MULL & IONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Minutes of the meeting held on 2nd August 2004 in Craignure Hall
PRESENT:
Sandy Brunton, Michael Ackerley, Tom Bettley, John Cable, Olive Brown, Derek Crook, Georgia O’Neill
APOLOGIES:
Alan Parker
TRANSPORT STRATEGY:
Michael Elwis, chairman of the Mull & Iona Ferry Committee, gave a presentation to the Chamber. He outlined the aims of the committee and improvements that have been made to our transport system as a result. The Ferry Committee has been compiling a Transport Strategy document that is due for submission on Sept 1st 2004. Mr Elwis asked the Chamber to reconsider its decision not to support this document (support being withdrawn due to concerns about the late addition to the document that proposed a road be built through Glen Forsa). He would be willing to include a paragraph with the document that noted the Chamber’s opposition to this point, whilst still giving the Chamber’s support to the rest of the Transport Strategy. Sandy thanked Michael for his presentation – a discussion then took place about whether to reconsider supporting the Transport Strategy wholly or partially, or to continue withholding the Chamber’s support to the document. It was agreed that the clause regarding a road through Glen Forsa was detrimental to the rest of the document. Derek proposed that the Chamber could not support the document, seconded by Tom. It was agreed unanimously that the Chamber would not support the document. <Michael> will respond to the Ferry Committee, reasserting the Chamber’s objection to the inclusion of plans to develop the Glen Forsa Road, and other shortfalls in the document.
MINUTES:
Proposed by Derek, seconded by Michael
MATTERS ARISING:
Constitution
The subcommittee regarding the new constitution will be postponed until September.
Publicity
Georgia has still to contact Am Muileach to advertise meetings.
Bank Account
Tom had contacted the bank about options for an account with better access, perhaps online. It was decided to stick with the account as it is, but request an extended statement.
Private Hire Vehicles
Michael had written to Councillor Banks about Arthur Brown’s case, and had received a very full & prompt response. He is waiting for feedback from Mr Brown regarding whether the issue had been resolved and also to know if assistance from Glasgow Chamber had been of any help.
Membership
Still ongoing
ECOCHARTER
Window stickers are being issued to participants of the scheme. The Oban Times will be writing a feature about the Charter.
RENEWABLE ENERGY FORUM
There was a very good response of 18 replies to John’s email questionnaire. Lessons have been learnt about how to send questionnaires successfully via email! Most notable response was a strong opposition to large wind farm developments and exporting power off island. John emphasised that members of the Forum should advocate the views of the groups they represent, rather than their personal opinions. Any more responses to the questionnaire are still welcomed. <John> will send a resume of the replies to <Georgia> to email to members. Sandy thanked John for all his work so far with this project.
TRANSPORT
It was agreed that a ‘Lobby List’ be compiled of MPs, MSPs etc <Derek> volunteered to do this.
PRESIDENT:
Sandy reported on his and Michael’s successful meeting with Maureen McMillan, list MSP. They discussed transport issues, especially the proposed weight restrictions for Mull’s roads.
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce have set up ‘Chamber telecom’ offering a discount rate telephone service. Sandy received £1,300 reimbursement for travel expenses to attend Insular. This was a contribution from AIE.
WEBSITE:
There are still problems with Freezone hosting the site. Information about the Eco charter has been added.
TREASURER:
Tom reported a balance of £?,???.??p, for reasons best known to himself. Perhaps he is still reeling from the increase in Hall Fees to £7.50 per hour.
SECRETARY:
Chamber’s mail is now going to Olive (via the distillery). <Georgia> will collect it from Brown’s shop. Derek suggested we have a Post Office Box, <Georgia> will enquire about price.
A letter was received from Chamber member David Woodhouse asking about the Chamber’s policy regarding National Parks. The topic will be discussed at the next meeting, <John> will reply to Mr Woodhouse’s letter.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Monday 6th September 2004
