SUTHERLAND ACCESS PANEL


Minute of the meeting held on Tuesday 27th August 2002 at 11:00am in Ardgay Village Hall, Ardgay.

Present:	Monica Mouat		Chairperson		
		Joyce Buchanan		Panel Member
		Andy Dawson		Panel Member		
		Keith Bowman		Highland Council Building Control
		Ann Lynch			Panel Member
		Karl Lemkes		Panel Member
		Gerry Lemkes		Panel Member
		Cllr Rita Finlayson		Highland Council
		Martin MacLeod		Sutherland Care & Repair
		Denise Carroll		Panel Member
		Sheila Board		Panel Member
		Ann Keatinge		Treasurer
		Christian Goskirk		Minute Secretary
		Shirley McHardy		Secretary
		Charlotte Gibson

1. Welcome & Apologies

Apologies were received from Nick Lindsay, Sandra Peterkin, John Sutherland and Maggie Coupland.

2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minute of the previous meeting was approved.  Proposed by Gerry Lemkes and seconded by Andy Dawson.

3. Matters Arising

3.1 Ferrycroft Centre Parking (Lairg)

Shirley stated that she was unsure following the last meeting as to where exactly the Panel members felt disabled parking bays should be sited.  It was stated that the most suitable site for designated disabled bays would be opposite the Football Club Changing Rooms, to the right of the Ferrycroft Centre.  This would ensure that the walk to the building was minimal. Shirley is to contact Highland Council with a view to progressing this issue. 

3.2 Access Issues

* Golspie Swimming Pool - Shirley reported that she had been in contact with the management at Golspie Swimming Pool.  The Manager thought it unlikely, for financial reasons, that the hoist would be replaced in the near future.  He asked the Panel to conduct an Access Audit of the Swimming Pool.  This request was agreed by the panel and will be undertaken in the near future.  A copy of the Audit report is to be sent to Mr Graham Nicholls (Culture & Sport Services).
* National Trust Facilities - Shirley explained that the information leaflet detailed at the last meeting of the Panel covers National Trust Properties in England only.  A copy is available for any members travelling to England and wishing to see it.

3.3 Highland Access Panels

A meeting of the Highland Access Panels is to take place on Tuesday 10th September 2002 in Dingwall.  It was reported that neither Shirley nor Christian could attend on that day.  Karl and Gerry Lemkes agreed to attend the meeting.

3.4 Access Audit

Christian reported that she and Shirley have almost completed the database of those to whom an Access Audit questionnaire should be sent.  There are over 400 entries on the database.  It was agreed that Christian should speak to David Bryan (Sutherland Partnership) with regards the use of their Business Reply service.  Questionnaires and a covering letter are to be sent out by the end of September.  Shirley and Christian will get back to members to arrange a date for dissemination. 

Discussion took place regarding the collation of information, it was suggested that a local statistician might be employed to carry out this piece of work on behalf of the panel. A decision will be reached at the next meeting.

3.5 Caithness Community Care Forum

It was reported that Christian and Shirley had attended a meeting of the Caithness Community Care Forum to provide them with an outline of the work involved in setting up and Access Panel.  They have agreed to progress the issue and set up their own Panel.

4. Planning Applications

The following planning applications were received, considered and commented upon:

* "Hunters of Brora Restaurant" - Conversion of the Former Hunters shop in Station Square, Brora into a restaurant.
* Golspie Free Church of Scotland - alterations to windows and doors.
* Halladale Public Hall - Some concern was expressed that there are to be steps into a small meeting room.  It was suggested a ramp be added.  Keith Bowman agreed to look into this and report back to the panel.
* Grannies Heilan Hame - A letter acknowledging the concerns of the Panel has been received from the architect.

5. Access Issues

* CO-OP (Golspie)  - It was reported that the pavement outside the Co-op in Golspie is uneven and "pulls" people in wheelchairs, pushing trolleys or pushchairs towards the road.  The slope of the ramp into the shop is also quite steep.  Recent developments in the shop have limited space therefore made making access more difficult.  
* It was noted that development work is to be undertaken on the Co-op in Brora in the near future. It was agreed that Shirley should write to the Co-op informing them of the Panels existence, detailing our role and offering any assistance with future shop developments in Sutherland.
* Carnegie Buildings, Dornoch (Library) - Concern was again expressed about access to the Library.  It was noted however that Highland Council are currently undertaking an audit of their buildings, which should highlight the problems.  It was agreed that the panel would write to the Council regarding the building.  In the meantime it was suggested that alternatives such as Golspie Library or the Dornoch Academy Library might prove workable. 
* Golspie High School - Shirley reported that prior to the Summer break she had contact the acting Head Teacher regarding access to evening classes held in the School although organised by the Community Education Department.  In addition she had contacted Community Education asking that information regarding access be included in their winter classes leaflet for this year (2002).  Concern that the lifts within Golspie High School do not appear to be working was expressed.  It was noted that Andy is to attend an Education Forum meeting in the School on 17th September, at which the Director and Chairman of Education will be present.  A letter from the Panel highlighting our concerns is to be presented to them.

6. AOCB

There was no other competent business.

7. DOMN

The next meeting of the Sutherland Access Panel will take place on Thursday 10th October 2002 at 11:00am in Lairg.