A.L.S.C.C Minutes February 2010
Association of South Lochaber Community Councils (A.S.L.C.C.)
Meeting held in the Jubilee Pavilion, Ballachulish
Monday 1st February 2010
Present:- NameCommunity Council
Nairn McArthur (NMA) Nether Lochaber(Chairman)
David Doogan (DD)Glencoe & Glen Etive(Vice Chair)
Anne Marie Cameron (AMC)Nether Lochaber(Secretary/Treasurer)
Mel MacAskill (MMA)Ballachulish
Shirley GrantBallachulish
Lorna MacAskill(LMA)Ballachulish
Ann Neilson (AN)Glencoe & Glen Etive
Ian MacTaggart (IM)Glencoe & Glen Etive
Also present – Cllr Brian Murphy
Apologies:-
Cllrs Foxley, Cameron and Gormley
Welcome
Welcome to all from the Chair.
Minutes of previous meetings
Proposed by DD and seconded by MMA.
Matters Arising
SCOTTISH WATER APPEAL
MMA requested this item be removed from ASLCC business as there will be no conscience reached during meetings if discussed. All present agreed.
CO-OP
MMA reports that the planned meeting between BCC and representative from Co-op has not been held due to weather conditions. Another meeting is to be scheduled as it is felt that the variety of stock had diminished and available stock levels have also fallen. There is still concern over the fact that the TLC car park area has been leased to Co-op by Highland Council and as such no improvements ie lining can be undertaken as Co-op are not moving forward with the new store provision.
A82 and GLENCOE JUNCTION & CYCLE PATH
MMA reports that BCC have had a meeting with Bob Mitchell, Traffic Scotland re the proposed alterations to the entrances to Ballachulish and the loss of filter lanes. BCC asked how to appeal this move. This work appears to be undertaken simply because the cycle path is being routed to Glencoe but viable alternatives have been broached by BCC which would have cycles re-routing into Ballachulish village and travelling along Albert Road, to meet with the path taking them on to the Arches.
BM stated that having spoken to Bob Mitchell there was going to be a further meeting between BCC and Bob but MMA reported that this has taken place with no furtherment. BCC feel the expenses being incurred in this work could be better used. DD commented that Sustrans is a charity which has raised funds for the cycle routes throughout Britain. The section from Ballachulish bridge to Glencoe is not part of the Sustran planned route but this section was being auctioned by Transport Scotland.
MMA stated that BCC are of the assumption that following Bob Mitchell’s meeting, where he talked about standardizing all junctions, both of the Ballachulish junctions appear to be having their standards decreased and it is felt this is a step backwards and will cause a hazard at both entrances.
DD spoke for the GGECC in that they had been consulted re the positioning of a bus stop. All other works were being carried out without consultation, everything having been agreed by Traffic Scotland and Sustrans, as per ‘National Guidelines’.
MMA again voiced concern about the possible rise in the number of road accidents at the junctions but DD felt that speeds would be slower at the junctions rather that the sliproads where vehicle speeds appear to maintain/increase.
MMA also took exception to Bob Mitchell stating that Traffic Scotland had agreed all the planned works with the A82 Group, as BCC do not partake in this group and feel that they do not have the rights to agree to works which BCC would most certainly have problems with. There has been problems prior during the speed limit discussions which again delayed implementation. MMA stated that BCC had had a member attend this group’s meetings but the number present was felt to be excessive and in his words “the group had taken on a life of its own”.
BM reported that there is due to be a Cycle Path meeting in March – comments welcome from all CC’s. MMA stated there would certainly be comment from BCC
MMA stated that ASLCC should be watching all junctions. NMA stated other possibly effected A82/B863 or Old Ferry Road but that speed reduction would make them safer.
BM also stated that if is annoying that Traffic Scotland, in wanting to standardize the A82, are selective in where they want to bring conformity and are not applying these standards to the whole road.
DD reports that GGECC are members of the A82 group and will bring forward the concerns raised at this meeting.
MMA stated that following a meeting at Onich Hotel with Bob Mitchell, re the changes in speed limits BCC had been promised the usual speed reduction signage and red tar etc but this appears to have been postponed. BM asked if any MSP are involved in this issue and was advised No.
NMA stated that if no resolution, Bob Mitchell to be asked to attend one of our meetings, along with a rep from Sustrans as per request from MMA.
There then followed a discussion re the Sustrans website and IMT raised issue re single track road which were used as part of the cycle track.
COUNCILLORS AT MEETINGS
NMA comments on the geographical lay-out of the constituency. BM stated that there was an informal agreement that Cllr Foxley would continue to deal with predominantly Peninsular queries, Cllr Gormley would deal with South Lochaber and both Cllrs Murphy and Cameron would deal with the FW issues, although all four cover this area.
NMA asked if this agreement was for all issues. BM stated that due to the size of the area and it having 22 community councils there are certainly difficulties from the outset. It has always been recommended that anyone contacting a Cllr should if via e-mail, copy the others into the mail, or if via letter send copies to the other cllrs.
Both DD and NMA agreed that they don’t invite the cllrs to their meetings and are happy to meet with the cllrs at the ALSCC quarterly.
MMA on behalf of BCC stated that they invite all the cllrs to their monthly meeting. The ASLCC meeting provide for the ccs to meet and cllrs to attend. BCC have issues with the failure of Cllr Gormley to provide answers/information to issues which have been raised with him. When BCC minutes have been checked issued appear to be ongoing as no conclusion can be reached due to lack of input and reply from Cllr Gormley. BCC have even approached the Ward Manager re this issue. NMA asked whether there was a complaint procedure and BCC is to report back on this. BM was asked and stated that as with any issues with a cllr, elections are the place to take action.
NMA will provide the minutes of this meeting to Cllr Gormley and make him aware of the feelings of BCC.
AOB
INDEPENDENT COUNCILLORS
MMA commented on issues being raised re the independent councilors and the fact they are being pressurized into signing with an independent group. They whole reason they were elected was because they were independent and not aligned to any party. They should have the ability to stand alone and back they electors.
There then followed a discussion on the care home proposals for Lochaber and the support which would be required within the locality, ie social work, NHS etc.
A82 AND CORRAN FERRY ISSUES
Short discussion on the proposed works being undertaken on both A82 and Corran Ferry slipway. BM explained that the need for closure was on safety issues. There will be an open meeting in February in Alexandra Hotel to discuss various issues. Also slipway expected to be shut for approx 4 weeks but there are discussions underway between council and residents on the peninsular
Date of next meeting
Next meeting proposed for Monday 12th April 2010
7pm Ballachulish Shinty Pavilion
Return To Minutes List