Sutherland Access Panel Minutes of the Meeting of the Sutherland Access Panel held on Tuesday 23rd April 2002 at 11:00am in the Ferrycroft Centre, Lairg. PRESENT: Monica Mouat Shirley McHardy Ann Keatinge Christian Goskirk Andy Dawson John Sutherland Martin Macleod Carl Lemkes Gerry Lemkes Denise Carroll 1. WELCOME & APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Joyce Buchanan, Ann Lynch, Sandra Peterkin, Nick Lindsay, Graeme McLaughlin, Liz Finlayson, Sheila Board and Dave Polson. 2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING The Minute of the previous meeting was accepted as a true and correct record of the meeting. Proposed by Andy Dawson, seconded by Shirley McHardy. 3. MATTERS ARISING 3.1 Post Office Christian stated that she had not contacted the post office with regards to the Audit. She noted that currently in the Lairg, Bonar, Ardgay and Rosehall area residents are being asked by the Kyle of Sutherland Initiative to complete a questionnaire. It may be possible to get information on the returns envelops from KOSI. Prior to the next meeting she will contact both the Post Office and KOSI. 3.2 Access Issues * Highland Primary Care Trust - Shirley has written to the Estates Department within the Trust regarding the buildings highlighted. Her initial letter has been acknowledged. * Dornoch Sheriff Court - Cllr Finlayson and Shirley McHardy recently visited the court. Their comments are to be sent to the court. * BEAR Scotland - No further information. * Public Toilets (Golspie) - Shirley is to find out whether the work has been done yet. * Post 16 - Maggie Coupland is to be contacted re this, as there is some confusion as to the status of the document. * DRC - An event is to be held on 28th May, Brora. More information will be given to panel members as soon as it is available. * Raigmore Hospital - It has since been discovered that disabled public toilets are available at the main entrance in Raigmore, however they are not signposted. Signage of the toilets is to be considered. In addition concern was raised that the disabled toilets in the Outpatient Department are not signposted. * SCVO Questionnaire - This was completed and returned. 3.3 Access Audit Shirley made a number of changes, in addition those present suggested one or two more which Shirley will make. 3.4 Planning Applications * Evlix Filling Station - No further information. * N&WSAI - Information requested from the architect still outstanding. * Hairdressers Brora - The Plans were considered, no comments made. * Tea Room (Skerray) - The panel has one or two concerns regarding the sitting of the tea room with regards access, however this is a community project therefore comments must be made in such a way as to encourage community development. Comments stating the above were forwarded to the Architect. 4. PANEL AGM The AGM of the Sutherland Access Panel is to take place on Monday 27th May at 11:00am in Lairg Parish Church Hall. An ordinary/business meeting of the Panel will take place immediately following the AGM. 5. PLANNING APPLICATIONS * Grannie's Heilan Hame, Embo -Provision of mobile toilet and shower facilities. The panel members noted comments. Following a site visit by Highland Council there will be another opportunity for the Access Panel to query plans and make comments. * "Norlander" - Dornoch. Former shop to be turned into a tea - room/café. Having visited the premises Christian and Shirley had no comments to make regarding access 6. ACCESS ISSUES * VG-ES have a copy of "The Guide to Grants for Individuals in Need" relating to individuals improving their homes for someone who has special needs * Ferrycroft Centre - Some of the members found the parking facilities are some distance from the Centre and there doesn't seem to be any designated car parking places for the disabled. Shirley to contact Highland Council regarding the matter. * ATM information received from Centre of Accessible Environments - Shirley to send flier to those interested. * Caravan & Camping Facilities- Cllr Finlayson provided information sheets, which are to be copied and sent to those interested. 7. AOCB There was no other competent business. 8. DONM The next meeting of the Sutherland Access Panel will be held on Monday 27th May immediately following the AGM at 11:00am in Lairg Parish Church Hall.