Report from the meeting of 29 May 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.
The Panel received the document Public Transport Users Committee for Scotland: Appointment for four additional Members. The organisation is recruiting new members, attending 2 meetings per quarter (mostly held in Edinburgh) commencing on 1 August 2008 for a period of 3 years. It includes a persons specification and a role description for the posts. The Panel discussed this and thought it was very worth while as the appointments are well funded ie, travel allowances for attendence at meetings. The closing date is 20 June 2008.
The Panel received a pamphlet from Mobility Choice with details of their roadshow at which you can test drive various new mobility scooters.
The only ongoing planning applications under consideration by the Panel to be resolved this month is the two proposed villas at Monktonhill Road, Troon where the architect has complied with the Panel's request for disabled access.. No other replies have yet been received.
New planning applications this month include a request to divide a long ramp at premises in River Street, Ayr in to two with a rest platform in the middle., a request to widen the ramp at premises at Princes Street, Tarbolton and a request to provide a ramp up to proposed decking at Croy House Hotel to avoid having to use stairs.
The Panel were informed that Ayr Shopmobility are in temporary premises in Alloway Street, Ayr. This is very central and easy to find. Sadly, this service may be discontinued if funding is not secured. The Panel agreed to back them all the way!
Panel members explained to the traffic section of South Ayrshire Council how difficult it is for visually impaired people to cross Ayr High Street; especially when cars park on the tactile pavements! These concerns will be noted.
The Panel were alerted to the continuing danger at the traffic light at Tesco in Ayr. Cars do not always heed the pedestrian crossing. This is to be further investigated by the Panel.
The Panel were advised that there is a new entrance to the car park at Miller Road, Ayr. This is problematic for disabled drivers as the disabled parking bays are accross the other side. The Panel are requesting that more be added near the entrance.
The stand set up by the Panel at the Conservative Party Conference at Ayr Racecourse proved to be a success and provided good publicity for the Panel. It is hoped to do the same next year.
Reports from previous meetings - November 2005 onwards - can be found in the News archive.