Report from the meeting of 22 February, 2007
South Ayrshire Access Panel meets on the last Thursday in each month and tackles issues relating to making the South Ayrshire environment, facilities and services available to all its residents.
The Panel were advised that the South Ayrshire Accident Prevention Committee has now disbanded. If there are any issues which the Panel still wish to raise, they should contact the Public Satety Partnership. The issue of disabled parking bays at Ayr Hospital being used by non-badge holders is being addressed. An email as been sent to hospital staff and the Hospitals Chief Executive is to be contacted.
Ayr Ex-Servicemans Club requested the Panel's views on a town centre facility for older people. Consultation meetings to be held in March.
Members of the Scottish Parliament will hold seminars for Access Panels to ensure they have up-to-date information about the Parliamentary proccess and how it can be influenced by Access Panels.
Planning consultations under discussion this month include: the conversion of an old cinema in Prestwick to a Hotel, level access to buildings in Prestwick and Troon,
The Panel were informed that Ayr Shopmobility were in a critical situation due to their having only a few committee members remaining. Panel memebers were hoping to help them recruit new members.
The target date for publication of the new Prestwick/Troon and Girvan/Maybole Access Guides is May 2007.
The Panel were asked to consider a Business and Establishments Reward Scheme whereby the Access Panel would select the best (i.e. most usable by disabled people) premises.
The Panel were advised by the Clydesdale Bank in Prestwick that the issue of uneven pavements outside the bank was one for the attention of South Ayrshire Council, that they have been advised that there is not room for ramped access, that the ATM may be lowered at the next refurbishment of the Bank. Current staff will be given training in the use of a loop.
The Panel were advised that Licencing have no powers to insist that Pubs have disabled WCs.
Reports from previous meetings - November 2005 onwards - can be found in the News archive.