Report from the meeting of 27 July 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.
This month, the Access Panel's Planning Consent considerations included a proposed beer garden in the Sandgate and a seating area adjacent to a food outlet in Ayr High Street.
The Panel were informed that, despite the zebra crossing at Ayr Railway Station having been painted, vehicles continue to park accross it. However, handrails have been put in place at the ramp down from Smith Street and on the bridge between platforms 3 and 4.
The Panel were informed that the Pavements are for People campaign display would next be at Ayr Flower Show. From there, it would move to Troon Library then to empty shop window locations before returning to the Libraries circuit. Watch out for the display near you!
A member informed the Access Panel that the Scottish Executive's plans for joint use of footpaths by pedestrians and cyclists are being objected to locally. The new development at Ayr Central came back under discussion. The developer, Henry Boot, confirmed that the use of uneven surfaces in the pedestrian areas were primarily to reduce skateboarding occurence. He added that these areas would be kept gritted, when necessary, throughout the winter to prevent slipping. A site meeting is to be arranged between the site developers and representatives of the Access Panel to discuss matters further. This will also include the upgrading of Kyle Street and Smith Street to make them more pedestrian-friendly.
The Panel's attention was brought to the Mobility Road Atlas which highlights services and amenities for disabled drivers. Details of where to purchase the Atlas will appear on this web site shortly.
Finally for this month, the Access Panel were informed that new measures to tackle abuse of the disabled parking Blue Badge would be implemented in September 2006, with a fine of up to £1000 for badge misuse.
Reports from previous meetings - November 2005 onwards - can be found in the News archive.