MINUTES OF THE MULL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14^th JUNE 2006, CRAIGNURE HALL

PRESENT:

Linda Cameron, Chair

         Fiona Brown, Pennyghael/Tiroran  Bert Leitch, Ulva Ferry

         Ronnie Campbell, Bunessan         Tony Proud, Dervaig

         Jim Corbett, Lochbuie                  Hazel Yule, Tobermory

         Adrian Fitness, Craignure              PC Donald MacCuish

         Paul Forster, Salen                       Linda Dawson, Minute/Correspondence Secretary

1.      Apologies:

Steve Barlow, Tobermory, Sgt. Iain Erskine, Councillor Alistair MacDougall

2.      Police Matters:

Damage to cars at music festival was vandalism.  Police would encourage public to report any incidents of vandalism/road accidents to them.

Installation of CCTV cameras in Tobermory would greatly assist the Police, but who would monitor.  Approximate cost £30,000, but amount of crime would not justify the cost.

3.      Minutes and matters arising from the Meeting held Wednesday 10th May 2006:

3.1     Minutes:

One amendment-date of Biodiversity Conference 30^th not 31^st May.  All other items approved as an accurate record.  Proposed by Bert Leitch, seconded by Ronnie Campbell

3.2     Matters Arising:

Closure Dervaig Toilets:

Responses from:

Argyll and Bute Council-this was a decision taken by the Area Committee.  Department is currently undertaking an overall review of PC provision, more closures possible.  Unlikely any change this year

Visit Scotland-also unable to offer funding.  Their partners allocate monies which are ring fenced for marketing and the operation of tourist information centres only.  They are also aware of large volumes of visitors coming to the area.  They will continue to raise with Councillors and others

Tony Proud requested his letter be read out at Public Question Time at Argyll and Bute Area Committee meeting on 7^th June.  Letter was considered by the committee, but response by Area Roads and Amenity Services Manager was that the toilets were closed as part of a decision taken at the Area Committee meeting on 8^th February 2006.  Consequently there is no proposal to re-open them.  This response was endorsed by the Committee

Saturday Evening Ferry:

Response received from Scottish Executive-this is operational matter for CalMac to consider

Proposed Site for Travelling People (Fishnish Area):

Letter handed to Chair from residents at Pennyghael, supporting the above.  Community Council had made its decision and sent letter to Forestry Commission Scotland

Millbrae, Bunessan:

Chair received reply from Housing Manager, Oban.  The Community Council’s concerns were receiving attention.  Noted that the couple have had to move out of their accommodation

Scottish Water-reply:

Not much information available about exactly what Scottish Water intend to do on Mull in the coming years, but they are working closely with Argyll and Bute Council to ensure that we invest in the right areas so that targets for growth on Mull can be accommodated for.  Once we have a programme of works for the island, a copy will be sent to the Community Council

Big Art Project:

Response received from Visual Arts and Crafts Access Officer (Lee Hendrick) explaining the background to Channel 4’s Big Art Project.  Community Councillors unaware of any posters put up in villages and also unaware of Information Day held at An Tobar, Tobermory.  Also surprised that Mull Community Council was not on An Tobar mailing list (considering this was a community project).  The curator, who has already been picked, to date has made two brief visits to the island, but noted from the response will make several more visits over the next few months to get to know the community.

Biodiversity Conference:

All who attended agreed-too many speakers and no opportunity for feedback or questions

Taxi Rank at Craignure:

Response received from Neil Brown, Argyll and Bute Council-willing to look at.  Not sure about using bus lane, feedback from last year-space was tight for the mini bus tours in particular

Police were also asked to comment, positive response received-following consultation with Argyll and Bute Council former taxi rank will be reinstated as a taxi/Police bay.  Outside bus lane deemed not safe and would need de-classifying by the Roads Department.

Members requested that an area be set aside-maximum 15 minutes-for dropping and picking up passengers from ferries.  Suggestion put forward-use area at rear of toilet block-quieter since introduction of charges.  PC MacCuish would look into         Action: DMacC

Ambulance in Tobermory:

Adrian Fitness still to follow up                                                                                   Action: AF

Proposed New Road from Tobermory to Salen:

Paul Forster received letter from concerned resident about the proposed new route, (intended for the Chair).  Community Council could not make any comment until copy of proposed plans could be seen.  Paul Forster would follow this up and request plans from Argyll and Bute Council for next meeting.

                                                                                                                                Action: PF

Flood Prevention Budget:

Response received from Neil Brown, Argyll and Bute Council.  Have small budget available to help prevent flooding by keeping water courses and drains clear.  Not aware of budget held by Council, which can be accessed by other parties

Marquee:

Two further bookings received.  Request also received from Jura for August.  Following discussion, members agreed to hire, but timescale would be given for collecting and returning marquee.  All bookings must go through Tony Proud, Treasurer, who will send out invoices.  Floor also been out on hire, Treasurer unaware of this.  Jim Corbett agreed to give names to Tony to send out invoices.  Some equipment had been removed from marquee shed, during rugby weekend, Tony unaware.  Requested purchase of padlock, all agreed.                                                         Action: JC/TP

4.      Any other correspondence received:

4.1     Fuel Transport Costs:

Responses received from Tavish Scott MSP, Minister for Transport and Maureen MacMillan MSP

4.2     Tour of Mull Rally 13^th-15^th October 2006:

No comments on proposed programme

5.      MICT Update:

Position statement produced on the proposed Marine National Park.  More information required to make an informed judgement.

6.      MESS Update:

Foundations in for new site at Craignure.  Still looking for re-cycling sites.  Suggestions put forward for bottle banks at Creich Hall, Fionnphort and Bunessan Hall                                                                    Action: FB

7.      Progressive Care Centre:

Recent meeting held, 24 people attended, most put their views forward on the proposed new access, one couple against the proposals, (would prefer a bypass).  Parking main issue.  PCC had been unaware of problems in Java with the area for children to play in, but have taken concerns on board.  Noted that no documentation has been completed by the Lawyers.  Chair agreed to discuss issues              Action: LC

8.      CalMac:

No reply received from letter sent to Jack McConnell, First Minister.  Letters of support have been received from Alan Reid MP, George Lyon MSP, Jamie McGrigor MSP, Maureen Macmillan MSP and Jim Mather MSP.  Copy of letter also sent to Euan Warnock NFU, reply received.  A letter has been sent to Iona and Tiree Community Councils requesting we could work together to try and achieve a workable solution.

Problems highlighted with lack of space on ferry, mainly due to increased number of buses.  Request that a number of spaces should be allocated for island residents, particularly during the busy tourist season.  Message on the ferry, regarding how to drive on the island, requires improvement, suggested new format to CalMac                                            Action: LC/LD

9.      Finance Report:

Closing Balance: £2159.67

10.     Keep Mull Moving:

E-mail sent to Councillor MacDougall requesting sight of Economic Impact Assessment draft report, no reply received.  Stewart Turner, Argyll and Bute Council now in possession of full draft report.  George Lyon MSP visited Chair, and would look into why Keep Mull Moving group have not received copy of report

11.     Area Reports from Community Councillors:

11.1   Adrian Fitness, Craignure:

Toilets at Craignure very small.  Adrian agreed to draft letter                                        Action: AF

11.2      Hazel Yule, Tobermory:

Toilets close too early.  Hazel would discuss with George McQueen                          Action: HY

11.3   Tony Proud, Dervaig:

Proposed Land and Marine Park:

To carry out postal vote for a population of 3,000 by Electoral Reform Service would cost £975.00.  Tony Proud still looking into sources of funding                                                                                      Action: TP

Still suggesting public meeting be held by Community Council and ask Ros Lilley SNH, Mallaig Fishermen and MAFA to attend

12.     Time and Date of Next Meeting:

8 pm Wednesday 12th July 2006, Craignure Hall