Minutes of the Mull Community Council (MCC) meeting held on Wednesday 13 February 2008

Present:            Linda Cameron (Chair), Fiona Brown (Pennyghael/Tiroran), Ronnie Campbell (Bunessan), Jim Corbett (Lochbuie), Adrian Fitness (Craignure), Paul Forster (Salen), Bert Leitch (Ulva Ferry), Andrea MacPhail (Tobermory), Tony Proud (Dervaig), Cllr. Mary-Jean Devon, Sgt. Iain Erskine (Strathclyde Police). John Clare (Minute/ Correspondence Secretary). 

Action

1.0                    Apologies:

Graham Brown (Tobermory), Cllr. Gordon Chalmers and James Hilder (MICT)

2.0                    Minutes of the meeting held 12 December 2007:

All items were recorded as correct and proposed by Andrea MacPhail and seconded

by Ronnie Campbell.

3.0                    Police Matters:

Concerns were raised regarding an apparent problem of under-age drinking at the

weekends.  Sgt. Erskine confirmed that Licensees were generally not to blame and

that most alcohol was supplied to youngsters by older siblings, often with acceptance

by parents.  Andrea MacPhail confirmed that in 2 weeks the Tobermory Youth Club

would ban any youngster under the influence of alcohol and requested a talk on the

subject to the youngsters by Strathclyde Police.                                                                 Sgt. Erskine

4.0                    Roads and Transport:

The Councillors expressed total agreement that the poor state of Mull roads is

causing major concerns across the island, especially with regard to Health and

Safety issues.  Cllr. Duncan Macintyre (Argyll & Bute Council) has been invited to

attend the next meeting to provide updated information on the situation regarding

road maintenance and improvement, including the funding situation for enhancement

schemes.  It was hoped that representation from Keep Mull Moving, Roads Action

Group Salen and other interested parties would attend the meeting.  Chair had

received a phone call regarding landowners concerns relating to the Salen to

Tobermory road, and had suggested that action be delayed until the meeting with

Cllr. Macintyre had taken place.  (The date of the next meeting was subsequently

brought forward by one day to Tuesday 11^th March 2008 to accommodate Cllr.

Macintyre.)

5.0                    Housing and Development:

5.01  Lochdon

Following receipt of a letter of complaint stating that not all residents are in opposition

to the proposed housing development in Lochdon, the Councillors confirmed that they

are in support of affordable housing for local residents but are concerned by the apparent

lack of infrastructure to cope with new housing development.  A reply to the letter is to

be sent.                                                                                                                            Tony Proud

5.02    Dervaig

The oyster farm has received notification from Argyll & Bute Council that the Nora

Virus potential is greatest in times of heavy rainfall and when sewage may overflow. 

If this occurs at harvesting time immediate notification is required.  It was stated that

Government bodies are now giving more support to complaints regarding sewage outfall locations and lack of bacterial treatment.  Further concerns about the new outfall location

are to expressed in writing.

5.03  An Argyll & Bute planning list was circulated.

6.0                    Cal-Mac:

Concerns are increasing regarding the problems being experienced by foot

passengers gaining access to and from the ferries, because of the inadequacy of

design of the facilities.  With the approach of the start of the main tourist season,

particular concerns were raised relating to the facts that: only 350 people are

allowed in the terminal at any one time; there are only two lifts, each with a small

capacity (8 people); no details of how passenger access is going to operate have

been provided; and the height of one of the walkways appears to be too low to

allow taller vehicles, such as hay lorries, to pass below.  Written answers to these

questions and a full method of operation are to be requested from Cal-Mac.               LC/Sec.

7.0                    Mail Deliveries:

The response from Terry Allen (Royal Mail) regarding late delivery of mail has

been received, but is inadequate.  Further letters of complaint and petitions are to

be sent, including to Adam Crozier (Chief Executive Royal Mail), Postwatch and       

MSP’s.                                                                                                                                 LC/All

8.0                    Mull Rally:

An invitation has been received from the Mull Rally organisers for Councillors to

attend a meeting on 22^nd February 2008 to discuss the 2007 and 2008 rallies.

Linda Cameron and Adrian Fitness agreed to attend and a response is to be sent.                      Sec.

9.0                    Mull & Iona Community Trust (MICT):

9.01  Acknowledgement has been received from James Hilder of the correspondence

regarding MCC representation on the MICT Board.  Andrea MacPhail had expressed

an interest in joining, but confirmed that she had not received details to date.

9.02  Following the feasibility study, an application for the Community Business

Resource Centre has been submitted to Argyll & Bute Council.

9.03    Postal recycling information had not been received by three Councillors.

9.04    A request has been received for recycling bins at Java.  Fiona Brown is to raise

this issue with MICT.                                                                                          Fiona Brown

10.0                Renewable Energy Forum (REF):

Linda Cameron confirmed that 22 people had attended the meeting in January

where it was agreed that a new group (to be called Mull Renewables) would be

set up using MICT for support and funding advice.  Tony Proud confirmed that

the remaining REF funding could be transferred to the new group, but a handling

fee would be required.  The next meeting of the new group is to be held at 7.30pm

on Tuesday 26^th February in Craignure Hall.

11.0                Holiday Mull:

The AGM is to be held on 4^th March 2008.                                             

12.0                Tobermory Harbour Association (THA):

A report was given by Andrea MacPhail of the meeting of 5^th February 2008 where

views were aired regarding the Empowerment Orders and operation of the pier and

slipway.  MCC were asked to support THA in taking over the operation of the pier.  

13.0                Finance Report:

Closing balance:  £ 2,420-86.

14.0                Any Other Business:         

14.01  Licensing Legislation:

Gordon Chalmers correspondence relating to proposed Licensing Law seminars

on Mull in March for island licensees was read out.  Dates and venues would be

publicised through the usual channels.                                                                        

14.02  Bunessan Hall Community Centre:

Ronnie Campbell reported that there had been more signs of movement in the

ground to the rear of the hall, with additional and wider cracks.  He confirmed that

no further action had been taken by the contractors/engineers.  This has meant that

the hall cannot be safely used and cannot be booked for future events such as the

Bunessan Show.

14.03  Pennyghael Community Centre:

Information regarding purchase of the hall was passed to Fiona Brown by

Councillor Devon.

14.04  Mull Swimming Pool

A range of issues relating to the swimming pool were discussed and confirmation

of opening times and operating conditions were confirmed.  It was agreed that

the new pool provided a wonderful resource for the island.

14.05    Gaelic Signs

Councillor Devon confirmed that a small budget was available for the

provision of a Gaelic sign on the island, and suggested a welcome notice at the

ferry terminal in Craignure.

14.06    School Parking

Councillor Devon reported that efforts were being taken to solve problems

associated with vehicle congestion and safety at times of drop off and collection

at Tobermory High School.  MCC were asked to write to the headmaster to raise

concerns about the parking of buses.                                                             Graham Brown/

                                                                                                                              Andrea MacPhail

14.07    Ambulance/Hospital Transport Provision:

Surgeries are compiling a dossier of problems related to hospital transport with

a view to improvement of the provision of services.

14.08    Calgary Camping Area:

Evidence of misuse of the camping area were circulated.  Problems occurred

throughout last summer but particularly on the weekend of the Mull Rally. 

Concern was also shown that an area had been fenced off.  The situation is

being looked into.

14.09    Mull Local MOD:

A series of events have been planned for the groups 70^th Anniversary year

including a competition for new Gaelic songs.  Support is required in

obtaining funding for the events.                                                                                            LC/Sec.

14.10    Pre-school Education

A letter explaining current provision had been received and was read out.

14.11    Cycling

Further correspondence regarding cycling on Mull was read out and discussed.

14.12    Argyll & Bute NHS Partnership

The date and time of the next meeting had been received, but was at too short notice

to allow attendance.

14.13    Salen Recycling Area

A letter of complaint regarding various aspects of the siting of the recycling

facilities at Salen was discussed.  It was agreed that the situation should be

investigated.                                                                                                                           LC/Sec.

14.14    Progressive Care Centre

Linda Cameron reported her attendance at a meeting on 8^th February 2008 and

circulated details of down-sized proposals for the Centre.

14.15    Lochdon Signs

It was reported that queries had been raised regarding the absence of one of the

signs which delineates the start and finish of Lochdon.

14.16    Mull Slaughterhouse

Linda Cameron reported that the AGM had been poorly attended, but that the

business was doing very well, particularly since the cutting and packing element

had been added.  It was agreed that it provided a very valuable asset for the island.

14.17    Area Reports

Fiona Brown (Pennyghael/Tiroran):  Commented that roads in the area were

in a bad state and that maintenance is not carried out properly.  Concerns were

also raised concerns regarding safety and pollution issues relating to the

numerous mussel floats washed up along the shoreline from the Celtic Sea farm.

Ronnie Campbell (Bunessan):  Confirmed that roads were a major problem

and that Bunessan car park was being turned into a dumping ground with

contractors equipment scattered around the area and in danger of ending up

in the sea..

Jim Corbett (Lochbuie):  Reported that potholes in the road in his area were

very dangerous, forcing drivers onto the verges.

Adrian Fitness (Craignure):  Nothing to report.

Paul Forster (Salen):  Nothing to report.

Bert Leitch (Ulva Ferry):  Confirmed that roads in his area were a major problem.

Tony Proud (Dervaig):  Reported that the Aros section of road had been

repaired but not adequately.

15.0                Time and date of next meeting:     7:30pm Tuesday 11 March 2008 at the Craignure Hall.