MINUTES OF THE MULL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING

Minutes of Mull Community Council (MCC) Meeting - Tuesday 9^th March 2010

1.00     Present:   Steve Willis (Vice-Chair), Ronnie Campbell, Jim Corbett, Rory Forrester,

David Graham, Bert Leitch, Stewart MacDougall, Cllr. Mary-Jean Devon, Cllr.

Gordon Chalmers, PC McCuish, James Hilder (MICT), John Clare (Secretary) and

15 members of the public.

Apologies:  James Heggie (Chair), Fiona Brown, David Greenhalgh, Tony Proud (Treasurer).

Vice-Chair opened the meeting by explaining the role of MCC and the guidance relating to attendance by members of the public.  He went on to thank the members of MCC in supporting and helping him in his current role.

2.00     Police Matters

PC McCuish reported that enquiries into the oil thefts from Bunessan were ongoing.

3.00     Minutes of the 12^th January 2010

Corrections/Approval

Proposed by Ronnie Campbell and seconded by Stewart MacDougall.

            Action Points

            - Tony Proud has instigated the process of objecting to the current method of

operation by Royal Mail.  A response is awaited.

- Fiona Brown has expressed MCC concerns to Argyll & Bute about the inability

of the water infrastructure to cope with additional demand.  A response is awaited.

            - The Local Plan consultation process was highlighted in the local press.

            - Ronnie Campbell was unable to attend the Cal-Mac meeting because ferries did

not sail.

- PC McCuish reported that no parking notices will be placed at danger spots.

            - The date for the road weight limit meeting is to be confirmed.

            - Relevant correspondence was circulated.

            - Chair was contacted.

            - The potential replacement MCC secretary was contacted and was in attendance.

            - Information awaited regarding Bunessan School Bus (received after the meeting). 

Letter to be written to seek a practical solution to the lack of a vehicle.

4.00     Mull Rally

Vice-Chair opened by apologising for the misunderstanding regarding the invitation of Neil Molyneux and John Clayton to the meeting and asked the representatives of Mull Car Club how they would like to proceed with the matter.  Eddie O’Donnell confirmed that he was previously responsible for liaison between the Rally and farmers, but does not represent the 2300 Club or Mull Car Club.  Neil McHaffie, Chairman of Mull Car Club, introduced himself and said that his group were looking forward to leaving the meeting knowing that Mull Community Council (MCC) was doing something to salvage the cancelling of this years rally. 

Cllr. Devon confirmed that there had been overwhelming support for the rally and that, as a mouthpiece for the island, MCC should be 100% behind the event.

Jim Corbett commented that the whole situation had been very unfortunate and that the messages on the website had been inaccurate and unhelpful.  He went on to suggest ‘lets put things behind us and move forward as an island’.  A copy of an e-mail from Neil Molyneux to Wilf Loynd was circulated in which Neil Molyneux distanced himself from the web site comments and offered his full support and assistance with the proposal to organise a new Mull Rally starting at the open meeting of 15^th March.

            Members of the public present questioned the intentions of MCC in dealing with

issues relating to the rally and in giving the event their support and asked that MCC should   give their full backing to whatever event goes forward.  Jim Corbett

proposed that MCC give their full support to the Mull Car Club and/or any other body organising the Mull Rally, which was agreed unanimously.  It was also stated that liaison between all parties must be improved and David Graham and Stewart MacDougall agreed to be the MCC representatives for the Mull Rally.

It was also confirmed that the 2300 Club were still keen to see the Mull Rally continue.

            Cllr. Devon stated that a letter of apology should be sent to Neil Molyneux, also

thanking him for his past work and accepting his support for the new venture.       

            Neil McHaffie stated that he was very pleased with all the messages of support he

had received for the Mull Rally from all over the World and thanked MCC for the

invitation to attend the meeting.

Ian MacFadyen was asked for his comments, and confirmed that he (and most farmers) had always supported the rally and hoped that it would go ahead.  Also, that most of the comments on the website were untrue and that it was lucky that the accident hadn’t been much worse.

Bert Leitch asked how that section of the rally had been allowed to run when it was known five hours before, that there were cattle near the road.  He also said that all the blame had been wrongly laid on Ian MacFadyen, and that not one of the rally organisers has been prepared to explain why the accident really happened.  Neil Molyneux had wanted a cast iron guarantee that stock would not get onto the road, but this was impossible despite farmers doing there best to ensure animals were as far away from roads as possible.

It had been confirmed (by the senior radio operator) that rally organisers were informed that there were cattle near the road 3 hours before the first car entered the section, yet the green light was still given to proceed.  Cows had walked past marshals, who had done nothing to move them away.  Ian Macfadyen had not been informed of the accident until 3.45am (c. 4 hours after the event).

Vice-Chair commented that whichever organisers take the event forward, the failings must be learnt from and prevented from happening again.  Bert Leitch stated that the event should be a partnership in which co-operation should go both ways.  Eddie O’Donnell commented that everyone should be equal partners in the event, and confirmed that he felt ashamed of the comments that had been made to Ian MacFadyen and his family and about the way it had impacted on them.

Bert Leitch stated that he felt the 2300 Club should apologise to Ian Macfadyen.

Ian MacFadyen thanked Bert Leitch and others for their support on this issue.

Vice-Chair asked whether there were any further issues to discuss.

At this point Cllr’s Chalmers and Devon and the members of the public left the meeting.

5.00     Mail & Newspaper Deliveries – No report.

6.00     Housing & Development – No issues to discuss.

7.00     Cal-Mac

Ronnie Campbell reported that he had attended the local ferry meeting the previous

evening.  Following the meeting he had received a telephone call to confirm a 2%

increase in fares starting on 10^th March, followed by a further 2.5% increase across

the board in April.  Further details are to be sought.

            Issues relating to the proposed withdrawal, by Argyll & Bute Council, of free ferry

travel for senior citizens were discussed.   It was agreed to write a letter to SPT seeking reasoning for the proposals and objecting to the withdrawal.  Copies of correspondence are to be sent to local and national press.

8.00     MICT Report – James Hilder reported:

            Renewable Energy: the meeting last Saturday had been attended by 46 people, 43 of

which confirmed their support for the MICT wind or hydro generation project(s), that would provide funds for the community.  This support allowed MICT to seek further funding for feasibility schemes to assess a range of sites around the island.

            Countryside Ranger: the post for Staffa, Iona, Burg and Ross of Mull has been

advertised with a good response from applicants.  Jim Corbett sought clarification of whether the new ranger would work in conjunction with Jan.  James Hilder confirmed this.

Mull Slaughterhouse: MICT are continuing to work with the slaughterhouse and there are good prospects for the future for the business.

Iona Village Hall: funding is being sought for a heat pump and other items.

MESS: Mairi Greig is on maternity leave.

Funding Applications: MICT are again seeking applications from voluntary groups for funds (c. £500 limit).

Recycling Bins: funding is being sought for the re-siting of the Salen bins.  Ronnie Campbell requested that the re-sited Bunessan bins be fenced off because they are unsightly in their new position.  James Hilder confirmed that A & B Council provide the materials and MESS erect the fencing.

Bunessan Bus Shelter: scheduled for completion soon.

            Insulation Project: has been put back a couple of weeks.  Further applicants for

subsidised roof insulation should contact Tim Capper.

9.00     Roads & Transport

Jim Corbett confirmed that Council road managers may be made redundant and that Linda Cameron of Keep Mull Moving had requested that a representative of MCC attend KMM meetings.  It was agreed that Jim Corbett, Rory Forrester and MCC Chair or Vice-Chair would attend the next meeting.  Rory Forrester agreed to liase.

Rory Forrester stated that Sandy McTaggart was to be appointed as the new Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.  It was unanimously agreed that MCC and KMM should seek comments from everyone effected by the issues and then seek a joint meeting with Mr McTaggart to press for improved maintenance of Mull roads.  MP’s, Press, etc. should be notified.

Jim Corbett confirmed that Robin Pollock had stated that, following the previous roads meeting, he would report back on the timescale for a case study into Mull roads.  Bert Leitch questioned whether another study was necessary.

Questions were also raised about the meeting on road weight restrictions that was supposed to be organised for all interested parties.  Jim Corbett confirmed that he had written to Bill Weston, without response.

Stewart MacDougall stated that the roads were getting worse following the recent weather, and Ronnie Campbell asked if anyone knew what was happening about the tar plant that had been promised.  James Hilder stated that he understood that it had been cancelled.  It was agreed that a letter should be sent to A & B Council expressing disappointment, and asking why the project had been cancelled and why MCC had not been kept informed.

10.00   Correspondence Received

Sound of Mull Working Group: Notification of next meeting.  Rory Forrester confirmed that he was prepared to represent MCC when able to attend.

Pennyghael Development Association: Confirmation of AGM on 31^st March.

Fairer Oban, Lorn and the Islands Steering Group: Questionnaire received – Vice-Chair agreed to e-mail a copy to James Hilder who would assess the action required.

Community Support Network: Changes are being implemented.  Representatives are to be asked to the next meeting to explain the situation.

Vice Chair

Forestry Commission:  Vice-Chair confirmed that Stuart Maidment would be attending the next meeting to give an update on plans for Aros Park, etc.

Licensing Applications: Two applications received – no objections.

11.00   Financial Report

Closing balance: £2,161-10

12.00   Any Other Business (including Area Reports)

            - Vice-Chair requested a vote of confidence following comments made by members

of the public during the Mull Rally discussions.  Ronnie Campbell stated that he thought Steve Willis was doing exceptionally well, particularly considering it was only his second meeting as acting-chair: Rory Forrester agreed.  Jim Corbett proposed a vote of confidence, which was agreed unanimously.

- Bert Leitch reiterated that the roads were in an appalling state and were breaking up completely in many places.  He expressed concern that the state of the roads could provide an excuse for downgrading them or for drivers to refuse to deliver, etc.  He also confirmed that a crash barrier in his area still hadn’t been repaired since it was damaged in the rally of 2008.  Ronnie Campbell also reported that the damaged bridge at Pennyghael had remained un-repaired for a considerable period.

- David Graham confirmed that the Spar shop (and two others under the same ownership) in Tobermory had closed.  It was noted that this would have ramifications for the main road toilets as the shop owner was the keyholder.

- Bert Leitch suggested that a letter of congratulation should be sent to the electricity workers who had minimised potential disruptions to supply due to the bad weather.

13.00   Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 13^th April 2010 at 8.00pm