Report from the meeting of 26 June 2008
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.
Previous planning applicatins under consideration by the Panel include the provision of level access to two villas at Monktonhill Road, Troon. The architect has complied with the Panel's request. The Croy House Hotel will comply with the request to include a disabled ramp to proposed decking which is currently only accessed by stairs.
New planning applications include a request to have the en-suite toilet door facing outwards at Knockjarden House, Dalrymple. The Panel asks that a drop kerb be provided at the terminations of the S/W and N/W paths and their adjacent kerbs on the main estate road at Coodham, Bogend Toll to aid the disabled person to cross the road to the main pavement. Also, to provide level access to dwellings in the main house and other buildings within the limits of a listed building. The Panel request that ramped access be provided to the rear of premises in Barns Street, Ayr. Details of proposed toilet accomodation are requested for the former TT Building at Mosshill Industrial Estate, Ayr.
The Shopmobility Scheme has been given a temporary reprieve with the award of funding until 2010.
The Panel was advised that there is currently no funding to do anything about the crossing in Ayr High Street. It was also noted that delivery lorries and taxis often blcok the pavements causing an obstruction and making negotiating round them hazzardous for disabled and visually impaired people. This matter will remain on-going.
The Panel were informed that 19 public toilets would remain open in central Ayr, of which 14 were accessible. South Ayrshire Council advised that a Comfort Scheme was being negotiated whereby alternative toilet facilities would be made available with the co-operation of the owners of public bars/restaurants. It is unclear how many of these would be accessible.
With regard to South Ayrshire Forum on Disability, the Panel was advised that there will be a bus available for next years trip to the SECC for the Independent Living show if anyone from the Panel or Shopmobility is interested. Also it was suggested that the Panel might be able to help towards the funding for this.
The Panel was notified that some visually impaired people are finding the new swipe-card system for Travel Cards on buses problematic. Many drivers are happy to help with this until another solution can be found.
It was reported to the Panel that the crossing at Heathfield Road, Ayr is now operational again.
Reports from previous meetings - November 2005 onwards - can be found in the News archive.