Community councils, transport groups, a council tax increase, health and a fallen tree

I’m delighted once again to have the opportunity to give a report of a number activities I have been involved in recently and as always thanks to the Advertiser for supporting the councillor’s column.

As always it is great to attend our community councils and I have been present at the Lochgilphead and West Lochfyne community councils who have both been very active in their respective community councils to represent their local communities. I must congratulate all the volunteers who give of their own time to take up their positions.

I was privileged to attend the AGM of the Mid Argyll Volunteer Transport group and was so impressed by the enthusiasm of the group who provide such a vital service to many within our communities.

The group are always looking for more volunteers and if you have any spare time and want to help those in our community who require assistance, I know the group would be delighted to welcome you.

I had been contacted about a tree that had fallen in Robbers Den in Ardrishaig and pursued this as it was in a dangerous position in a walking area of the woodland.

The land ownership became a problem as there are several owners with different patches of ground.

I must thank Ed Laughton for his intimate knowledge of who owns what in the woods, which led to a successful outcome for the tree to be made safe.

My sincere thanks to ACHA housing association for their prompt attention to making the tree safe. And many thanks Ed for your support to the village also.

As we already know, on February 22 the administration of the council passed a 10 per cent increase in council tax which was fiercely opposed by the opposition group of councillors.

I would be particularly interested to hear the views of our communities about this issue given the public consultation indicated just over a four per cent rise. I do believe that the increase will adversely affect residents of Argyll and Bute and I would be grateful if you could let me know what the impact of the increase means to you.

This will of course be a private email, but I’m keen to hear from our communities.

The usual email address is dougie.philand@argyll-bute. gov.uk.

I attended the local health care forum which is set up to allow members of the public to air their views about health provision in the local area.

Thanks must go to Barabel MacKay for keeping the group going, allowing two-way communication of information.

Lastly I was present at a seminar run by the Dochas Centre and Julie Sinclair (manager) on the subject of self-directed support. This is a method of supporting those who require assistance with care packages. It was really informative and certainly worth anyone looking into this as a method to assist supporting care at home.