Report from the meeting of 23 February 2006
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 Access Panel heard reports on a number of planning consultations, including a development in the Fort Street area of Ayr and commercial premises in Ayr High Street.
Reminders were given to the Panel of two diary dates in connection with the Shopmobility scheme,:
- 23rd March - Annual General Meeting
- 18th May - Annual Golf Tournament.
A South Ayrshire Accident Prevention Officer informed the Panel that the Pavements are for People campaign display will be taken around the 14 libraries in the Council Area in a programme which will last a year. This campaign will also be extended into other areas. It was noted that Girvan Town Centre pavements were already fairly free of clutter.
The Head of Planning and Building Standards had informed the Panel that individual notices had been served on premises causing obstruction with advertising boards in Ayr High Street on 21st February and that these obstructions would be removed by South Ayrshire Council if still there 7 days later.
The Roads Maintenance Manager from South Ayrshire Council had informed the Access Panel, with reference to poor underfoot conditions in the centre of Ayr, that regular inspections were carried out and complaints investigated with repairs being carried out as soon as possible. He added that although there are no firm plans for major resurfacing in the High Street but as funds become available, staged improvements will take place.
The Access Guide to Ayr Town Centre proceeds well and was reported to be at the 2nd proof stage. It is expected to be with the publisher for mid April.
It had been brought to the notice of the Panel that at this time, there are no dropped kerb access points to the new Ayr Central shopping development from Kyle Street. Panel members conducted a site visit and determined that there was a lot of finishing off construction still to be carried out. A return visit will take place after completion of this work. It was noted that the street furniture and building materials colours had been approved at the Planning Permission stage of the development. However, it is the intention of the builder (Henry Boot) to use two contrasting shades of granite to highlight the steps within the development. The Panel felt that too subtle a contrast would not be suitable and decided to consult official recommendations on this matter.
The Panel felt that, as a matter of principle, it ought to oppose the proposal to remove controlled crossings within the area (replacing them with zebra crossings) as it would adversely affect blind and visually impaired people.
Ongoing matters under consideration by the Access Panel include the lowering of platforms on the newer low-liner buses to improve accessibility, crossibg facilities at Ayr College and access to a supermarket in Troon.
Reports from previous meetings - November 2005 onwards - can be found in the News archive.