Skye & Lochalsh
Access Panel
Minutes of meeting at
Victoria Cottage, Portree
Tuesday 29th
August 2006
10.30 am
Present:
Nora Warby, Una MacLeod, Julia Rudram,
Colin Hutchings, Peter Kinloch, Alex Crockett, John Holt, Liz MacLeod.
- Apologies:
Joan Turkington, Mike Taylor, Chantal
MacLeod, Patsy MacDonald, Alastair Goodwin, Marjorie Jagger.
- Minutes:
These were approved by John and seconded by Peter as being a
true record of the meeting.
- Matters Arising:
- Disability toilet at Armadale
Castle. This has still to be checked.
- Planning meeting – as a
result of letters sent following discussion with the planning
office, the Access Panel were invited to a meeting to discuss the plans
for the new Health Centre in Kyle. Julia made several recommendations
which were taken on board by the committee. A major concern is the lack
of parking in Kyle but the Health Board are in discussion with authorities
to try and get a designated drop of point at the front of the new building
which should ease the situation. Regarding the alterations to Kyle Church
Hall, further information in respect of the kitchen design was requested
by the architect in charge.
- Portree Regeneration Plan
– there is some concern that there is no allocation of any bus shelters
in the whole of the new development. Action: Liz
to write to Highland Council.
- Finance – nothing has been
received regarding the insurance policy. Action:
Peter to contact the insurance company.
- SDEF - A letter has been received
saying that the allocated funding of £10,000 must be spent by 30th
June 2007 and spending plans to be in by 31st October 2006.
- No further word on the suggested
meeting in The Western Isles.
- Hand held computer – Julia
said that there had been an email from an Occupation Therapist in London
asking for comments on this piece of equipment and she thought that
we ought to hold off from buying it until she had seen the reports.
- Portree toilets: It was suggested
that we should ask that the disabled toilet be fitted with a radar key
to prevent unwelcome use by people involved in drug and alcohol abuse. Action: Liz to write to the Highland
Council.
- Kyle Post Office – Action: Liz to write letter.
- Portree Chemist shop – Action: Liz to write letter.
- Sabhal Mòr Ostaig – Julia
and Liz attended their ‘Celebrating Diversity’ Day on 27th
June and were asked to return at a later date to give a talk to students.
- Tigh na Drochaid dropped
kerb – ongoing.
- New Business:
- Armadale Hotel – following
a request regarding accessibility, Julia and Liz made a visit to Armadale
Hotel to look at the options for improvement. Julia had talked briefly
with the acting manager and notes and photos were taken. Several options
are possible and Julia will submit a report to the Hotel Manager. Action: Julia to send a report
to Armadale Hotel Owner.
- Una had been told of an electric
wheelchair that was for sale locally and suggested that the panel might
buy it for local hire but this was turned down by the committee for
health & safety reasons and the fact that that there would be ongoing
maintenance costs.
- Julia’s Diploma – Julia
received her diploma in Inclusive Environmental Access and Design from
Heriot Watt University. This will give us a qualification to complete
full access audits rather than just the advice visits that we were previously
able to do. A sliding scale of charges will be made dependant upon the
level of audit/visit required. An hourly rate for Julia’s time plus
admin charges will be made for audits and a recompense of expenses for
all volunteer visits. As a result of her new knowledge Julia will give
training to the volunteers. This will be specifically for members who
wish to take part in access visits and a full day of training is envisaged. Action: Anyone wishing to take
part please contact the panel for further information.
- Blue Badge Scheme – New
measures to tackle abuse of the Blue Badge Scheme for disabled people
will come into force from 29 September 2006. Once the powers take effect
the police, traffic wardens, local authority parking attendants and
civil enforcement officers will be able to inspect blue badges as part
of their other parking enforcement functions. It will be an offence
if a person refuses, without reasonable excuse, to produce a badge for
inspection - punishable on conviction by a fine of up to £1,000.
- Broadford Hotel – Una had
visited Broadford Hotel with friends and taken photos of the new ‘ramp’
at the bar door. This looks to be unsatisfactory so they are to be contacted
and given advice. Action:
Liz to write to Broadford Hotel.
- Broadford toilets – Una
had visited these recently hand had been shocked at the state. Again
photos were produced so Liz will contact Highland Council. Action: Liz to write to Highland
Council.
- Next Meetings:
