Report from the meeting of 29 January 2009
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.
With regard to travel expenses, Panrel members agreed that Members using their cars on Panel business are to be reimbursed by means of a mileage rate which initially is to reflect the South Ayrshire Council rate but should be subject to annual review when it may be adjusted as required.
The Panel have accepted an invitation to meet with North Ayrshire Access Panel on 16 March in Ardrossan. Members of East Ayrshire Access Panel have also been invited.
Ongoing planning applications under consideration by the Panel this month include: level access to be provided at the rear of premises in King Street, Crosshill, to drop the proposed floor level of a building at Hillhead, Coylton, provide dropped counters to the three trade counter units in Whitfield Road, Ayr.
New planning applications this month include: a proposed entrance alteration to the revolving door at Turnberry Hotel to facilitate wheelchairs, to arrange for the doors of the disabled toilets in the Lochgreen Hotel, Troon to open outwards to increase space and safety, regarding villas at Culzean Road, Maybole, provide at least one level entrance and space between the opening side of the door and the adjacent wall.
Shopmobility AGM is to be held on 17 March, 2009. Funding issues are still ongoing.
The Panel were given the distressing news that Elaine Wilson from SDEF had died in January. The Panel sent their condolences and will make a donation to the Gingerbread Charity as requested by Elaine's family.
Panel members attended a meeting of the Scottish Rural Equality Network (SREN) - an organisation which was seeking to eradicate perceived inequalities caused by living in the country.
There was a meeting on Disability - Public Transport on Trunk Roads held in January. About 25 people took part in the workshops involving bus stops, boarding the bus and communication/information. The cartoons were difficult to see and there were no handouts available.
Reports from previous meetings - November 2005 onwards - can be found in the News archive.