Report from the meeting of 30 August 2007
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.
Ongoing planning consultation considerations this month include a business unit in Prestwick and a restaurant/hotel in Maidens. New planning applications include a property in Kirkoswald, a car show room and a residential home in Ayr and commercial premises in Prestwick.
The Panel received a letter from Capability Scotland inviting members to their 60th anniversary debate on Wednesday 26 September, 2007 from 10.30am until 2pm at the City Halls in Edinburgh.
The Panel were advised that the Shopmobility Scheme had, as yet, not received funding from their grant application. The Panel also heard that Shopmobility had been alerted to people going too fast on scooters in the town and were going to address the issue. The Panel were advised that research was being undertaken to formulate regulations to control the use of scooters and power chairs and that legislation would follow soon.
With regard to the Business and Establishment Rewards Scheme, the Panel agreed that, due to their current heavy workload, the scheme should be shelved for the time being.
A Panel member had tried the audible cash dispenser in the Clydesdale Bank, Alloway Street, Ayr and was very impressed by it. He said that the machine talks you through everything and that the tactile keypad was very easy to use.
Panel members reported that the contrast within Ayr Central Development is not good and everything looks the same colour. It was suggested that the bins be painted a contrasting colour to aid the visually impaired. In addition, it was felt that the glass panels at the entrance to the car park were a hazzard for visually impaired people.
Two Panel members attended the Southern Coalition of Access Panels meeting at the end of July. A talk was given on the Commission for Equality and Human Rights which is the body which will replace the DRC. The speaker advised vigilance to ensure that the power of the DDA is not watered down by the introduction of the new Commission and urged all Panels to take part in any questionnaires or other research material connected with the new body.
Concerns were raised about the expanding number of tables and chairs outside a coffee shop in Newmarket Street. This will be looked in to by the Panel.
The Panel were advised that the ramp up to the temporary toilets behind the Kyle Centre is too steep for whelchair use. The Panel will address this issue.
Reports from previous meetings - November 2005 onwards - can be found in the News archive.