For those who may be remotely interested, the lifeline ferry parking charges petition is due to be discussed by Scottish ParliamentPetitions Ctte today.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01722
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
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Council’s Chief Executive says sorry to Mull and Iona
Published Date:
4 Sep 2019 - 12:36
Argyll and Bute Council’s Chief Executive has apologised to local communities on Mull and Iona for a flawed parking-management exercise.
A report going to next week’s Oban, Lorn and the Isles (OLI) Area Committee recommends that a disputed TRO (traffic regulation order) is revoked, and that ways are identified of improving the council’s engagement with communities around TROs.
Chief Executive, Cleland Sneddon, said:
“Off street parking management can bring benefits to areas where parking options are limited.
Concerns had been raised with the council, by local people, about the need for better managed and safer parking, issues which had to be addressed. To do so a TRO was required.
We have to apologise unreservedly to the people of Mull and Iona, however, for a flawed exercise – with our biggest regret being the negative impact this has had on relationships between residents of Mull and Iona, and the council.
We want to work with as well as for local people. We had carried out a consultation exercise. The exercise though was not as robust as it should have been, it should have covered Iona as well as Mull.
We are putting a report about the TRO to next week’s Oban, Lorn and Isles Area Committee. This states publicly our wish to apologise for the impact of this TRO.
The report also includes a key recommendation that we find ways to improve how we engage with our communities around TROs. Improved engagement will ensure that the differing needs of Mull and Iona are identified, and that we work better together in addressing them.
We can assure residents that we have learned lessons from this, and that we remain committed to working with our communities to deliver parking arrangements that work for the residents and visitors of Mull and Iona.”
The report will be published on the council’s website overnight tonight (4th September), along with other reports for consideration by the OLI Committee on Wednesday 11th September.
How often do communities get this?
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
True, Fiona, but at least they can't impose the parking charges on us and the folks on Iona for now and hopefully, by the time they get round to it, the last bits of the Islands Act will be law and they're going to have to back down on charging us for the ferry terminal car parks.
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
Thanks for drawing attention to the Islands (Scotland) Bill, which I'd not been aware of. Despite Arran being in my Council area, I've not heard much (if any) news about implementing it here.
Fiona, in fairness, you can't be blamed for not being aware. Very roughly, it started out for the Orkneys, Shetland Isles and the Western Isles with Argyll islands, Skye & Arran being tacked on as an afterthought (at least that was the Argyll islands' feeling)! Any mainland dweller, even if they did chance upon it, couldn't be expected to realise the implications because, by and large, it wouldn't affect them.
For the islands, though, it has huge significance because, when implemented in full, both Holyrood and local Councils with islands will have to consider the impact legislation will have on those communities through full impact assessments and, if detrimental, adjust them or put in derogation measures to mitigate the negative effects.
In our case, A&BC failed to consult properly under the existing legislation, which is why we went to legal action and why the Council have backed down. The nature of that apology and indeed the revocation of the TRO going before the Area Committee next Tuesday indicates that the Council is going to have to fully comply with not only existing but the new incoming legislation.
Sorry, that sounded all a bit pompous!!
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
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A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: For visitors to Mull and Iona - urgent!
