoff mentioned a community speed watch scheme – volunteers who work in pairs, to measure speed and gather vehicle details. The details are passed to the Police. Letters are then sent to offenders on a rising scale according to the number of breaches. PC Johnston was not familiar with this scheme, but will look into it. Also suggested photos of children on road speed signs, as in Kilninver. Lachie asked: why was the decision taken to stop parents using the car park/turning circle in the first place? Those present, including councillors and police officer, agreed that it was questionable whether this had improved safety overall. Elaine: Could the service buses use the village centre turning circle once re-surfaced? Jill: a community member suggested rumble strips on the trunk road; however these can cause noise disturbance to residents.
7. Tralee Link Path update: Sustrans have agreed the replacement match-funding application, with Argyll & Bute Council funding the remainder. Landowner Path Agreements are almost completed. Hopeful of progress in near future.
8. Treasurer’s report:-
Overall opening balance as at 6th April 2017 3,154.13
less: 2-way gate latch for Ford Spence Court (45.90)
Closing bal. General Fund 2,841.67
Defibrillator Fund 266.56
Overall closing balance as at 18th May 2017 3,108.23
Reminder that the CC had offered to help with meeting costs of maintaining Gilly’s Path – Tim to contact Gordon Wood to ask Gilly.
9. Secretary’s report – Correspondence since last meeting:- 02/05: Road resurfacing overnight at Culcharron, early June 04/05: Letter of support sent ref. D J Campbell, N Connel increase in vehicle numbers 08/05: Consultation – temporary siting of tidal generator W of Connel Bridge 17/05: Lochnell Parent Council email regarding school crossing on A828 trunk road
10. Health matters: Robin: NHS locally are trying to find better ways to get information about local health services out to the public. There will be a session in the Corran Halls on 13th June with stalls and presentation. Following on from this, a series of monthly meetings with communities to discuss any particular issues.
Defibrillator: Now commissioned in Bonawe. There has been a query over whether the cabinet should be locked or not. For time being, Tony has posted the combination code on the cabinet. Stuart said that there are few problems with vandalism locally, and Appin have had no problems with their defibrillator. Code is C159X. The community council sincerely thanks all funders, and also Tony Dalgaty for all the hard work he has put in to the project so far.
11. Planning: Lachie: PMG services are being forced to leave their premises in D & J Campbell’s yard by planning department. Planning dept. originally granted permission for construction of a new workshop (by D & J Campbell) but now says that PMG’s operations represent a change of use. Kieron and Elaine have been meeting with planning officials to discuss. The planning process has now come to an end as the Scottish Government Reporter has already made a final decision that PMG must move from the site. Alternative site at airport: Kieron: problems with noise, and possible expansion of the airport, i.e. there is concern about limiting future airport expansion potential by designating the site as Class 5 Industrial. Planners will be doing a proper survey of the site shortly to establish the precise levels, however it looks unlikely that a permanent building would be permitted. (Oilfast installation was permitted, but all structures are mobile). Breege: suggested CC ask planning dept. how this situation arose. and to ask for CC consultation with enforcement actions.
12. AOB:
Colin: will write re. planning breach at airport sand pit.
Elaine: New administration has been formed and Policy Leads appointed. Elaine is Area Committee chair, Kieron is Policy Lead for Health & Social Care.
Anne: flower tubs – Dugald is to get back to Lachie regarding supply.
Campbell Cameron: expressed concern over creeping closing off of access to local areas – Craigneuk beach, Beregonium, signs saying ‘Private’, beware of dogs, etc. Margaret has
been looking into this. Also mentioned Tralee Beach – possibility for Community buy-out? Anne will contact Scotways to ask about access rights. Lachie will check if grazings committee have registered an interest in Tralee.
13. Next meeting: Tues 27th June, North Connel Hall
There being no further business the meeting closed at 10:00pm
If you would like to contact the Community Council, please write, email or telephone:- Secretary: Tim McIntyre, Birch Cottage, Barcaldine, OBAN, Argyll PA37 1SG Tel: 01631 720498; Email: t_mcintyre@btconnect.com
ALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

June 26, 2017   Posted in: Community  No Comments

BT Upgrading work at Barcaldine Castle : road closed

BT upgrading work will be closing the road at Barcaldine Castle during the day of 14 – 18 June

June 9, 2017   Posted in: argyll and bute council, Roads  No Comments

Turbine Testing Public open day 31st May

Sustainable Maritime Ltd will be  hosting two public information events in Connel Village Hall on May 31st – one from 13:00 – 14:00 and another from 19:00 – 20:00. They are inviting the local community and businesses to drop in to find out more about the project.

During each of the events there will be a presentation from Sustainable Marine Energy on the company, the technology and the PLAT-I Connel project as well as an opportunity for them to register any comments or concerns.

Several members of the company will be in Connel all day on the 31st and available in the hall for 1-on-1 meetings any time in between the two events.

If you would like to discuss anything with us in greater detail please get in touch with John McGlynn either by email or on the day to arrange a meeting.
John McGlynn
Orkney Project Manager / Commercial Lead – Platform Systems
Sustainable Marine Energy Ltd
Edinburgh Office: La Belle Esperance, The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6QW
Tel: +44 0131 285 4620
Email: john.mcglynn@sustainablemarine.com
Skype: john.mcglynn.sme

May 23, 2017   Posted in: Community  No Comments

Temporary Tidal Turbine trial in Loch Etive September 2017

Sustainable Marine Energy Ltd is planning to site a floating tidal energy platform for 4-6wks in Loch Etive at Connel to test the equipment. This will not be connected to cables, nor is it to assess the loch, the eventual location equipment is for use elsewhere.

John McGlynn will be at Connel Community Council on the 30th May, after the AGM starting at 7.30pm, Connel Hall,  to give a talk about the trial.

Information from the company, and want to work closely with the local community to identify any impacts that the project might have on, and figure out how these can be mitigated :

PLAT-I is a floating trimaran (three hulled vessel) which has turbines suspended underneath. These turbines spin with the incoming tidal flow and generate power. The platform is moored to the seabed using four mooring lines and anchors. The platform then rotates about the moorings with the wind and tide – like a boat.

We are intending to moor PLAT-I for a month, in September 2017. We will have some operations for a couple of weeks before and after this, for installation and decommissioning. For this test we will not be exporting this power, so the platform is entirely self-contained; there will be no cables linking PLAT-I to the shore.

The test period will be short and we hope to cause as little impact as possible. We are very keen to work with other users of the area, such as yourself, to this end. The proposed site is to the SE of Connel Airport, as shown on the screenshot below. There is also an image of the PLAT-I platform.

Dr Penny Jeffcoate, Hydrodynamic Engineer
Sustainable Marine Energy Ltd
Edinburgh Office: La Belle Esperance, The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6QW
Tel: +44 131 285 4620 / DD: +44 131 285 4616 / Mob: +44 7817 266 197
mailto: penny.jeffcoate@sustainablemarine.com
Skype: pennyjeffcoate
www: Sustainable Marine Energy

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May 21, 2017   Posted in: Business, Community Council, Etive  No Comments

ACC May meeting 2017

ARDCHATTAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Meeting to be held on Thursday 18th May 2017 to follow AGM at 7.30pm

Barcaldine Primary School
PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA
1. Apologies
2. Declarations of interest
3. Minutes of previous meeting held Ardchattan Primary School on 6th April 2017, previously circulated, to be approved
4. Police report
5. Matters arising not on agenda
6. Trunk road (A828) crossing at Lochnell School
7. Tralee Link Path update
8. Treasurer’s report
9. Secretary’s report
10. Health matters
11. Planning
12. AOB
13. Date of next meeting

May 17, 2017   Posted in: Community Council  No Comments

ACC AGM May 18th 2017

ARDCHATTAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Meeting to be held on Thursday 18th May 2017 at 7.30pm

Barcaldine Primary School

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of previous AGM held in Victory Hall 10th May 2016, previously circulated, to be approved

3. Annual Business Report

4. Financial Statement

5. Election of Office Bearers

6. Any other Business

7. Date of next AGM

May 17, 2017   Posted in: Community Council  No Comments

Ardchattan Community Council April meeting minutes

ARDCHATTAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting held in Ardchattan School 6th April 2017 at 7.30pm
Present: Margaret Adams (Convenor), Geoffrey Miller (Vice-convenor), Tim McIntyre
(Secretary), Anne Hilditch (Treasurer), Lachie Strathern (CC), Robin Dodman (CC), Tony Dalgaty (CC), Jill Bowis (CC), Ashley Stones (CC), Sian Griffiths (CC), John Campbell (CC), Breege Smyth (CC); Cllr Elaine Robertson (from 8.15pm); 11 members of the public.
1. Apologies: Cllrs Kieron Green, Julie MacKenzie, Ronnie Campbell (CC), Colin Morrison (CC), PC Stuart Johnston
2. Declarations of interest: none
3. Minutes of previous meeting: held on 23rd February were approved subject to addition of
apologies from Sian – sent last time but email went astray.
4. Police report: none
5. Matters Arising: Crossing at Lochnell School: Following on from discussion at the previous meeting, about the safety of school children crossing the main A828 trunk road to Lochnell School, the community council agreed to follow up the issue with a view to holding a meeting between the school, parent council, police and roads authorities to discuss ways to improve the current situation. CC to contact these bodies to follow up.
Tralee Road: Road-end bollard has been hit again; also need to take up speeding/white lining on Tralee road with the council.
Rural Watch: Jill tried to register with Rural Watch but it needed a mobile number and a
landline – follow up with PC Johnston. Bonawe Quarry Liason Group: Geoff has circulated
the CC to suggest a meeting of the Liason group, but has not had a response from CC members.
It was felt that as there are no current issues, a meeting is not needed at the moment.
6. Recycling centre & Viewpoint: A suggestion has been made that the front fence be removed from the recycling area, in the hope of reducing fly-tipping and making the area easier to manage. Also some additional signage may help encourage correct usage of the facility. After discussion on the pros & cons of this proposal, it was agreed to take the fence down but leave posts in situ to allow it to be re-instated if necessary – Tim & Lachie to action. Benches need re-coating at the Viewpoint.
7. Tralee Link Path update: there has been progress in that the remaining landowner has now agreed to sign the Path Agreement. However, the funding which was in place has expired, so the result of a new funding application is awaited, expected late April.
8. Treasurer’s report:- Overall opening balance as at 23rd February 2017 3,156.13
less: electricity, Victory Hall (2.00)
Closing bal. General Fund 2,887.57
Defibrillator Fund 266.56
Overall closing balance as at 6th April 2017 3,154.13
9. Secretary’s report – Correspondence since last meeting:-
28/02: Draft handbook for Community Councillors
02/03: Notification of next Community Planning meeting, 27th April 6.30pm Corran Halls
06/03: Scottish Ambulance Service – registration of community defibrillators
07/03: A & B Council – work starting on revised Local Development Plan
17/03: Forestry Commission Barcaldine Forest Design open day 25th April 2-7pm Victory Hall
20/03: Sustrans – update on Route 78 south of Benderloch
22/03: Jolyon Gritton – funding available for improvements to paths
29/03: Holiday schedule 2017/18 for Connel Surgery
30/03: H & SC Partnership notes from meeting of Planning for the Future Group
02/04: Public enquiry ref. planning application at Benmore View, North Connel
03/04: Police Scotland 2026 consultation

10. Health matters (Robin): recent public meetings with hospital officials and staff have been very well attended. A new surgeon is now in post in Oban Hospital. A number of local medical facilities including Connel Surgery & LIDGH are defined as Training Centres which helps to bring trainee health professionals into the area. Health & Social Care integration ongoing.
Defibrillators (Tony): The Bonawe defibrillator is expected to be commissioned within the
next week, on the BT exchange by Kenmore Cottages. There is some funding still in place, and approximately a further £400 is needed to install the next unit. British Heart Foundation match funding will be available from May. Discussed briefly the need to provide some training once the unit is up & running. Training may be provided by Connel Surgery.
11. Planning: Plot 1 ACHA at Benmore View – residents complained that only only 4 households had received a letter about the development; however, this appears to be in line with the Council’s procedures on neighbour notification. Concerns were expressed about vehicular traffic through the estate for construction vehicles, given the narrow road width past existing residential properties. The land itself is peat and will require significant material to be both removed and taken in to the site, which is a locally valued wildlife area also. The proposed house is 4-bedroom and is felt to be out of keeping with the existing housing stock on the estate. Residents were advised to write individually to express their concerns to the planning authority, and that the planners would take all views into account, not just from those who had been formally notified.
12. AOB:
Lachie: is investigating costs for purchasing new flower tubs.
Anne: reported that a new elderly home care system is in place in the Ardchattan area.
Elaine & Robin were unaware of this and no further details are available at present.
Margaret: there have been reductions to the Oban to Fort William bus service, but updated timetables have not yet been issued and booking system is not updated either. Margaret will contact Citylink about this issue.
Glen Creran Quarry: Joy Blakeney enquired about progress on the application for a sand quarry at Glen Creran. Elaine advised that it is due to be considered at the June meeting of the Planning Committee, and will most likely be referred for decision at a Public Hearing later in the year.
13. Next meeting: 18th May Barcaldine PS; AGM at 7.30pm followed by ordinary meeting.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 21:15pm
If you would like to contact the Community Council, please write, email or telephone:-
Secretary: Tim McIntyre, Birch Cottage, Barcaldine, OBAN, Argyll PA37 1SG
Tel: 01631 720498; Email: t_mcintyre@btconnect.com
ALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

May 17, 2017   Posted in: Community Council  No Comments

Ardchattan Community Council 2016 AGM

ARDCHATTAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of AGM held in Victory Hall 10th May 2016 at 7.30pm
Present: Margaret Adams (Convenor), Geoffrey Miller (Vice-convenor), Tim McIntyre(Secretary), Anne Hilditch (Treasurer), Robin Dodman (CC), Jill Bowis (CC), Gordon Wood (CC), John Campbell (CC), Tony Dalgaty (CC), Councillors Elaine Robertson and Iain A MacDonald;and 1 member of the public

1. Apologies: Sian Griffiths (CC), Ronnie Campbell (CC), Colin Morrison (CC), Councillors
elaine Robertson, Julie McKenzie and Iain S MacLean; PC Stuart Johnstone
2. Minutes of Previous AGM: held on 30th April 2015 were approved
3. Annual Business Report: Margaret presented a summary of the issues which the CC had dealt with over the past 12 months.
4. Financial Statement: the Secretary presented the annual accounts, which have been prepared by treasurer Anne Hilditch and checked by 2 auditors. The main items of expenditure during the year were the costs of venue hire for CC meetings, a donation to Club na Cairdean, plus printing costs for CC cards and maps in the village centre. The year-end balance is £3,103.97, a modest increase over the year.
5. Election of Office Bearers:-
The following CC members were re-elected to office, all unopposed:-
Chair: Margaret Adams
Secretary: Tim McIntyre
Vice Chair: Geoffrey Miller
Treasurer: Anne Hilditch
There being no further business the meeting closed at 19:55pm

Next AGM of Ardchattan Community Council:-

Date and Venue to be advised – April/May 2017

May 17, 2017   Posted in: Community Council  No Comments

Road works this summer !!

BEAR have the following road works planned ! which will all involve night closures. In recent times these have been well organised with convoys moving pretty well.. we have to hope this will continue.

23rd May road closures at Connel bridge for bridge works
24th May road closures at Connel bridge for bridge works and Port na Croish causing Glencoe diversions at the Bridge
10 days of this then
5th June ish road closures at Culcharran causing Glencoe diversions at the Bridge
for another 10 days
then for a whole bunch of July and August there will be MORE Glencoe diversions
16th July to 18th July;    Appin Hall to Tynribbie –
18th July to 20th July North & South of Keil House – ;
23rd July to 25th July North & South Creagan Roundabouts – ;
26th July to 27th July;  Benderloch Garage to 30s & Turning Circle –
8th August to 10th August;    Kentallen –
10th August to 11th August.  Ballachulish Hotel –

May 10, 2017   Posted in: Community  No Comments

Overnight Resurfacing work at Culcharran 24th May – 15th June

From BEAR – resurfacing works will be carried out at Portnacroish and Culcharan and are programmed to commence Sunday 24th May (10 days at Portnacroish, followed by 10 days at Culcharan) with an anticipated completion date of 15th June 2017.

Working 7 pm – 7 am – with diversions around Glencoe

FINAL Consultation Letter – A828 Portnacroish  Full details of the traffic management measures and timings of the works are shown in the attached letter and diversion plans – see link.

May 3, 2017   Posted in: Community  No Comments