SPEAN BRIDGE, ROY BRIDGE AND ACHNACARRY

Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry Community Council recently held its June meeting and annual General meeting at Kilmonivaig Church Hall.

Present: John Fotheringham, Brian Donald, Dana MacLennan, Sandy Edmond, Ross MacLennan, Ian Langley, Peter Mackintosh and eight members of the public. Excerpt of the minutes:

There was an address by Duncan Mackison, chief executive officer of Jahama Highland Estates, and Callum Whiteford of RES. These issues were covered fully in last week’s edition of the Lochaber Times.

Mr Mackison outlined the estate’s plans for the community council area, while Mr Whiteford of RES, specialists in renewable energy systems, spoke about the proposed Glenshero Wind Farm.

Annual general meeting – the chairman read his annual report, already partially covered in a previous issue of The Lochaber Times.

Mr Fotheringham’s report also contained the following comments: ‘This winter’s deteriorating road surfaces on trunk and local roads has meant constant dialogue between ourselves and Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland and Highland Council, and although limited repair and resurfacing has been achieved, it was not before some residents had pothole damage to their vehicles.

‘We have continued to contribute to a number of consultations on a variety of subjects and spent considerable time debating issues relating to planning. Planning officials and developers have briefed us on proposals and we hope to secure much-needed affordable housing provision for our community in the coming year.

‘We lost Mike Tonks, a particularly energetic volunteer from Roy Bridge who moved to Wales, but Dana MacLennan and Amy Exeter joined as co-opted members.

‘This was a particularly sad year for us with the loss of Councillor Billy MacLachlan who in the short time between his election and untimely death had shown a willingness to assist and support our efforts.

‘I would also like to thank councillors Henderson and Thompson for their continued advice, support and contribution to our meetings and my fellow community councillors who give of their time willingly.

‘I am also most grateful to the Braes and the Lochaber Times for their support in publishing our minutes and any articles of local importance.’

Secretary’s report, Dana MacLennan: ‘At last year’s annual general meeting I was co-opted as a community councillor and agreed to accept the post of secretary. To reduce printing and stationery costs, a generic email address was set up which could be accessed by all community councillors.

‘The change of venue has also proved beneficial providing us with a warm welcoming meeting place and for a donation to Lochaber Foodbank one of our councillors provides home baking and refreshments for everyone who attends.

‘I am grateful for the support received from Highland Council staff at Carr’s Corner for their assistance patching our minor roads, providing grit bins and gritting during a difficult winter.

‘We continue to raise our profile by attending outside meetings to ensure our community’s voice is heard. We are active members of the Lochaber Transport Forum and Bus User’s Group and were pleased to see new coaches on the Inverness/ Fort William Citylink route and the introduction of smaller buses on the Roy Bridge 41 service. We have secured a minor route change, but will continue to monitor the performance of all operators.

‘The condition of the A82 and A86 trunk roads has caused the most complaints this year and with the assistance of Donald Cameron MSP and the regular exchange of emails we finally got a meeting with representatives of Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland and some action to address the deterioration of the roads. We will continue the dialogue until we achieve the improvement required.’

Approval of annual accounts: Treasurer Brian Donald circulated a copy of the annual accounts as required by Highland Council which had been examined by an independent examiner. A copy of the signed accounts once approved would be forwarded to Highland Council.

Election of office bearers: The following office bearers were proposed and elected: chairman, John Fotheringham; treasurer, Dana MacLennan. In the absence of any nominations for secretary, John Fotheringham agreed to resume the role of interim secretary.

Previous minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on May 1, 2018 were approved. Matters arising:

Highland Council: The chairman thanked the Highland Council’s roads department and Ian BruceLow in particular for the speedy repair to a pavement in Spean Bridge after an overweight lorry damaged the surface. He also reported on ongoing communication between himself, a resident of Upper Inverroy and Highland Council concerning excessive speed on the Upper Inverroy Road. An advisory 20s Plenty and cutting the verges was being explored, although it may require the support of local residents.

Continuing concern about the bridge at the bend at Glen Gloy would be forwarded to Highland Council.

BEAR and Transport Scotland:

Although there has been some progress on outstanding trunk road issues a number remain outstanding.

Transport Scotland is now claiming the 40mph speed limit in the National Speed Limits Review for the A86 between Spean Bridge and Roy Bridge was an error, but will consult with the Highland Council Development Team on extending Spean Bridge’s speed limits.

It has confirmed a controlled crossing on the A86 and an uncontrolled crossing on the A82 will be implemented as part of proposed planning conditions.

It was agreed the community council would continue to monitor the situation. Public Service Ombudsman: The chairman confirmed that correspondence which had been circulated had confirmed community councils were not permitted to complain to the Ombudsman. However, following a discussion, the chairman agreed to further investigate how the community council could pursue its complaint and report back.

Fire and Rescue Service Review: In addition to the public consultation, the chairman had forwarded to Rab Middlemiss, area manager Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, a letter detailing local concerns and seeking his support to secure an upgrade for the local RTA unit. He had agreed to forward it to Fire and Rescue HQ and the local unit appreciated the community council’s stance.

Bus services: The chairman reported that Shiel Buses has secured the emergency contract for the 41 service from July 1 till August 20 and the service and route will remain the same.

The permanent contract was out to tender and the new contractor should be appointed by August 21.

New name: Primary seven pupils at Spean Bridge Primary School have been asked to come up with a new name for the community council with a prize for the winner which would be decided at the next meeting on Tuesday July 3.