North Ayrshire Council

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1. Minutes

Submitted the Minutes of the Meeting of the Executive held on 6 June 2007.

Councillor O’Neill advised that elected Member representation on the PPP Project Board would now consist of 3 members of the Executive, being himself and Councillors Barr and Bell, together with Councillors Chamberlain, Ferguson and Hunter.

The Minutes were confirmed subject to this amendment.

2. Declarations of Interest

Councillor Barr declared an interest in agenda item 10.

Councillor Reid declared an interest in the application by Isle of Cumbrae R.B.L.S Pipe Band at agenda item 26 below, and took no part in the discussion thereon.

Councillor Bell declared an interest in the application by Kilbirnie Town Centre Initiative at agenda item 26 below, and took no part in the discussion thereon.


3. Draft Annual Accounts for Year to 31 March 2007

Submitted report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Finance) on the Abstract of Accounts for the year to 31 March 2007.

The Council prepares its accounts on an annual basis to 31 March and is required to submit them to the Controller of Audit. The draft accounts for the year ending 31 March 2007 have been prepared and will be submitted to the Controller by 30 June 2007. Following formal acknowledgement of receipt of the accounts by the Controller, the unaudited accounts will be made available for public inspection and audit. On completion of this process, the audited version will be presented to the Council for consideration. Although the accounts are still subject to audit, no material changes are expected to the draft figures. The abstract summarised the main areas of the accounts.

The Executive agreed to (a) approve the transfer of £0.8m from the surplus generated by the Building and Works Trading Operation to the Repairs and Renewals Fund; (b) approve the repayment of £1.4m from General Services to the Housing Revenue Account from the balance of the surplus generated by Building and Works; and (c) review the Council's level of surplus at the time of considering the revenue budget for 2008/09 to 2010/11.

4. Council Plan - Annual Review and Update

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on progress relating to the implementation of the Council Plan 2006-09: "Building a better North Ayrshire", and on proposals to roll the Plan forward to cover the period 2007-2010.

The Council approved the Council Plan on 16 May 2006. The Plan was developed after a comprehensive internal and external consultation process and was favourably received. The framework of the Council Plan comprises an Overall Aim, seven Core Values, twelve Broad Priorities and 142 Supporting Actions. When the Plan was approved, it was agreed that it would be reviewed annually, updated, and rolled forward by one year, thus ensuring it continuously sets the Council's agenda for the following three years.

A monitoring system has been developed to track progress in implementing the Council Plan. Each of the 142 Actions has a designated "responsible officer" who is required to rate progress on a quarterly basis using a "traffic lights" system. The responsible officer is also required to provide a brief description of progress and can supplement this with more detailed reports. The status of the Actions as at 31 March 2007 was as follows:


· 75% were GREEN (on target or complete)
· 24% were AMBER (slightly adrift of target)
· 0% were RED (significantly adrift of target)
· 1% (one action) was not yet started.

Overall good progress has been made in implementing the Council Plan. Where slippage has occurred against actions, this is considered to be within tolerable limits, and action has been taken where possible to bring them back on track. A postal survey of all households in North Ayrshire will be undertaken in 2007 to establish people’s awareness of, and satisfaction with, Council Services.

It was noted that a number of actions rated AMBER were in fact actions which would continue to be ongoing. When the Plan is being rolled forward this will be addressed.

The Executive agreed to (a) note the good progress being made against the Plan; (b) endorse the existing framework as the basis for the Plan’s roll-forward to cover the period 2007-2010; and (c) receive a further report at a future meeting setting out the proposed actions to be included in the updated Council Plan.

5. North Ayrshire - A Better Life' Community Plan Performance Management Framework (PMF) - Report for 2006/07

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on performance against the North Ayrshire Community Plan, 'North Ayrshire - A Better Life', during 2006/07.

The Community Plan for 2006-2016, was launched by North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) in June 2006. The Plan sets out 7 shared Priorities to achieve the Vision of 'North Ayrshire - A Better Life', along with a shared commitment by Community Planning Partners to 'Working Together'.

The Performance Management Framework (PMF) established to monitor progress on delivering the Community Plan has two elements. The first element consists of a set of 48 high-level Indicators, split across the 7 Priorities contained in the Plan, against which long-term progress is measured. The second element of the PMF involves an annual action plan which identifies a set of planned actions within each Priority, along with lead responsibility, partners, and timescales.

The appendices to the report set out progress against the Performance Management Framework. Overall good progress has been made, with a significant number of actions completed or on target for completion. Tracking of the longer-term Community Plan Indicators will continue, and clearer trends will emerge over time. The Action Plan has provided the Community Planning Partnership with a useful tool to demonstrate how long term and aspirational outcomes can be converted into concrete and achievable actions on the ground.


Noted.

6. 'North Ayrshire - A Better Life' Community Plan Annual Review and Action Plan 2007/08

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the Community Plan Annual Review for 2006/07 and Action Plan for 2007/08.

The Annual Review set out progress made against the Community Plan in 2006/07. The Action Plan for 2007/08 sets out the work that the Community Planning Partnership will undertake in the next year. 8 priority actions are identified i.e.

· Build upon the experience of shared delivery of council, health and other services, such as the Garrison development in Millport - due for completion by June 2007, and the primary care medical centre in Ardrossan.
· Complete the development of Montgomery Court, Kilbirnie - an intermediate care facility for people with dementia - due for completion by October 2007.
· Complete the development of the North West Resource Centre, Largs - co-location of staff from partner agencies - due for completion by Spring 2008, and evaluate lessons to inform future partnership working.
· Implement the findings of the Integrated Health Improvement Pilot, focusing on specific priority actions to bring about real change to teenage transitions (11-14 years).
· Support the programme for the first 3 years of the Irvine Bay Urban Regeneration Company (URC), and as partners strengthen the supporting programmes.
· Complete Year 3 (2007-08) of the Regeneration Outcome Agreement (ROA), and develop a new outcome agreement for the following three years.
· Support the ongoing physical renewal and planning for renewal of key areas of North Ayrshire outwith the URC area, to secure investment and employment opportunities (e.g. Lochshore, Kilbirnie town centre, Dalry town centre).
· Complete the Local Compact Agreement and Action Plan, between the community/ voluntary sector and community planning partners, to provide a new platform for improved co-operation, understanding and respect.

The Scottish Executive's decision that NHS Ayrshire and Arran must revisit their recent review of local health services means all related developments are on hold until December 2007. Work to complete plans for the redevelopment of Ayrshire Central Hospital site, Irvine, will therefore be placed on hold. All partners are committed to progressing this action in the future.

The Executive agreed to approve the Council's commitment to delivering the Community Plan Action Plan for 2007/08 and specifically the Priority Actions as set out in the report.


7. Gender Equality Scheme 2007/10

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the preparation of the Council's Gender Equality Scheme.

On 6 April 2007 a new general duty was placed on the Council by the Equality Act 2006 whereby in carrying out its functions, the Council must have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment and to promote equality of opportunity between men and women. In addition to this general duty, the Council also has a specific duty placed on it to prepare and publish a Gender Equality Scheme by 29 June 2007 which sets out how the Council will address gender related issues, e.g. in relation to employment, housing, and social services.

The Council's Corporate Equality Officers Group has produced a Gender Equality Scheme and accompanying Action Plan, a copy of which was appended to the report. The Scheme and Action Plan have been prepared following consultation with employees, the public, trade unions and other Services. The Scheme incorporates an Equal Pay Statement which the Council is required to publish by 28 September 2007. There is a further requirement that Education Authorities produce their own Gender Equality Scheme and Equal Pay Statement. These have been conjoined with the Council's Scheme.

The Scheme will be published on the Council's website and an annual report will be produced. The Council is required to review and revise the Scheme every three years. Reports on progress in implementing the Scheme will be submitted in future to the Scrutiny Committee and a report will also be submitted to the Community Planning Partnership Board in September 2007.

The Executive agreed (a) to approve and publish the Gender Equality Scheme and Action Plan; and (b) that reports on progress in implementing the Scheme be submitted in future to the Scrutiny Committee.

8. North Ayrshire Homelessness Strategy 2007-2010

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) seeking approval of a new North Ayrshire Homelessness Strategy covering the period 2007-2010.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 introduced a duty on Local Authorities to produce a Homelessness Strategy that seeks to prevent and alleviate homelessness. The development and implementation of the first Homelessness Strategy, covering the period 2003-2006, acted as a catalyst for driving forward service improvement, partnership working, and strategic cohesion throughout North Ayrshire. Progress has included:-




· the development of a Tenancy Support Team to assist those at risk of homelessness;
· the introduction of a rent deposit guarantee scheme;
· the appointment of 2 Mental Health Housing Officers to help vulnerable tenants maintain their home;
· the development of Outreach and accommodation based support services to prepare homeless people for independent living, thus reducing the risk of future homelessness;
· the appointment by the Pan-Ayrshire Rough Sleepers Initiative of the Simon Community to provide the Ayrshire Intensive Housing Support Service aimed at helping those most at risk of rough sleeping.

Implementation of the first Homelessness Strategy has helped to reduce the numbers of people presenting themselves as homeless over the past three years. The new Strategy for 2007-2010 builds on the progress already made and identifies 5 objectives in line with Scottish Executive priorities i.e.

· No one need sleep rough
· Existing homelessness becomes more visible
· Fewer people become homeless in the first place
· Sustainable resettlement is secured for homeless people
· The duration of homelessness is reduced

The new Strategy responds to recent and future legislative developments. It identifies steps taken, or planned, to respond to the abolition of priority need, the suspension of local connection, the increased duty of those deemed intentionally homeless, and the duty to respond to formal notification from Landlords and Lenders of those at risk of eviction or repossession. Elements of the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003 have yet to be enacted, and will present further challenges to the Council and its partners.

The Executive agreed to approve the Homelessness Strategy 2007-2010.

9. Research Project: Isle of Arran - Affordable Housing Opportunities and Constraints

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on the key findings and recommendations of the Arran Research Project, and proposals to develop an action plan.


North Ayrshire Council, supported by Communities Scotland, commissioned Craigforth Consultancy to research the complexities of the housing market on Arran. The research aimed to establish the current and anticipated housing needs of the Arran community, and to assess not only the opportunities for affordable housing development, but also the constraints under which the market operates. The research will inform the ongoing development of the Local Housing Strategy which itself will set out priorities for action and investment in terms of intervention in local housing markets. The proposed action plan will also impact on the development of the forthcoming Local Development Plan.

The research process was overseen by the Arran Research Steering Group, whose membership comprises North Ayrshire Council's Housing, Planning and Social Services, Communities Scotland, Isle of Arran Homes, Arran Community Council, Arran Council for Voluntary Services, Arran Development Company and Ayrshire & Arran Health Board.

The Research Group has now reviewed and agreed the final research report. The report concludes that Arran is a highly pressured housing market with limited affordable housing supply and severe affordability and access issues. There are almost no affordable housing options available in the owner occupied sector, the private rented sector for residential letting purposes is poorly developed and there is low turnover and high pressure on the small social rented sector particularly in relation to general needs housing. The recommendations arising from the research study were summarised in the report.

The Rural Housing (LHS) Sub Group, which consists of key stakeholders, has been convened to develop an action plan to implement the recommendations contained in the research report. During the development of the action plan, the Sub Group will consider the feasibility and desirability of implementing each recommendation, taking account of the resources and tools available. Recommendations will be prioritised in order that maximum benefits to the local community may be achieved.

The Executive agreed to approve (a) the findings and recommendations of the research process as outlined in paragraph 2.3 of the report; and (b) the development of an action plan based on the findings and recommendations of the research by the Rural Housing (LHS) Sub Group.

10. Vineburgh Regeneration Project

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on an overview of the Masterplan process for Vineburgh, Irvine, and on proposals to progress the project.


Following an options appraisal exercise which revealed that the majority of local residents were in favour of demolition and redevelopment of the area, the Property Services Committee, in November 2005, agreed to the demolition and redevelopment of 306 properties in Vineburgh. A Steering Group consisting of key stakeholders was subsequently convened to take forward the project. Part of the remit of the Group was to ensure the preparation of a Masterplan for the area. Austin Smith:Lord, the company appointed to develop the Masterplan, presented the Steering Group with the final document in May 2007.

The Vineburgh Masterplan provides a strategic plan which will inform the regeneration of Vineburgh into a pleasant, safe and welcoming community with a real sense of place. The Masterplan seeks to create a coherent and attractive neighbourhood through the application of established good practice in urban design with an emphasis on providing housing and open space, which is adaptable, offers variety, and which can respond to a broad a range of households and changing community circumstances.

There are six key overarching themes which inform the Masterplan i.e. sustainability, adaptability, variety, accessibility and integration, design quality, and Safety and Security. The Masterplan details the various requirements for the new regenerated Vineburgh, which, upon adoption of the document by the Council, will ensure that a clear message is issued to development partners and local residents, as well as allowing the Planning Process to facilitate the successful implementation of the Masterplan.

The regeneration project will be split into four phases, each of which will be addressed separately. The tenure mix of the new Vineburgh will be 1/6 housing for sale (entirely sited in Phase 4), 1/6 housing for Homestake (Phases 1-3), 2/3 housing for social rent (Phases 1-3). Tenants and residents in each phase will have their re-housing options discussed with them.

Indicative Budget Estates and Housing Association Grant appraisal has forecast the overall cost of the project at £37.3m They have also indicated the required level of investment from Communities Scotland. The remaining finance will be secured from private finance by Cunninghame Housing Association and from the £2.7m already secured from the Housing Estate Regeneration Fund.

The report set out the detailed steps required to take the project forward. An Implementation Plan will be developed based on the Masterplan and the steps listed in Section 3 of the report. The Implementation Plan will be submitted to the Executive late this year for approval. Ongoing consultation will be carried out, both by the Council and its development partner - Cunninghame Housing Association - to ensure that local people are involved and engaged in all aspects of the redevelopment process.


The Executive agreed (a) to approve the recommendations and proposals detailed in the Masterplan and to adopt the Masterplan as a corporate document; (b) that an Implementation Plan be developed and submitted for approval at a future date; and (c) that Section 3 of the report (Next Steps) be adopted as an interim action plan.

11. Scotland's Second National Planning Framework (NPF 2)

Submitted report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Protective) on the preparation of the second National Planning Framework (NPF2) by the Scottish Executive and the Council's response.

The National Planning Framework by the Scottish Executive will guide the spatial development of Scotland to 2030 and will identify projects of national significance in the fields of transport, energy, and environmental infrastructure such as waste and waste water facilities. The Framework will be the basis for spending decisions and policy co-ordination and will provide the context for local development plans and for decisions on some major planning applications and appeals. The Scottish Executive aim to publish a consultative draft Framework in Autumn 2007 with the final draft receiving scrutiny in Parliament in Spring 2008 and thereafter publication in Autumn 2008. The Scottish Executive has invited the Council to make an input to the preparation of the second National Planning Framework for Scotland and has.

The report set out the terms of a proposed response to the Scottish Executive. This emphasises the Council's desire that the spatial perspective and gateway status for Ayrshire set out in NPF1 be retained and developed to maximise the beneficial contribution which Ayrshire can make to a successful Scotland and the Glasgow city region, in line with the Ayrshire Regeneration Strategy prepared under the direction of the Ayrshire Local Economic Forum. In particular the response highlights and emphasises the importance of:

• Irvine Bay Regeneration
• Ardeer Defence Cluster
• Hunterston
• Clyde Coast Tourism and
• connectivity via the A737 and Ayrshire Rail Services.

The Executive approved the terms of the response, as set out in the report.

12 Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 - Local Licensing Forum

Submitted report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Protective) on procedures for the appointment of a Local Licensing Forum, as required under Section 10 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.


The Act requires the Council to appoint a Local Licensing Forum to keep under review the operation of the Act within North Ayrshire and the exercise by North Ayrshire Licensing Board of its functions, and to give such advice and make such recommendations to the Licensing Board in relation to those matters that the Forum considers appropriate. Prior to the first applications for new licences being received, the Licensing Board needs to develop an extensive statement of its policies. The Licensing Forum is a key consultee in this process.

The Act provides that the Forum is to consist of between five and twenty as the Council may agree. Membership of the Forum is to be representative of holders of Premises Licences and Personal Licences, the Chief Constable, persons having functions related to health, education or social work, young people, and persons resident within the Forum's area. The Act also requires the Council to appoint a Licensing Standards Officer (LSO) to carry out education and enforcement functions. The LSO is also to be a member of the Forum.

The Executive agreed (a) to establish a Licensing Forum of up to 12 members (dependant on nominations received), comprised as follows:-

· Holders of Premises Licence and Personal Licences - three members;
· The Chief Constable - one member;
· Persons having functions related to health, education or social work - two members;
· Young people - one to two members;
· Persons resident with the Forum's area - three members;
· Licensing Standards Officer - one member.

(b) to seek nominations for membership of the Forum from relevant organisations and individuals; (c) in the event that too many applications are received, that a meeting be convened at which each class of nominee can further nominate their individual representatives; and (d) to receive a report on nominations received at a future meeting.

13. Projects funded from the Landfill Communities Fund 2007/2008

Submitted report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Protective) on a proposed programme of projects to be funded through the Landfill Communities Fund in 2007/2008.

Under the "Landfill Communities Fund", the Council, as a landfill operator, can distribute up to 6.6% of the Landfill Tax it collects to enrolled environmental bodies to fund projects which fall within the objectives of the scheme. Since the scheme began in 1997 the Council has contributed approximately £1,550,000 to a total of 84 projects.


It is anticipated that £110,000 will be available to fund projects in 2007/08. Nine applications for funding have been received, details of which were appended to the report. Following evaluation, it was proposed that four projects should be funded.

The Executive agreed to approve the undernoted programme of projects to be funded from the Council's Landfill Communities Fund in 2007/08:-

Irvine Sports Club: Sports Pitches £ 8,000
Rotary Club: Coastal Path £ 5,830
Kilwinning Sports Club: Cycling Proficiency Area and Landscaping £16,200
Esmor Ecology: Path Improvements £15,700

14. Community Minibus Service

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on a proposed alternative approach to achieving planned savings in the Community Minibus Service.

As part of the budget setting process for 2007/08, the Council agreed to withdraw the Community Minibus Service which was subsidised at a cost of £17,000 per annum. The Community Learning & Development Service, following consultations with users of the Minibus Service, now propose that the 3 Minibuses should continue to be made available to community groups and that charges should be imposed to make the Service self-financing. The proposed charges are as follows:-

Single Day - £30
Subsequent Day - £20
Weekend - £60

The Executive agreed (a) to approve the introduction of the level of charges necessary to make the service self-financing for 2007/08, as detailed in the report; (b) to review the position after one year to ensure that the agreed savings have been achieved; and (c) that charges be adjusted annually in line with service costs.

15. Ardrossan: Proposed Sale of Shop at 51 Glasgow Street

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on the proposed sale of the Restaurant premises at 51 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan.

The Executive agreed to approve the sale of the restaurant premises at 51 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan to Mr Harpreet Singh in the sum of £70,000 plus fees.


16. Kilbirnie: Montgomery Court: Proposed Respite Care Unit for Alzheimer's Sufferers

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on tenders received for the construction of a Respite Care Unit for Alzheimer's Sufferers at Montgomery Court, Kilbirnie.

The Executive agreed to accept the tender submitted by Wason Preservation in the sum of £597,570.46, as set out in the report.

17. Stevenston: Auchenharvie Academy: Fire Damage Reinstatement Works and Formation of Classrooms: Completion Contract

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on tenders received for the completion contract in respect of fire damage reinstatement works and the formation of classrooms at Auchenharvie Academy, Stevenston.

The Executive agreed to accept the tender submitted by Clark Contracts in the sum of £493,077.73, as set out in the report.

18. Dalry Primary School: Provision of a Synthetic Multi Usage Games Pitch

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on the proposed acceptance of a negotiated tender for the construction of a synthetic multi usage games pitch at Dalry Primary School.

The Executive agreed to authorise the Corporate Director (Property Services) to accept the negotiated terms submitted by G. Thornton (Contracts) Ltd, in the sum of £169,562, as set out in the report.

19. Traffic Regulation Order - Caledonia Road, Saltcoats (Waiting Restrictions) Order

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on a request from Strathclyde Police that the Council promotes, in the interests of road safety, a Traffic Regulation Order to introduce 'No Waiting At Any Time' restrictions at the junction of Caledonia Road and Campbell Avenue, Saltcoats.

The Executive agreed to approve the implementation of the Traffic Regulation Order, as outlined in the report, should no objections be received following the statutory consultation process.


20. Traffic Regulation Order - A760 Dalry Road, Largs: 30mph Speed Limit Extension

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Service) on a proposal to introduce a Traffic Regulation Order to extend a 30mph speed limit zone on the A760 Dalry Road, Largs.

Part of the A760 Dalry Road in Largs is subject to a 30mph speed limit. A recent residential development named Trigoni Court was built south east of the limit of the speed restriction zone and, as a consequence, is not covered by the existing Order. The Council has received representations from local residents and the Police that the existing speed restriction zone be extended a further 105 metres south eastwards from its existing location to include Trigoni Court.

The Executive agreed to approve the implementation of the Traffic Regulation Order, as outlined in the report, should no objections be received following the statutory consultation process.

21. Traffic Regulation Order - Various Roads, Millport (Traffic Management) Order 1982 (Amendment)

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on a proposal to amend the Various Roads, Millport (Traffic Management) Order 1982.

The Isle of Cumbrae attracts a higher number of visitors every year during the summer season and, as a consequence, has seen an increase in vehicular traffic and a higher demand for parking during these months. Local residents and the Police have expressed concerns that this increased number of parked vehicles could compromise road safety both for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike. Attention has been drawn in particular to a section of Marine Parade, on its east channel, between house numbers 44 to 51, which is located on a bend. Residents and Police are concerned that road safety could be affected if vehicles are allowed to park along this section of road.

To address these concerns, it was proposed that the existing Various Roads, Millport (Traffic Management) Order 1982, be amended to extend the current restriction of 'No Waiting 8.00am to 6.00pm 1 May to 30 September' to 'No Waiting 8.00am to 6.00pm 1 April to 31 October', and to include the aforementioned section of Marine Parade within these new restrictions.

The Executive agreed to approve the implementation of the Traffic Regulation Order, as outlined in the report, should no objections be received following the statutory consultation process.


22. Isle of Arran: Whiting Bay: Northbank House

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on a proposal to revoke a Closing Order on the property at Northbank House, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran, which now meets the Tolerable Standard.

The Executive agreed to authorise the revocation of a Closing Order on the property at Northbank House, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran.

23. Isle of Arran: Whiting Bay: Auchencairn: Rose Cottage

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on the proposed serving of a Closing Order on the owners of Rose Cottage, Auchencairn, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran.

An inspection of the dwelling at Rose Cottage, Auchencairn, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran, revealed that the property is below Tolerable Standard as defined by Section 86 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987. The Council has powers in terms of the Act to serve a Closing Order on the owners of the property to prevent it being occupied in its current condition.

The Executive agreed to authorise the serving of a Closing Order on the owners of Rose Cottage, Auchencairn, Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran.

24. Ardrossan: 14C (First floor left) Winton Street

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on the proposed serving of a Closing Order on the owners of the property at 14C (first floor flat) Winton Street, Ardrossan.

An inspection of the property at 14C (first floor flat) Winton Street, Ardrossan, revealed that the property is below Tolerable Standard as defined by Section 86 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987. It was proposed that the Council should exercise its powers in terms of the Act to serve a Closing Order on the owners of the property to prevent it being occupied in its current condition.

The Executive agreed to authorise the serving of a Closing Order on the owners of the property at 14C (first floor left) Winton Street, Ardrossan.

25. Ardrossan: 2 (G/L) Paisley Street

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on the proposed serving of a Closing Order on the owners of the property at 2 (G/L) Paisley Street, Ardrossan.


An inspection of the property at 2 (G/L) Paisley Street, Ardrossan, revealed that the property is below Tolerable Standard as defined by Section 86 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987. It was proposed that the Council should exercise its powers in terms of the Act to serve a Closing Order on the owners of the property to prevent it being occupied in its current condition.

The Executive agreed to authorise the serving of a Closing Order on the owners of the property at 2 (G/L) Paisley Street, Ardrossan.

26. Community Development Grants Scheme/Local Action Fund: Applications for Financial Assistance

Submitted report by Corporate Director (Educational Services) on applications received in respect of the Community Development Grants Scheme and the Local Action Fund.

The Executive agreed to make the following awards:-

Community Development Grants Scheme

Organisation Award
SISG Enterprises Ltd £1,500
Cunninghame Ramblers £1,500
North Ayrshire Forum on Disability £ 500
St Peter's Children's Centre £2,000
Park Parish Church of Scotland £1,500
Ardrossan Eglinton Angling Club £2,000
Crafty Cards Art Group £ 500
The Buddies Group £1,075
Saltcoats Town Centre Initiative £1,000
SNAP Craft Group £ 540
Women's Interest Collective £ 500
The Cronies Social Club £1,000
Stevenston Age Concern £1,500
Ardeer Community Care Club £1,000
Irvine Horticultural Society £ 660
Irvine and District Angling Club £ 800
Marymass Development Committee £2,400
Marymass Chess Congress £ 500
Irvine Sea Angling Club £ 750
Irvine Seniors Forum £ 486
Marymass Folk Festival £1,500
Kilwinning Community Sports Club £1,500
Kilwinning Elderly Forum £ 500
Whitehirst Park PTA £ 100


Organisation Award
Whiting Bay Public Hall £1,500
Brodick Improvements Committee £1,000
Arran Theatre and Arts Trust £1,000
Roots of Arran Nil
Kilmory Public Hall £1,500
Arran Horticultural Society (Garden Club) £ 325
Lochranza Village Hall £1,500
Isle of Cumbrae RBLS Pipe Band £ 500
West Kilbride Music Club £ 500
Silhouette Theatre £ 600
The Largs Initiative Nil
Largs & Millport Information Bureau £1,000
Largs Viking Festival £2,500
Largs Museum Trust £ 500
Largs Open Bowling Tournament £ 300
Fairlie Fairtrade Initiative £1,012
Fairlie Gala Association £1,390
Gateside Memorial Hall Committee £1,350
Gateside Horticultural Society £ 381
Garnock Valley Community Safety Forum £1,500
Kilbirnie Town Centre Initiative £1,750
Beith Cultural and Heritage Society £1,500

Local Action Fund

Organisation Award
1138 Ardrossan Squadron ATC £1,430
4th Irvine Boys' Brigade £ 524
Irvine Ravenspark (Junior Section) Golf Club £1,500
Irvine Rugby Club (Junior Section) £1,000
Irvine Vineburgh Boxing Club £2,000
2nd Dreghorn Guide Company £ 150
Arran Sports Association £1,550
Friends of Commotion, Kilbirnie £1,500

27. Common Good Funds: Applications for Financial Assistance

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on applications for financial assistance from the Common Good Funds of North Ayrshire.

The Executive agreed to dispose of the applications as undernoted.


Ardrossan/Saltcoats/Stevenston Common Good Funds

Organisation Award/Decision
Ardrossan Eglinton Angling Club Continued for more information
The Buddies Group £500 from each Common Good Fund

Stevenston Common Good Fund

Organisation Award/Decision
The Cronies Club of Stevenston & District Continued for more information
The Saturday Morning Club £ 500
John McCafferty £ 400

Irvine Common Good Fund

Organisation Award
Marymass Folk Festival £2,000

Largs Common Good Fund

Organisation Award
Largs Museum Trust £ 600
Largs Viking Festival £2,000 (agreed as payment to account by the Corporate Policy Committee on 23 April 2007) plus an underwrite of up to £4,000

Millport Common Good Fund

Organisation Award
Cumbrae WRI £250

28. Margaret Archibald Bequest: Application for Financial Assistance

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on an application for financial assistance from the Margaret Archibald Bequest.

The Executive agreed to award £4,000 to the Dalry Old Folks Treat Committee.


29. Woodgreen Mortification Trust

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on applications for financial assistance from the Woodgreen Mortification Trust.

The Executive agreed to make the following awards:-

Applicant Award
Family G £ 700
Kilwinning Community Sports Club £6,000 in both 2007/08 and 2008/09

30. Town Twinning Grant

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on an application from Irvine Town Twinning Association for financial assistance from the Town Twinning Support Fund.

The Executive agreed to award £2,000 to the Irvine Town Twinning Association.

31. Financial Assistance to Outside Bodies

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on an application for financial assistance received from Highlands and Islands Arts Ltd (Hi-Arts).

The Executive agreed to award £1,500 to the organisation.

32. Exclusion of the Public and Press

The Executive resolved in terms of Section 50(A)4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude from the Meeting the press and the public for the following item of business on the grounds indicated in terms of Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

33. Request for Early Retirement: Educational Services

Submitted report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Personnel) on a request for early retirement from an employee within Educational Services.

The Executive agreed to approve the request for early retirement on the terms and conditions detailed in the report.

The meeting ended at 5.00 p.m.