The
prevailing wind drives garbage up to the head of the loch where it is deposited
on the beach. The beach was seldom cleared and was a dreadful eyesore. We
organised teams of local volunteers to carry out a number of beach cleans which
helped to keep the litter in check.
We had discussions with the A&B council regarding the inadequacy of the recycling bins provided. We also requested the services of a Village Orderly to help keep the village tidy.
The
community has very good provision for pre-school age and primary school
children, but a need was recognized for a youth group to serve an older age
group.
Regeneration of Bendarroch Park, including
the Swing Park project.
Support
was given to action for a new Medical Centre.
Campaign
for banking facilities in the village.
Paths
and Cycle Ways, including a footpath connecting Garelochhead and Portincaple.
A&B Council have now increased their
beach cleaning activities and the voluntary efforts became unnecessary and have been discontinued.
A
Village Orderly has been appointed and his efforts are much appreciated.
Additional recycling bins
have been provided.
The
Trust co-operated with Rev. Alistair Duncan of Garelochhead Parish Church in
setting up a youth group- Route81. A proposal to provide a facility for the
group in the old RC church building proved impractical and was dropped. The
project was carried forward and the group is now active and successful in
accommodation provided by the Parish Church. A scheme to provide a facility for
the group in the old
Outdoor Centre is ongoing. Go
to Route81 page.
The
Swing Park project is progressing. The first phase, comprising the Junior
Climbing Frame, the Swing and Orbiter, is complete. The cost of this phase was
£25,160. We are pressing on with fundraising activities to facilitate the
remainder of the project.
We
campaigned for action to replace the disused tennis courts in the park. A state
of the art sports pitch with changing facilities has now been provided and is
used by a number of groups.
The
new Medical Centre is now operational with improved facilities and services.
Adequate parking spaces are available. Repeat prescriptions can be passed
directly to the new pharmacy in the village, avoiding the need for a double trip
to collect medication.
Preliminary
proposals for a path connecting Garelochhead and Portincaple were prepared, but
the project turned out to be controversial, as not all residents of Portincaple
were in agreement regarding the desirability of the scheme. The original
proposals were dropped and a more modest plan was under consideration. The Peninsula Path
group was also pursuing path projects resulting in duplication of negotiations
with other parties. This proved to be counter-productive and we have stepped
back to clear the ground for the Peninsula group to handle path projects.
A Cash
Machine is now available at the post office and the Mini Market. A mobile bank visits the
village once a week.
