SALTCOATS, 25 February 2004 - At a Meeting of the Three Towns Area Committee of North Ayrshire Council at 10.00 a.m.
Present
David Munn, Margaret Munn, Alan Munro and Nan Wallace.
In Attendance
G Clark, Operations Manager - Grounds Maintenance (Cleansing, Grounds Maintenance & Transport) (Property Services); and J Bannatyne and B Tudhope, Corporate & Democratic Support Officers (Chief Executive's).
Also In Attendance
J Hendry, Local Community Investment Co-ordinator, AWG Construction Services Limited.
Chair
Councillor David Munn in the Chair.
Apologies for Absence
Peter McNamara and Samuel Taylor.
1. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 14 January 2004, copies of which had previously been circulated, were confirmed.
2. Presentation: AWG Construction Services Limited
The Committee received a presentation from Jane Hendry, Local Community Investment Co-ordinator, AWG Construction Services Limited on the "Give Me 5" Volunteering Initiative.
AWG are one of the companies appointed by the Scottish Executive to construct the new Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston (A80) Bypass. As part of their Sustainable Development Strategy, AWG launched their Community Investment Programme in 2001 which led to the introduction of the "Give Me 5" Employee Volunteering Initiative.
The "Give Me 5" initiative actively encourages AWG employees to become involved in one-off selected community projects within areas where the company is working. Employee volunteering is particularly encouraged to support projects under the headings of Youth Education, Social Regeneration and The Environment.
The Committee were advised of a number of projects previously carried out by AWG volunteers in local communities involving beach clean-ups, the creation of cycle play areas and sensory gardens, the provision of a handyman service for older people in conjunction with Age Concern, and arranging outings for special needs school children.
Ms Hendry then invited the Committee to produce a "wish list" of projects for consideration by AWG Construction Services Limited. She advised that the projects to be undertaken would be selected on the basis of the timescales involved and the resources available. The volunteers could only undertake projects during the timescale required to complete the new bypass and the Company would not be responsible for any maintenance or aftercare work.
The Committee suggested regeneration works at Stevenston Beach Park and restoration work required at Kerelaw Castle as possible projects for consideration.
The Committee agreed to remit to J Bannatyne, Corporate & Democratic Support Officer (a) to forward to Ms Hendry any suggestions by the Committee for consideration; and (b) to seek confirmation that landscaping is to be undertaken as part of the new bypass contract, and if not, to include this on the "wish list".
3. Ardrossan Common Good Fund: Application for Financial Assistance
Submitted report by the Chief Executive (a) confirming awards granted from the Ardrossan Common Good Fund to 26 November 2003 and the balance of £1,270 remaining for disbursement; and (b) on an application for financial assistance from David Thomas.
The Committee agreed (a) to award £200 to David Thomas; and (b) that the applicant be advised of other possible sources of funding.
4. Ardrossan: St Peters Primary School: 20mph Speed Limit Proposal
Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on a proposal to introduce a 20mph Speed Limit at St Peters Primary School, Ardrossan.
The Scottish Executive has notified local authorities of funding for projects relating to the introduction of 20mph speed limits around schools and associated safety projects during 2003-06. The Property Services Committee, in November 2003, approved the use of part time speed limits and the promotion of the necessary Traffic Regulation Orders. A survey of all school locations is being carried out to determine the appropriate extent of terminal points for the 20mph restriction. No details have yet been prepared for any particular school.
The Committee was advised that the St Peters Primary School Board wished the introduction of a 20mph speed limit at the School to be carried out as soon as possible, and that the Council's Educational Services supported the early inclusion of St Peters Primary School in the scheme.
It is considered that there are additional safety implications for this school due to it's location adjacent to the new Ardrossan, Saltcoats & Stevenston bypass which is under construction at present.
The Committee agreed to recommend to the Property Services Committee that St Peters Primary School, Ardrossan be given consideration for priority in the programme for part time speed restrictions at schools.
5. Future Agenda Items
The Committee agreed (a) that the following items be considered as future agenda items: -
a presentation on the Recycling Scheme;
a progress report on the new Quality Bus Corridor;
a progress report on the work being undertaken to restore the founds and re-erect headstones in the cemeteries within the Committee's area;
an update on the parking situation at Hawkhill Cemetery, Stevenston
and; (b) that Members should forward any future items to J Bannatyne, Corporate & Democratic Support Officer (Chief Executive's)