THE NEXT ORDINARY MEETING OF THE GARVE & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ONLINE ON TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2024 FROM 7.30PM
DRAFT AGENDA
Members of the public are very welcome to attend Community Council meetings and take part in the discussions under the guidance of the Chairman. This meeting will be recorded and will be archived and available for viewing for twelve months thereafter.
- Introductions and Apologies
- Declarations of interest
- Approval of the draft minutes of the last ordinary meeting held on Tuesday 1 October 2024 and matters arising including traffic issues
- Treasurer’s report
- AOB from Community Council members
- AOB from members of the public
- Screening reports, scoping reports and consultations
8. Building warrants, planning issues and licensing issues
9. Dates of future meetings
An ordinary meeting of the Garve & District Community Council (whose area covers from Garve to Aultguish and from Garve to Achnasheen) was held online on Tuesday 1 October 2024. Updates at the ordinary meeting included Local Place Plans, windfarms, proposed powerlines proposed battery storage facilities, signage and fencing, sightlines, Achnasheen Public Toilets and Hall, school buildings, Post Office closure in Achnasheen, community land, NHSH issues, various road issues and traffic safety concerns. We noted one consultation and no new planning applications. If anyone in our area would like to be co-opted onto the Community Council, do please get in touch. Our website - http://www.community-council.org.uk/garveanddistrict/ and our social media page where you will find further updates - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552992414355 The meeting can be viewed over the next 12 months here - http://bit.ly/GDCCmeeting1OCT2024
Since our last meeting ...
Garve & District Community Council currently has vacancies on the Community Council. The Community Council elected members consider it to be very important to have as broad a representation of our community as possible, as we cover a wide variety of community issues and to do this well, we would like members from all corners of our large area. We usually meet on the first Tuesday of the month. If you are aged 16 or over, live in the Community Council area and are on the electoral roll and would like to be considered for co-option onto the Community Council, please email garveanddistrictcc@yahoo.com with your name and contact details.
CONCRETE REPAIRS PLANNED FOR A835 AT INCHBAE BRIDGE. Traffic lights will be in place from Monday 8 July 2024. BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is set to start essential concrete repair works on the A835 at Inchbae bridge. The essential repair works are scheduled to start on 8 July until 4 October. Throughout the duration of the works, the A835 at Inchbae will have temporary traffic lights to give safe access to allow BEAR Scotland to carry out crucial repairs.
The Local Place Plan is now available for viewing in the library section of this website.
Network Rail need to carry out essential maintenance work at Garve Level Crossing. The work involves removal of the units which make up the ‘road surface’ of the crossing to thoroughly inspect the full length of both lines and check the rails for signs of corrosion and silt build up. Work will also include replacing of rails, sleepers and ballast either side of the crossing. To enable the work to be carried out safely and efficiently, the A835 will be closed at Garve Level crossing as follows:
Half Road closure 21:00hrs - 04.00hrs each night - October 1 / 2 / 3
Full Road closure 21.00hrs – 06.00hrs each night - October 19 & 20
Half Road closure O4.00hrs – 21.00hrs day-time Sunday October 19
Half road closure 21.00hrs – 04.00hrs each night October 21 & 22
During the full road closure there will be no vehicular access over the crossing, except for emergency vehicles. During periods of half road closure vehicles will be able to cross over the railway in either direction under the control of temporary traffic lights. Pedestrian and access for cyclists will be maintained via the station footbridge. Those living closest to the crossing may experience some noise from site and some disturbance from lighting used on the night’s works are taking place. Network Rail have issued a letter to neighbouring properties notifying of these works and the associated road closure.
A835 Trunk Road issues - we note the damage to the crash barrier at the “Check Rail Corner” which the MSP is also chasing up. We have now written to the acting CEO of Transport Scotland. The new Road Safety group have also raised concerns. The response to the Community Council received from Transport Scotland informs us that work has been ongoing in the background and can advise that an assessment of the existing wall has been undertaken and unfortunately, it has been concluded that it is not suitable for repair. A land survey has been undertaken and a geologist has visited the site to undertake an inspection to help inform the various options for rebuilding the wall. Operating Company, BEAR, and their consultant, Jacobs, have been exploring various options for a permanent repair and have concluded that a potential solution may be to provide a new reinforced concrete wall at the side of the road to replace the existing dilapidated masonry wall. However, it will be necessary to tie this wall back into the rock with strong metal anchors. The design is still being developed and is yet to be presented to Network Rail for approval. The work will be challenging given the restricted working area and proximity of the railway line. If this solution is found to feasible, and meets with Network Rail’s approval, it is anticipated work would begin on site in Spring 2025 with traffic management being removed and the road being fully reopened by Summer 2025. Our thanks to all for their updates.
We learnt on Tuesday 1 October 2024 that due to a health and safety issue with loose toilet fixings, The Highland Council have had to close the Silverbridge public toilets with immediate effect. Recently, work was done to clear blockages and it is suspected this may have led to the pans coming loose from the walls. As the fixtures are reaching end of life, the council have requested that new modern floor mounted toilets are installed. It is hoped the toilets can re-open again soon. Achnasheen public toilets closed on Thursday 4 July 2024 so the nearest public toilets are in Kinlochewe, Lochcarron, Ullapool or Rogie Falls.
We note 38 people from the community felt traffic issues was a high priority for the Local Place Plan. We would now like to ask those 38 people plus anyone else from the community to write to us directly and share their experiences of travelling in our area be it by vehicle or on foot. This information will help build up a picture of the true concerns of the community which we will then share with the roads authorities. If we could have your feedback sent to garveanddistrictcc@yahoo.com or posted to 4 Bignold Place, Achnasheen, IV22 2EG by 31 October 2024, that would be very helpful.
Community Council elected members were saddened to learn that the Lucky2BHere family announced the sudden death of their dear friend and founder Ross Cowie. Ross died on Sunday 6 October 2024 having been transferred to Raigmore. Lucky2BHere supplied our local defibrillators. We extend our sincere condolences to Ross’s family and friends.
We note one new licensing issue - https://www.highland.gov.uk/directory_record/2191288/garve_loch_ewe_brewing_co_stall_at_market_3_november_2024/category/35/ross_skye_and_lochaber
As ever, any questions or comments on anything we are doing, please contact us directly at garveanddistrictcc@yahoo.com
This website was last updated at 4.00pm on Monday 7 October 2024.
