Report from the meeting of 24 November 2005
There was no December meeting.
The Panel are currently involved in the National Health Service review of wheelchair and special seating services.
The Panel discussed recent applications for planning permission; including a new housing development in Dundonald, a holiday park in Maybole, new building work at Belleisle House Hotel and various commercial premises in Ayr and Prestwick.
The Panel were made aware that the Shopmobility Scheme - which provides assistance for disabled shoppers and has its main base behind the Kyle Centre in Ayr - now has a mobile unit travelling round the area and is available as follows:
| Walker Hall, Troon | Monday |
| Somerfield car park, Prestwick | Tuesday |
| Rivergate, Irvine | Wednesday, Thursday and Friday |
The Access Panel's ongoing 'Pavements are for People' Campaign was given a welcome helping hand with the recent information that South Ayrshire Council plan to inform all traders in the town that all advertising boards on pavements are to be removed and only replaced once permission has been granted. The Panel agreed that this action greatly increased the Campaign's aim to ensure pavements were kept clear for unimpeded use and that South Ayrshire Council be commended on this action.
The work on an Access Guide to Ayr Town Centre continues on course. The Access Panel's project to assess all commercial premises within this area for accessibility to all users has reached the stage of printing and is well on target for a launch in late Spring.
The Access Panel heard that the work to improve the accessibility of the South Ayrshire Council car park, adjacent to Morrisons Supermarket, would have commenced at the beginning of November.
To conclude on a high note; the Access Panel were pleased to note that, as from 1st April 2006, all disabled persons and anyone over the age of 60 will be entitled to free bus travel throughout Scotland.