Report from the meeting of 24 April 2008
South Ayrshire Access Panel meets on the last Thursday in each month and tackles issues relating to making the environment, facilities and services in South Ayrshire available to all its residents.
The Panel had been contacted by someone concerned about disabled access to the Savoy Park Hotel n Ayr. In particular, the temporary ramp at the front of the hotel and access to the disabled toilet which is sometimes obstructed by hanging coats. A Panel member pointed out that there was ramp access to the rear of the hotel and that staff were willing to assist wheelchair users wishing to use the front ramp. This hotel is included in the Accessible Ayr Guide.
The Panel was informed that the Troon branch of Lloyds TSB offer facilities to customers who have a hearing impairment.
The Panel received an invitation to attend the South Ayrshire Community Planning Conference on 19 June 2008 between 10am and 3.30pm in County Buildings, Wellington Square, Ayr.
Various improvements to Rozelle House in Ayr have been made over the years to improve disabled access. There is now the possibility of installing a lift and having an accessible toilet on the upper floor.
On-going planning applications under consideration by the Panel this month still await replies.
New planning applications include the provision of level or ramped access at two proposed villas in Monktonhill Road, Troon, including a level platform at the top of the proposed ramp and reducing the gradient at West Mainshill Farm, Minishant, by Ayr. Ventilation in the stair case at Rozelle House, Ayr to be improved. Also, the provision of a path between the cobbles of the courtyard and accessible parking were requested. It was requested that accessible car parking at premises in Main Road, Whitletts, Ayr be located nearer to the building. The provision of ramped or level access to all houses at Woodlands Farm, Girvan was requested.
The Panel were informed that the humps in Ayr HIgh Street would be replaced later this year. . A request has been made to have the bins at the crossing points moved and consideration will be given to the provision of signage indicating that vehicles and pedestrians should have equal access at the entrance to the High Street (although the Council was trying to reduce street clutter), and that the bollard at the crossing at the Bank will be removed.
The Panel were advised that signage would be provided in respect of the Kassel Kerbs in Dundonald. The issue was, however, related to South Ayrshire as a whole and not just Dundonald.
With regard to accessible taxis, a Panel member agreed to produce a brochure for Taxi Controllers on how to deal with disabled and vulnerable passengers.
The hazards on the path at Newton shore have now been removed. The Council have replaced a piece of the retaining wall and part of the path.
The Panel heard that many of the buses on routes to Troon were the type with two steps up to the driver. A Panel member will request that the front two seats be removed to give more room for elderly and disabled passengers.
Panel members feel that the Pavements are for People Campaign is a good piece of collaborative working which has had some desired results.
Reports from previous meetings - November 2005 onwards - can be found in the News archive.