SUTHERLAND ACCESS PANEL

Minute of the Sutherland Access Panel held on Monday 27th May 2002 at 11:00am in Lairg Parish Church Hall, Lairg.

PRESENT:	Andy Dawson 
		Christian Goskirk 
		Ann Keatinge
		Carl Lemkes
		Gerry Lemkes
		Ann Lynch
		Shirley McHardy
		Monica Mouat

1. WELCOME & APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Sheila Board, Joyce Buchanan, Maggie Coupland, Nick Lindsay, Martin MacLeod, Sandra Peterkin and John Sutherland. 

2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.  Proposed by Gerry and seconded by Carl.

3. MATTERS ARISING

3.1 Post Office / KOSI

Christian reported that she had spoken to Russell Smith and David Bryon with regards to arrangements for the Access Audit.  David Bryon had suggested that the Access Panel make use of the Sutherland Partnership's Freepost Reply licence.  

Russell had advised that although laborious the best way for the Panel to organise postage of the questionnaire is to address and stamp the envelope.  

It was agreed that Christian and Shirley should begin work on the creation of a database for the audit.  It was further agreed that panel members would arrange for the labels and stamps to be put on envelops.



3.2 Access Issues

* Highland Primary Care Trust - Shirley had again contacted the Primary Care Trust who reported that they are trying to arrange for a consultant to cost for a contractor to undertake all the alterations, which will be required of the Trust for compliance with the DDA.
* Raigmore Hospital - sings are to be put up, pointing out disabled toilets.
* Public Toilets - Work is to begin ASAP.
* Ferrycroft Centre - Monica reported that the Centre is not being let out during the season as the room is used for an audio presentation.
* Lairg Community Centre - Christian reported that plans are afoot for major alterations to comply with the DDA.  It was agreed to invite the Secretary of the Hall Committee and the Chairperson of the Community Council to then next meeting of the Panel.

3.3 Planning Applications

* Granny's Heilan Hame, Embo - There was no new information on this planning application.
* Tea Room (Skerray) - Following a recent visit to the area by members of the Panel it was felt that the banking is too steep for a ramp.  It would be very difficult without some additional land to alter the building currently being considered, and meet the conditions of the DDA.

4. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

There were no Planning Applications for consideration.

5. AOCB

5.1 Panel Meeting Attendance

It was suggested that during the course of the year the Panel try to encourage attendance at its meetings.  It was felt that a Press Release to all publications in the area, notices locally and advertising of meetings might go in some way towards achieving this.  It was also suggested that a letter be written to all community councils in Sutherland explaining the role of the Access Panel.



5.2 Golspie - Drop Kerbs

It was noted that Golspie Community Council is to look at the height and sighting of all Drop Kerbs within the Village.

6. DONM

The next meeting of the Sutherland Access Panel will take place on Monday 24th June 2002 at 11:00am in Lairg Parish Church Hall, Lairg.