Councillor's Column - September 15 2023

Councillor Alastair Redman, Kintyre and the Islands.

 

Tarbert play park

 

I have received numerous reports from my constituents in Tarbert about the play park next to the school carpark still remaining unfinished. There is practically no play equipment for children to use.

 

I have visited the site myself and I share local residents' justifiable anger about this.

 

I'm very disappointed that the council hasn't acted more quickly on this.

 

The council needs to listen more to the concerns of my constituents and act. What we need now is action not words.

 

Tarbert soup kitchen and pantry

 

I was delighted to make a wee donation (along with many others) to the Tarbert soup  kitchen and pantry recently.

 

Groups like this need all the support they can get.

 

A big thanks Heather, Kellie, Gary and everyone else who helps this growing venture.

 

 

Potholes

 

Potholes remain a huge issue that my constituents continue to contact myself about.

 

Piecemeal patchwork and quick fixes are not a proper solution to our crumbling roads what is needed is resurfacing.

 

So many areas of my council ward have roads which are covered with short term potholes repairs on top even more short-term pothole repairs.

 

A lack of road maintenance services in an area ultimately results in a failing transport system, soaring costs and a significant financial cost to the local economy and population.

 

Specifically, insufficient road maintenance leads to reduced service delivery and decreased safety on the roads.

 

Electric cars on our ferries

 

I have written a letter to Mr Robbie Drummond, the Managing Director of Caledonian MacBrayne.

 

In the letter I raise concerns regarding the transportation of electric vehicles across our ferry network. This is not only a concern of my own, it has also been highlighted to me by many of my constituents.

 

The need for more housing

 

I have been in contact with many constituents about housing matters.

 

Unfortunately some of my constituents are having to live in substantially over occupied properties.

 

I am working with the housing associations including from my position as a board member of ACHA to resolve this ongoing situation.

 

 

Supporting our farmers and crofters

 

I was very happy to attend this year's Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Show and the Kintyre show with my wife.

 

It was great to speak with so many farmers, crofters and small businesses proprietors, and listen to their concerns on important local and national matters.

 

We spoke about feed prices, fuel prices, broadband speed and the poor quality of our infrastructure.

 

It's essential that we do all that we can to support our rural economy wherever possible.

 

A huge thank you to all the hard working volunteers who helped make this year's show possible.

 

Back our local businesses

 

I have spoken to a number of local businesses about the various challenges they are facing including the problems caused by our unreliable ferry service and the A83 disruptions although there has been some positive news with inflation dropping recently.