Comment posted McCuish announces details of ‘team fit to build recovery in Argyll and Bute’ by Common Sense.
And don’t let Vivien Dance anywhere near the Planning Committee in future! Her close links with property developers in Helensburgh make her unfit to serve on that committee in a proper way. Send her elsewhere!
Recent comments by Common Sense
- Argyll and Bute Council: the horsetrading begins
Unlike most correspondents, I have no strong political views and am not aligned to any political party. But I do know James Robb well as my local ward councillor and am appalled by all the personal attacks on him made by too many people who appear to lack common decency. Do they actually know James or are they simply getting on a cheap political bandwagon? If you really knew the guy you would soon realise he’s decent, straightforward local councillor who tries hard to represent those who elected him, rather than pursue his own gain. He’s says what he thinks, rather than necessarily what you might want to hear, but in my view that’s a strength not a weakness.
Has Argyll and Bute now become ungovernable? Would it be best split up into five councils or at least managed more as five separate areas? We all know that savings must be found and whatever the details of the accounts, James Robb was at least trying to face up to that. But proposed cuts always create enemies. If every time savings are proposed, the councillors for that area threaten to destroy the administration, however constructed, then Argyll and Bute would certainly be ungovernable. So if that’s what going to happen on a regular basis from now on, why not simply divide the council budget proportionately into five and tell each area committee to get on and sort out what cuts need to be made in their own areas. Let them keep their sacred cows if they want, but only if they then find sacred sheep to slaughter instead.
So perhaps your correspondents could stop blaming one councillor or another in what seem rather childish comments and face up to the bigger issue – however do you get Argyll and Bute to work as an effective organisation when cuts need to be made somewhere and real power is split in so many different directions? - Council follows through: tree replacement order served on Osborne Interiors
The trees to be replanted are required to be between 175 and 200 cm high, primarily because trees of this size are more likely to survive in the long term. Those who wish to see the actual replanting notice can find it at http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/planning-and-environment/140213_0.pdf.The wooden fence has been erected without planning permission and the council can therefore serve an enforcement notice against that as well. The council is also entitled under the Land Reform Act 2003 to require public access to the site. HCWG believes this should happen as soon as the replanting order has been implemented, if not before.
- Community Woodland Group take initiative: public meeting on Helensburgh’s Castle Woods
HCWG does not yet have a website, although we are in the process of setting one up. However, we do have an email address which is hcwg@hotmail.co.ukI have contacted Donna through her website http://savemiltonwoods.com/ Everyone should take a look at this – – yet another fine woodland under threat.
- So what is happening at Helensburgh’s Jutland Court?
Castle Woods is certainly not in the dire state suggested by this comment, even though it has not been properly managed for many years. It contains some really fine specimens – oak, ash, beech and holly – and if well managed, could provide a direct link from Duchess Woods right through to West King Street. That’s why Helensburgh Community Woodlands Group will shortly be producing a draft management plan for Castle Woods to show how it could be enhanced and looked after for everyone’s benefit.
Jutland Court is an entirely separate issue – it could easily be demolished and redeveloped without any need to encroach on Castle Woods. This is what HCWG wants to see. If the developers try to hold the council and community to ransom by saying that they will leave Jutland Court to decay unless they are allowed to destroy Castle Woods, they should be treated with the contempt such an attitude would deserve. Incidentally, Catherine’s comments about HCWG members tipping rubbish into the Cumberland Avenue site and removing play equipment (where does she mean?) are wholly inaccurate. Our campaign at Cumberland Avenue is focused on ensuring the area is replanted and retained as an Open Space Protection Area and our members have been working hard to see this happen. - LibDem politicians visit eyesore felled site at Helensburgh’s Cumberland Avenue
When will Argyll and Bute Council take action to get this site cleared up and replanted? Will it be allowed to remain an eyesore indefinitely? As it’s still covered by a Tree Preservation Order and assigned as an Open Space Protection Area, it’s the council’s responsibility to bring the landowner to book and insist that the mess be cleared up & the site restored. This needs to be done very soon, so that we don’t miss another winter planting season. Local residents will be grateful to any politician who can get the council moving on this one, be they SNP, Labour, Lib Dem, Tory, independent or otherwise. So thanks Alan & Aileen for coming to take a look, as James Robb and Jackie Baillie have previously done.
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Is it not a bit odd to announce the Chair of Cowal and Bute Area Committee before one third of that area has even had a chance to elect its councillors?
I realise Roddy is trying to steal a march here, and this sort of manoeuvring is to be expected. But is it not a bit disrespectful towards the people of Dunoon that their councillors are – by dint of timing – not even in the reckoning?
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No spokesperson for the Environment?
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I note ‘education and learning’ has been kepy open for mr Breslin or another? Another day would have been better, but new admin very keen to get off starting blocks.
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Phil, I think you may need to edit your comment. The word “bllocks” either needs one less “L” or an additional “O”.
Sorry – couldn’t resist!
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Oops, thanks Bob! Corrected….
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If this is going to be a truly progressive alliance they will need to tackle the iniquitous social care charging system as a matter of urgency.
An independent survey has shown that it charges some of the highest rates in Scotland. It seems to regularly bill service users for services they haven’t received and appears to have been designed by the finance department for the finance department and not for the service users or their care managers.
Either by luck or design the Progressive Alliance has made an inspired choice in Anne Horn as the champion for vulnerable adults. I hope that her sound understanding of their problems, allied to her well known propensity for hard work, will start to overcome many of the problems of social care and bring more fairness to the system.
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Totally agree,
I spoke to councilor McCuish last year about the deliberate exclusion of service users in any crucial engagement regards charges for service provision and he was shocked that there was no dialogue regards charges with clients.
I suspect the officers done the deal with well paid mangers in the voluntary sector and the commissioning team.If so, it’s absolutely shameful by Loudon.
Through ForArgyl, I again challenge Sally Loudon, Douglas Hendry, or Jim Robb (Adult Care)to a proper consultation in the Corran Halls with the appropriate councilors. True to form they have run away. Cowards!
I would urge Councilor McCuish to order a review of these charges immediately. I am being charged 75% of my disposable income.
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Luck is always a useful component when engaged in government but I can assure Bob Chicken that her colleagues and friends are well aware of Anne Horn’s abilities and her suitability for this appountment.
Apropos Mairi’s comment at #1 I suspect that Roddy is not banking on Mr Walsh’s support!
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Nice to be smiling this morning
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Oh yes, one more thing on the Social Care agenda. How about planning for returning the unique services of Neighbourhood Networks to our communities?
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I think it is safe to say Education has been kept as to be concluded until after the result of today’s election. I don’t know Michael Breslin but, from what I have heard, he is the obvious candidate for the role.
I thought George Freeman might by appointed as Deputy Leader due to his somewhat lengthy experience (sorry George!) within the Council however, that said, John Semple is a fine candidate for the job and I have no doubt he will support Roddy McCuish superbly.
A number of other very sensible choices. Good to see George returning to the role of Housing Spokesperson. It was shamefully stripped of him and his knowledge in this area means he is comfortably the best man for the job.
I am also very pleased to see James Robb as the Finance Spokesperson. He has proven he has a fine grasp of LG finances and it is unlikely that some of the financial errors made in the past two years will get by him as easily as they got by the previous administration (deliberately or otherwise).
The staff liaison role, if the anecdotal (I put that in for Simon) evidence that ARSN has picked up over the past 18 months is anything to go by, is a very welcome and overdue idea. Dougie Philand is an ideal choice, approachable, very fair and a track record of putting the job before himself.
Other choices which were no brainers based on previous experience and clearly communicated commitments are Anne Horn as the Adult’s Champion, Elaine Robertson as Carer’s champion and Louise Glen-Lee’s spokesperson role.
All in all it would appear the right people have been selected for the right jobs and it is good to see that the majority of the deputies are new councillors – hopefully this aid in development and stand them in good stead for future roles
Good luck to all of them.
And as a last point – James as Chair of H&L Area Committee – fantastic! Cllr Dance always liked to lord over any position of authority she had, somewhat satisfying to see she has next to none now.
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Integrity – Thumbs up just for your last sentence :.)
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This is a not-so-little ‘challenge’ for the new chair of education – whoever that may be.
http://neverseconds.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/tuesday-8th-may.html
This has gone truly viral, and has even been (mis)-reported by the Daily Mail.
And yes – I know it is a school in Argyll. In the Minister for Education’s own constituency. Expect this to reach the BBC and news outlets today, is my guess.
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Mairi, brilliant link. How do you know its Argyll though? Had a look for more info, but couldn’t find any.
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html
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Lochgilphead Joint Campus – named and shamed!!!
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I find it very difficult to believe that these photos are of meals at the Lochgilphead joint campus, because the ‘Eatwell Plate’ on the ‘Healthy Hub’ section of the school’s website indicates an approx. 30% fruit & veg content in a balanced diet. Something doesn’t add up.
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Take my word for it, CSB. I hate it when people say that to me, but it is.
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Also, the story and the pictures have just been on “The Wright Stuff”, Anne Diamond expressing disgust, etc, etc.
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Newsroom – might be worth putting this ‘school-dinners’ side-show in a separate story.
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Off Topic,
Can I get a lift at the usual place, and time, this Sunday. Thank You.
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Took your prompt below, Mairi. Done. Thanks.
Awful looking stuff, isn’t it.
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Thanks Mairi. I know my kids often complain that the stuff is tasteless and unhealthy.
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Delighted to see James Robb as Helensburgh and Lomond area chairman. First job: stop the CHORD destruction of Colquhoun Square. Second job: Take charge of the CHORD board.
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Third job: Don’t let Vivien Dance anywhere near the CHORD project
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ALL CORD schemes throughout Argyll must be put into suspension and reviewed. In fact even the principles behind CORD needs looking into and a fresh alternative brought forward.
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This would be wise. Much of the programme is formless and in disarray. It has now lost a key member of staff, its Programme Coordinator. who is moving south to a new job.
All in all, this has to be the right moment for executive intervention and reform – and no consultants. If council officers are not up to doing this themselves, they are not up to their jobs.
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Ta for that Newsroom.
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And don’t let Vivien Dance anywhere near the Planning Committee in future! Her close links with property developers in Helensburgh make her unfit to serve on that committee in a proper way. Send her elsewhere!
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As far away from Argyll & Bute as possible.
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Robert MacIntyre as Chair of Bute & Cowal Area Committee??
Will he stay awake long enough to get past the round of “Good Mornings”
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I suggest Argyll First change their group name to the more appropriate MONEY FIRST . Thirty pieces of silver to betray 305 years of successful Union .
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what a vindictive and narrow minded attitude. You may not agree with an individuals politics but you should at least respect their right to have another perspective than yours. At least Argyll First have the temerity to put aside any doctrinal differences for the benefit of the local community with a wish to at least improve and open up the Argyll and Bute Council functions that require serious attention. They also put their names to their comments and actions as do I. ITS A PITY YOU ARE NOT BRAVE ENOUGH to do similar. What have you got to hide?
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Islay for ever: No mention of the people and the land of SCOTLAND being sold out to the puppet prince william just for the protection of the engaylish
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There you go again , the mask slips to display the ugly racist anti – English nastiness of the Scottish Nationalists
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Islay for ever
Don’t class me with the Scottish nationalists, the SNP have sold us out just like the lords and lairds of old (look up salmond and agenda21 treaty of Rio) as for a “mask” sorry but I don’t wear one, I have no need of a king queen or Pope LOL as for “ugly racist anti engaylish” well that just has my sides splitting, guess the white settler English in Scotland have had a humour bypass my English business partners have always found the funny side to the “engaylish title or my favourite engerland (German queen)
But guess Argyll has gone all PC on me since I was away working in England and Wales
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I think this is meant as a punishment for the people of Bute and Cowal!
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