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to main indexDRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COIGACH COMMUNITY COUNCIL MONDAY, 2 AUGUST, 1999, COIGACH COMMUNITY HALL
PRESENT: Mr. 1 Campbell (Chairman), Mr. 1 Muir (Vice-Chairman), Mr. A MacLeod (Treasurer), Mr. W Drake, Mrs. C Ertz, Mr. J Ertz, Mr. G Smith, Mr. R Christoffersen (Secretary) and Councillor D Green.
APOLOGIES: Mr.M Ross and Sgt. P Eddington.
1. MINUTES: The Minutes of the Meeting on 14 June, 1999, were approved and signed.
2. MATTERS ARISING:
a. District Nurse: - Councillor Green and the Secretary had attended a meeting with the Chairperson and Chief Executive of the Primary Care NHS Trust; it was unlikely that the Trust would arrange for the Relief District Nurse to be resident in Achiltibuie; and there were to be further discussions with the Trust in respect of arrangements for the period between 5.00 p.m. and 9,00 a.m. i.e. when the Relief District Nurse had returned to Ullapool.
b. Fish-Farm Chemicals. - Following approval of the Draft Resolution at the Public Meeting on 19 July the objection to the applications by Hydro Seafood GSP Ltd to discharge trade effluent from the fish cages at Eilean Fada Mor and Tanera Mor, Summer Isles, had been forwarded to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Copies had been forwarded to the Highland Council, the Scottish Office and to Charles Kennedy, M.P. - follow-up action would be taken in respect of these addressees. A copy also to be forwarded to John Farquhar Munro, M.S.P. while Vericore Ltd. were to be requested to advise on progress on their undertaking to research the effect of fish-farm chemicals on Nephrops larvae.
c. Open- Air Preaching Area: - A reminder had been sent to the Highland Council regarding the request for a car parking area adjacent to the site.
d. Provision of Skip; - Arrangements had been made for two skips to be available at the Council Depot on 17 August.
e. Roads and Transport: - In response to the enquiry regarding priorities and following consultation with the Inverpolly Estate and the Fish Farm, Inverpolly, it had been suggested, to the Roads and Transport Manager that there was a need for some work in the area of the temporary- bridge at. Inverpolly before transferring available funds for the repair of the Inverpolly-Inverkirkaig road; in respect of other priorities, it was to be requested that the lorry turning area at Badentarbat Pier by raised from Medium to High priority, V; and referring to the earlier request for pictorial "Use of Passing Places" signs, Sgt. Eddington had advised that pamphlets in several languages had previously been available and he would endeavour to locate copies for local distribution,
f. Badentarbet Pier - Arrangements had yet to be made for a meeting with the Piers Users Group and the fish farm Management to discuss the condition of the pier and actions to be taken - this would include the matter of parking at the pier.
g. Knockan Crag Visitor Facility: - Scottish Natural Heritage had advised that information about the buildings and interpretation of the site were expected shortly and a meeting would be arranged when these were received.
h.Derelict Motor Vehicles: - A number of the vehicles had been removed and the Highland Council would be consulted on whether arrangements could be made to remove the remaining vehicles.
i. Grant for 199912000: - The Highland Council Grant for 1999/2000 had been received - £619.34 plus the Secretary Allowance of £250.00 less the Insurance Premium of £99.37.
j. Isle Martin Trust: The Articles of the Trust did not allow for membership by organisations and the Community Council application for membership had not been accepted. To ascertain from the Trust if membership in the name of the Chairman of the Community Council would be acceptable.
k. Ullapool/Inverness Bus Service:
In response to the suggestion that there be an increase in the Ullapool/Inverness bus service, it had been advised that the Highland Council Public Transport budget is fully committed but that the suggestion would be reviewed should the situation change.
l. Ullapool High School:
As a sub-committee of the High School Board, the Management Committee establishedto set up, manage and develop the use of the community facility (the McPhail Centre) had now adopted a Constitution and had elected its members.
m. Registrar District of Coigach.
Councillor Green advised that there was local interest in this post and theearlier views were reiterated that it would be beneficial for the Registrar for Coigach to be located in Achiltibuie rather than at the Service Point in Ullapool. Councillor Green would further pursue the matter while the Secretarywould again contact the Chief Registrar in Inverness to reiterate the local view.
3. CORRESPONDENCE
a. The Scottish Office - Advising of the intention of the Scottish Executive to introduce early legislation to abolish ,he feudal system.
b. Highland Health Council, - Providing a copy of the latest NHS Information Guide. To be located in the Library.
c. The Scottish Office Providing a copy of the Report of the Commission on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament - the Report included a recommendation "That the system of Community Councils should be retained and should be regarded as a valuable asset to the democratic life of Scotland".
d. The Scottish Executive Providing copies of the document "Land Reform - Proposals for Legislation" whichhad been laid before the Scottish Parliament in July, 1999; the Legislation provides the opportunity for community ownership and for access to the Scottish countryside and for a properly constituted community body to register `Interest In the land where they live andlor work"" once that Interest Is registered, the land cannot be sold without that interest being taken into account. At a later meeting and subject to the progress of the Legislation through the Scottish Parliament and consultation within the community, to consider the possibility of registration, on behalf of the community, of interest under the provisions of that legislation.
e. The Minch Project - Providing a copy of the 1998 Beach Litter Survey - plastics topped the litter list with the number of items per km being considerably higher at sites in Highland Region than at sites in Western Isles.
f. North of Scotland Water Authority - Advising that the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 March, 1999, had been published - the Report states that the vast majority of public water supplies continue to be of good quality with significant improvements made in 1998 in Highland and the Western Isles.
g. Ross and Cromarty Enterprise - Providing a copy of their document "Strategy for Sustainable Development in Ross & Cromarty",
4. PLANNING:
Planning Application 99100479/FULRC - Erection of House (Detail) at Croft 2391240, Reiff - Ms. 13 Ross.
5. OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS:
a. Trawling in Sea Lochs: - Noted that the Scottish Executive had rejected the representations of the west coast fishing communities for an all-year ban on trawling in sea lochs between Gairloch and Loch Hourn, including the Inner Sound of Raasay; agreed that, at a later meeting, consideration be given to a proposal that, for conservation reasons, such a ban on trawling in sea lochs be supported; such consideration to include consultation with the Piers Users Group.
b. Public Toilet. Council Depot: - The septic tank for the public toilet was discharging into the adjoining land and the North of Scotland Water Authority had advised that responsibility for the facility rested with the HighlandCouncil; the Highland Council to be requested to give urgent Attention to remedy this discharge.
The Next Meeting to be on Monday 27 September, 1999, in the Coigach Community Hall. AGENDA: Apologies; Minutes of the Meeting of 2 August, 1999; Matters Arising; Correspondence: Planning; and Other Competent Business.
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF LOCHBROOM COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN ULLAPOOL VILLAGE HALL, ON THURSDAY 12 AUGUST 1999 AT 8.00pm
PRESENT. Mrs. M. Campbell (Chairman), A. MacRae (Vice-Chairman), W. MacCulloch (Treasurer) S. Didcock (Secretary), Mrs. E. MacLean, K. MacPherson, Roy MacPherson, Bill Smith, Angus Mackenzie, Eddie Morrison, Sandy Ross, Mrs. C. Cameron, George Harvey. David Green (Highland Councillor) 1 member of the public.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING: Approved by A. MacRae, seconded W. MacCulloch, with one alteration Mr. MacRae and Mr. MacCulloch were both at the meeting of July 1 although they were not mentioned in the list of those present. The Secretary apologised profusely ... !
1. MOREFIELD VIEWPOINT: Nothing further
2. BEACH CLEANING: The weeds at West Shore Street beach had been treated and the beach cleaner had strimmed them down. He reported problems with the cardboard containers now being used by the fast food shops as thew took up so much space m the small litter bins which meant they were overflowing sooner. Discussion took place about the amount of litter strewn over Shore Street, West Shore Street and West Terrace m the early morning and the need was again emphasised for a street sweeper during the period from April to October who could be employed to sweep the streets and pavements and empty the litter bins on a daily basis. The gulls and crows m continuing to be a problem. David Green agreed to look into funding for such an appointment.
3. WEST TERRACE: HYDRO POLE REMOVAL: Nothing further
4. BENCH SEATS: On going
5. BRIDGES AT MOREFIELD: Letter from Malcolm MacArthur (dated 26 July, in response to ours of 14 June) stating he was still trying to find out who would be responsible for the maintenance/replacement of the wire netting. In the meantime, reports had been received of buggies and wheelchairs being caught in the wire and dogs needing veterinary treatment with lacerated paws. However, he hoped to have the bridges examined and repaired in the near future. (As at 24.8.99 nothing had been done).
6. CASTLE TERRACE FOOTPATH: Still disintegrating.
7. CAST IRON SIGN: George Harvey has been in discussion with the landowner and will be contacting the Planning Officer, Hydro Electric and Roads Dept. shortly.
8. SEA WALL: This has been inspected by Highland Council but it was felt that due to lack. of funding for coastal repair work no preventative action would be taken despite large holes appearing in the rocks at the Point. They will monitor the, situation.
9. BADCAUL ROAD: It was reported by the Dundonnell councillors that work was nearly completed on the cutting off of the corner which has unproved visibility enormously.
10. PARKING OF CARAVANETTES: David Green reported that if a bye-law were to be introduced it would have to be Highland-wide which would be a very long drawn out process and also the chances of bringing any offenders from overseas to justice were considered minimal, It was felt that perhaps the Police should be more forceful in moving them on the main objections were to those vans which are not equipped with their own toilet facilities.
11. ROAD SIGNS FOR THE MUSEUM: Waiting to go ahead.
12. COMMUNITY WOODLAND: The sub-committee wore working on sources of alternative funding.
13. MARKET STREET POST BOX: This is now in place at the Mill Street end of Market Street. The Council were very grateful to Royal Mail for their prompt response to the request.
14. SMELLS FROM DRAINS ON WEST SHORE ST & SHORE ST: A card from NOSWA saying the matter was being investigated,
15. OVERHANGING BUSHES SEAFORTH ROAD: One of the privet hedges had been cut back but another outside No. 8 is still causing inconvenience.
16. SKIP AT LOCHSIDE: Environmental Services had reported that a skip would be placed at Clachan on 18 August and uplifted on 19 August.
17. BINS IN LAYBYS: Environmental Services had advised that they did not have a policy for removing bins from laybys but that if the bins disintegrated they had no funds to replace them. Also they were having a lot of problems with the interior wire baskets being stolen. Mention was made of a quantity of black bags left in the Morefield Brae layby, some of winch were filled with wallpaper trimmings The, bag had been tom open and the contents scattered all over the layby at a time when coaches and cars were stopping to admire the views from the top of the lull. The leaving of such bags in a public layby was considered appalling in view of the facilities provided to householders and members of the public were urged not to do this.
18. CALMAC-EROSION-FERRY WASH : A report was submitted by Captain I Beggs, Fleet Manager, Operations for Caledonian MacBrayne following a meeting with Mrs. Campbell and Mr. MacRae. The West Shore Street area was inspected and Capt. Beggs acknowledged that there was erosion but did not feel that die cause was entirely due to the new ferry. He felt that winter gales and storms could do equally as much damage. He also felt that although the vessel may have an adverse effect on the sewage facility should it be passing at the same time as the tank is emptying into the sea, the fault is fundamentally with the inadequate sewage system. The proposed installation of the new sewage treatment plant at Morefield would appear to be the solution to this particular problem. He also confirmed that he has requested the Captains of the Isle, of Lewis to slow down on approach to Ullapool.
CORRESPONDENCE
1. DEER HAZARD WARNING SIGNS: Letter from Mr Yuill stating that it was extremely unlikely that the Scottish Office who have responsibility for Trunk Roads will approve the provision of more signs as there are already a considerable number of these signs on the A835 road. The Council queried this statement as there is only one such sign on the road from Inchbrae to Ullapool and that was at the Lochside road end. It was felt that visitors would not know what the deer reflectors were for and that there should be at least one sign at Tir-Aluinn, Aultguish and Loch Droma. David Green agreed to act.
2. CANCELLATION OF MACDONALD'S SERVICE REGISTRATION: This bus service which operated as a connecting service with the ferry from Stornoway to Inverness has ceased.
3. AM POLLAM: Copy of a letter from David Green to the Director of Cultural & Leisure Services seeking improvements and upgrading of the park and jetty. A meeting to be arranged.
4. CALMAC SUMMER 2000 TIMETABLE: Bill Smith, had looked at the new timetable and felt that CalMac should retain the late sailings for at least another two weeks in September to serve those people being encouraged to holiday later in the year. It was wondered why CalMac did not advertise their day trips and evening meal events locally.
5. FEUDAL REFORM: Letter from The Scottish Office Justice Department. Anyone wishing to purchase a copy of the Commissionsreport which includes a draft Bill should contact the Stationery Office, 71 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9AZ.
6. NOSWA ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS: Noted
7. HIGHLAND COUNCIL - RECOGNISING QUALITY: The Council were asked to consider nominating teams of council workers or individuals for special commendation. Nominations to be made before 30 August.
PLANNING: Letter from the Scottish Executive Development Department - Inquiry Reporters Unit advising on the outcome of the planning appeal regarding the land off West Argyle Street, Ullapool. This had been refused. Anyone wishing to see a detailed copy of the report contact The Secretary, Lochbroom Community Council.
PUBLICATIONS: Strategy for Sustainable Development m Ross & Cromarty Able Community Care The Brief - Highlands and Islands Enterprise The Minch Project - Beach Litter Survey Highland Focus - the Economic Development Bulletin of Highland Council SNH Natural Heritage Magazine Anyone wishing to see any of these publications should contact the Secretary.
TREASURER'S STATEMENT: Mr. MacCulloch reported a satisfactory balance.
A.0.C.B.
1 . SHELTER AT BRAEMORE JUNCTION: Photographs were produced at the vandalised shelter which someone had tried to bum dam It was felt that there was still a need for such a shelter, mainly for the school children waiting for the school buses and passengers changing from the Gairloch bus etc. It was suggested that a stone built shelter would be preferable so a letter to be sent to the Roads Dept.
2. GUIDE TO ULLAPOOL & SURROUNDING AREA: After discussion it was agreed to allocate £400 to the Ambulance Service for the purchase of automatic blood pressure monitoring equipment and splints suitable for children. Also a donation of £500 to be made to the Ullapool Village Hall refurbishment fund Applications to be invited for the balance. Notice to be put in the Ullapool News.
3. LIGHT AT CHANGING ROOMS, MOREFIELD: Request again made by residents for a light to be placed on the outside of the changing rooms at Morefield as this has become a gathering place for groups of young people and the noise and behaviour is proving unacceptable to those in surrounding houses. It was felt a light would discourage this. Letter to he sent.
Next meeting: 23 September 1999 Ullapool Village Had 8pm
Ullapool High School is also developing a website to cover the areas of Ullapool, Coigach, Achilitibuie and Lochinver. Look in at their site. Congratulations to them all on their magnificent result in the National website competition!
Updated 30.8.99