Report from the meeting of 26 October, 2006
South Ayrshire Access Panel meets on the last Thursday in each month and tackles issues relating to making the South Ayrshire environment, facilities and services available to all its residents.
A guest speaker was present at the meeting this month. The Panel have been given the opportunity to be involved in the consulting stages of the Disability Equality Scheme and action plan for Transport Scotland. A Transport Planner with Halcrow noted a number of transport-related issues which were raised by Panel members. These ranged from danger points in need of controlled pedestrian crossings in a number of sites, through the narrow width of pavements in Maybole, to methods of preventing vehicles parking in the new Kassel kerb bus stops. Improvements to these areas may well be required under the new Disability Equality Duty, which all Councils must now address. It was noted that information sessions on the implications of this duty will take place on 24th November in Glasgow, to which Access Panel members were invited.
A revised information leaflet about the South Ayrshire Access Panel is now available and was shown to members
Planning consultations under discussion by the Panel this month included disabled access provision at Alloway Primary School in Ayr and a hotel site in Prestwick Rd., Ayr.
The Panel were informed that the Shopmobility mobile unit will be present at the Rivergate Centre, Irvine on a full-time basis until Christmas.
The Ayr Central development was once again under discussion. The proposed meeting between Panel members and a representative of the developers, Henry Boot Ltd., is still to take place. The Access Panel was informed that positive discussion between Council officials and the site developers had taken place , resulting in a revision of layout proposals in the Smith Street area and that the proposed Pelican crossing may well be installed before Christmas.
The Panel has now been informed that there are no public toilets in the South Ayrshire Council area with adult changing areas. This issue will be taken up by a Panel member to highlight any that may be easily modified.
Replies have now been received in answer to letters enquiring about specific public toilet facilities. The Burgh Road toilets in Prestwick had been closed, pending a review. However, the directional signs have been left until the review decision has been made. All somewhat frustrating for people following signage, only to find the facilities locked. It was pointed out that the Council does provide RADAR controlled public conveniences at the foot of Links Rd., adjacent to the esplanade, but that all signage had been removed by vandals. Most unhelpful!
A response had been received from the providers of the Superloo in Boydfield Gardens, Prestwick which stated that any vandalised areas would be repaired and attempts made to improve bowl height in line with recommendations, but the lack of seats within this facility was intentional for hygiene and cleaning purposes.
It was noted that the Member Officer Group on Equality and Diversity are overseeing the South Ayrshire Council Disability Equality Duty scheme to ensure steps are taken to comply with statutory requirements made of the Council. Panel members intend to attend the next meeting of this group.
Reports from previous meetings - November 2005 onwards - can be found in the News archive.