held at Tigh Na Drochaid, Portree
Tuesday, 20 May 2008 at 12:45 pm
- Present:
- Colin Hutchings, Nicola Rust & Nora Warby, (Way Forward Group); Julia Rudram, Una MacLeod, Mike Taylor, Mike Dunworth, John Holt, and Joan Turkington (Minute Secretary).
- In attendance: – Jan Laing (Ward Manager – HC) and Jim Towers - New Worker from SLCCF
- Apologies – Cllr Ian Renwick (Council business), Liz Macleod (Hospital) Paddy Heath- TAD Manager-resigned from Highland Council and has left the island Skye
- Welcome - Colin welcomed all present to the meeting.
- Jan Laing’s Presentation - Colin invited Jan Laing to our meeting and asked her to present her remit on the Council Ward Forum. Jan explained the current re-organisation of highland council. It was understood that due to being Inverness-run this was not well received by the local people in that it was political and as such local issues were lost. Jan intends to change this. The ward forum for 2007 services are delivered at local level and the new process will be improved upon. The question was asked ‘was it still Skye and Lochalsh’ to which Jan replied it is now ‘Skye’. Community planning partnership regeneration money not given to Skye. Robbie Bain is now the rep. for ‘Lochalsh’. Colin asked about TECS over the bridge. Skye and Lochalsh/Ross-shire. Corporate Manager Bob Cameron. Email is the best way of communication.
- Joan asked about Broadford toilets – to which Jan replied lack of money is the issue. Mike Taylor asked about the toilet facilities at the Sconser Ferry terminal – in particular the lack of a disabled toilet. TECS is the department responsible for these toilets. These matters were raised with John Laing some time ago, but no action to date. Colin Hutchings asked about core paths/bus shelters at the Home Farm housing development.(Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association) Una stated that the bus shelter timetables at Ardvasar are out of date. Jan Laing replied that she would look into these matters via Mark Crowe TECS.
- Approval of Minutes (15 April 2008) Minutes were proposed by John Holt and seconded by Nicola Rust; unanimously approved.
- Jim Towers was invited to explain what his work entailed with SLCCF – he had been there for 4 weeks.
MATTERS ARISING
- Portree Regeneration (PAAC) – Jan said she would inform the panel of the names of the new committee. Action -Jan Laing.
- Ardvasar Hotel – Una had met the owner (Richard) but as yet no joy. Problem step is still an issue. Action Una
- Broadford Co-op. Julia Rudram and Colin H met up with Operations Manager (Stuart Miller) and Marjory Macpherson on 10 April 2008. It was established that a unisex toilet (for customers use) only is planned for the refurbished Broadford Co-op.; The toilet would be a combined gents/ladies/disabled facility (one cubicle). Open during the hours of 10 am – 6 pm; the toilet would be closed outwith these hours. The toilet facility would be sited within the Co-op building. Contractors would take 5/6 weeks to complete. Starting on 19 May and completing 2 July 2008 Action CH
- Broadford Toilets/Highland Council –customer relations – TECS management system Invite Mark Crowe to next meeting. JFT. Priority 2008/9 MC. This item back again on the agenda. There is no soap, no water, the hand dryer is not working; and in the disabled toilet the seat is broken such that a disabled person has to sit down very carefully! Action: Mark Crowe to attend next meeting 17 June if possible.
- Sconser Ferry Terminal toilets – Colin wrote to John Laing on 1st April (14 days ago) but to date has not received a reply. Ian Renwick Action: Colin to contact New Ward Manager – Jan Laing. Matter being raised with Jan Laing/Mark Crowe
- Discretionary Grants - Jan Laing said that money is always an issue and that there are themes to target – 3 large amounts up to £10,000; leaving a balance of 2 x £10,000 – but Kyleakin hall got £10,000; These awards are based on cost effectiveness and cost benefits – so be aware when making an application.
- Skeabost Hotel - Skeabost Hotel: a) Toilet signs are not clear. b) Gents toilet door and room are far too small as are the ladies. Limited facilities; c) Smugglers Bar fire exit – hazard etc. Action: Mike Dunworth to arrange date and time suitable to Julia R and himself for visit to new owners (Kyle Hotels) to discuss Skeabost Hotel/Smugglers Bar and Kyle Hotel itself– NB The nominated persons to visit Kyle Hotels are – Nicola, Julia and Colin
- General Funding –A successful application to the Co-op has resulted in a cheque for £450. Action: Colin nominated Nicola Rust and Nora Warby to be responsible for future funding enquiries.
- Pig walk (near Skye Shrubs, Viewfield Road) Nicola advised that progress is taking place on various projects on this site. CH to contact VS. Advise Vicki Samuels of new date for AGM. Colin did not contact Vicki.
- Public liability insurance. After some discussion between Mike T/ Mike D and Joan it was decided that Mike T would advise Joan what insurance cover we have and ask our current insurers what the cost of public liability cover would cost. Mike D to be advised of our actions. Mike did not contact Joan. Action: Mike T/ Joan
- Training Courses – by Julia has re-arranged the date to be Tuesday 17 June 2008 and the topic will be ‘Reading Plans’ & ‘recommended measurements’ Julia to arrange with TND of room booking. Action: Julia R
- Surveys - Marketing surveys to be decided upon – i.e. talk thru; walk thru or total report – Costings to be investigated via other Access Panels. If surveys are carried out then possible donation for services rendered. –Keith Robertson to be contacted to determine what other Panels charge for their Surveys. Action: JR
- Druim na Pairc, Portree - smoothing yet to be done. Signs/Notice NO PARKING. Colin wrote to Trust Housing on 1/3/08 and received a reply on 17/3/08 giving contact details on this matter. (copy attached).
- ‘Marketing Access Panel’ Surgeries on Skye and Kyle could be contacted re newsletter/Minutes of Meetings/leaflet drop. Minutes –to be displayed in each Medical Centre Colin said that when we have sufficient funds we will carry this through. –Action: On hold by Colin
- Kyle Court, Inverness – Colin advised that Kyle Court is being refurbished; but gave no details given regarding completion. Action – COLIN only to deal with this matter.
- Sleat Medical Centre –Action – Colin said he would speak to NHS Estates – John Swatman
- Portree Medical Centre – Action – Colin said he would speak to NHS Estates – John Swatman
- Portree Hospital Action – Colin said he would speak to Chris McSorley
- Radar Keys – Gordon Wight Manager of CAB asked Joan to see if a radar key could be made available for Clients of the CAB who are disabled. It was decided by Colin that CAB could purchase a key for £3.00. Action: Still outstanding – Colin has not spoken to CAB Manager Gordon about this matter.
- Colin – viewed service point at Kyle and library impressed Highland council OK. But parking facilities outstanding. TECS Action – Colin to send letter.
- Nicola Rust – traffic lights at entrance to New Portree High School – It was indicated by Colin that Colin/Nicola and Julia would visit the High school and speak to the architect (Adam Loughlin) and Ken Allen Project Manager on Wednesday at 1030 am. re this matter. Jan L asked if the access panel had had any input on this project. The only issues raised were parking/toilets at the swimming pool/library/lift into library) Traffic lights – Jan Laing – outstanding TECS. No dropped kerb on barrier side – school crossing OK dropped kerb OK etc.
NEW BUSINESS
- Julia Rudram noted that a meeting was scheduled for Strathpeffer on Tuesday 24 June and it would be good to send a representative from the access panel. Since it was work related she said she would ask HC if she could attend – expenses would be paid for travel.
- Una said that she had met up with Alex. Salmond (First Minister) at Sleat SMO and lo and behold after having spoken with him the Mallaig waiting room is now open. Also access to the ferry is now OK too.- Two miracles!!
- Nora Warby said that a subsidised taxi service is operating in Aberdeen why does HC not do this also. Jan Laing said she would check this out.
- Joan asked about out of pocket expenses – currently 30p. mile could it be increased. Discussion took place on this with John Holt saying there was no need because he could run his 2 litre car within the current costing. This matter was held over till next meeting. Jim Towers advised that he was a member of the local access forum. He was also an active travel group and had been for 3-4 months.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2.20 pm with Thanks to the Chair.
Approval of Minutes
Date: 17 June 2008
Proposed by: Mike Dunworth
Seconded by: Nora Warby
