Public reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 1 September 2022
Back to Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee — 1 September 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal Agus Bhòid Executive Director: Douglas Hendry Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 602127 Fax: 01546 604435 DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 25 August 2022 NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE will be held ON A HYBRID BASIS BY MICROSOFT TEAMS AND IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, KILMORY, LOCHGILPHEAD on THURSDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 2022 at 10:30 AM, which you are requested to attend. Douglas Hendry Executive Director BUSINESS 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (IF ANY) 3. MINUTES (Pages 3 - 8) Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 2 June 2022 4. SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEWS 2021/22: DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH SERVICES & ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES (Pages 9 - 42) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services 5. WINTER SERVICE POLICY 2022-23 (Pages 43 - 76) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure 6. FOOTWAYS RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME 2022-23 (TO FOLLOW) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure 7. STREET LIGHTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS/LED PROJECT AND REPLACEMENT COLUMNS PROGRAMME 2022-23 (Pages 77 - 82) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure 8. TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECTS & REGENERATION TEAM - LARGE SCALE PROJECT UPDATE REPORT (Pages 83 - 98) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Public Document Pack
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REPORTS FOR NOTING 9. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 2015 - ALLOTMENTS WAITING LIST REGISTER (Pages 99 - 102) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support 10. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE WORKPLAN (Pages 103 - 104) EXEMPT REPORT FOR DECISION E1 11. WASTE STRATEGY UPDATE (Pages 105 - 114) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure The Committee will be asked to pass a resolution in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the public for items of business with an “E” on the grounds that it is likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in the appropriate paragraph of Part I of Schedule 7a to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The appropriate paragraph is:- E1 Paragraph 6 Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority). Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee Councillor John Armour Councillor Jan Brown Councillor Garret Corner Councillor Robin Currie (Chair) Councillor Mark Irvine Councillor Andrew Kain (Vice-Chair) Councillor Donald Kelly Councillor Jim Lynch Councillor Tommy MacPherson Councillor Ian MacQuire Councillor Luna Martin Councillor Ross Moreland Councillor William Sinclair Councillor Andrew Vennard Councillor Peter Wallace Contact: Hazel MacInnes Tel: 01546 604269
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MINUTES of MEETING of ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE held in the COUNCIL CHAMBER, KILMORY, LOCHGILPHEAD AND ON A HYBRID MEETING BASIS BY MS TEAMS ATTENDANCE on THURSDAY, 2 JUNE 2022 Present: Councillor Robin Currie (Chair) Councillor John Armour Councillor Jan Brown Councillor Garret Corner Councillor Mark Irvine Councillor Andrew Kain Councillor Jim Lynch Councillor Tommy MacPherson Councillor Ian MacQuire Councillor Luna Martin Councillor Ross Moreland Councillor William Sinclair Councillor Andrew Vennard Councillor Peter Wallace Attending: Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth Jim Smith, Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services Stuart McLean, Committee Manager Nathan Gallogley, Staycation Officer 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were received from Councillors John McAlpine and Donald Kelly. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Councillor Jim Lynch declared a non-financial interest in item 10 (Update on Staycation Proposals) as he was a member of the GRAB Trust. Having noted the updated Standards Commission Guidance in relation to declarations (issued on 7 December 2021) with specific reference to section 5.4(c) he did not consider that he had a relevant connection and as such would remain the meeting and speak and vote on this report. 3. MINUTES The Minute of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 3 March 2022 was approved as a correct record. 4. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FQ4 - 2021/22 - DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH & ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES A paper presenting the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee with the FQ4 2021/22 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Development and Economic Growth and Roads and Infrastructure Services was considered. Decision The Committee reviewed and scrutinised the FQ4 2021/22 KPI Report as presented. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services dated 25 April 2022, submitted) Page 3 Agenda Item 3
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5. ROADS CAPITAL RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME 2022/23 UPDATE At the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 3 March 2022 a programme of roads reconstruction works was endorsed. Since the programme was set, there have been significant international occurrences which have affected the prices of both fuel and bitumen. A report providing an update on the roads reconstruction programme for 2022/23 was before the Committee for consideration. Decision The Committee:- 1. Endorsed the approach taken to deliver the programme within budget given the price increases; and 2. Noted that the 2022/23 footway programme would be reported to the September Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated 20 May 2022, submitted) 6. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS - COUNCIL FUNDED A report providing Members with information on the Council funded projects and schemes being taken forward by the Roads and Infrastructure Service was considered. Decision The Committee:- 1. Endorsed the overall programme of council funded projects being taken forward by Roads and Instructure Services; 2. Noted that a programme of street lighting column replacements will be brought to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee in September 2022 and 3. Agreed to the Chair of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure approaching the Scottish Government with a view to securing additional resources to support the scheme to repair the damaged Bute sea wall. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated 24 May 2022, submitted) 7. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS - EXTERNALLY FUNDED A report providing Members with information on the wide ranging programme of works which are externally funded considered. Page 4
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Decision The Committee:- 1. Endorsed the overall programme of major externally funded projects being taken forward by Roads and Instructure Services; 2. Endorsed the programme of bridge works set out at Appendix 1 of the report; 3. Endorsed the programme of playpark works identified as High Priority set out at Appendix 2 of the report; and 4. Instructed Officers to undertake a more robust consultation process with communities for future rounds of funding in respect of playpark works. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services dated May 2022, submitted) 8. DIGITAL EXCLUSION FUND - UPDATE The Council established a £250,000 Digital Exclusion Fund at its budget meeting on 25 February 2021. The Fund was created to support communities and in some cases individuals that are missing out on national programmes due to logistics and economies of scale. A report bringing forward two proposals for funding from the Digital Exclusion Fund was considered. Decision The Committee approved:- 1. The provision of capital funding to Kerrera Digital Infrastructure project to a maximum of £40,000; and 2. The provision of revenue funding to a maximum of £10,000, should the Islands Infrastructure Find bid be successful, in order to provide connectivity charges for identified island community halls for a period of 24 months. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 19 May 2022, submitted) 9. ECONOMIC STRATEGY AND RECOVERY PLAN UPDATE Members approved a new Economic Strategy for Argyll and Bute in March 2019 and a high level economic recovery plan in June 2020 for the Argyll and Bute region in response to the Covid 19 pandemic. In August 2020, a further report to the Business Continuity Committee identified key objectives and actions that needed to be taken forward to assist with economic recovery. A report providing Members with a brief economic overview and an update on progress on both the actions agreed in the original economic strategy approved in June 2019 and the subsequent recovery plan approved in 2020, was considered. Page 5
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Decision The Committee:- 1. Considered the contents of this report and noted the updated Argyll and Bute Economic Strategy Actions contained in Appendix 1 of the report and also noted the progress of the Economic Recovery Plan Actions identified in Appendix 2 of the report; and 2. Considered and noted the intention to look at future economic priorities given the rapidly changing economy. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated May 2022, submitted) 10. UPDATE ON STAYCATION PROPOSALS The Council allocated two funding pots to support staycations in Argyll and Bute. £500,000 was allocated from the 2021/22 budget and supplemented by a further £100,000 from the 2022/23 budget to support the delivery of a range of facilities across Argyll and Bute necessary to support camping and motorhome staycations. Consideration was given to a report providing an update on the staycation facilities approved in December 2021 by the Committee for 2022, which were now set up and operational. Decision The Committee:- 1. Noted and considered the content of the paper; and 2. Noted that Staycation was an evolving process with key milestones identified throughout the year and beyond. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 7 June 2022, submitted) 11. TRANSPORT FOR STRATHCLYDE: A NEW PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK Consideration was given to a report advising of correspondence received from the Chair of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) which sought support from local authorities for the vision and direction detailed within “Transport for Strathclyde: A New Public Transport Network”. Decision The Committee:- 1. Noted the letter from Councillor Dr Martin Bartos, Chair of SPT; and 2. Supported the vision and direction detailed in the letter. Page 6
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(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth/Roads and Infrastructure Services dated April 2022, submitted) 12. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE WORK PLAN 2022/23 The Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee work plan was before the Committee for information. Decision The Committee noted the contents of the work plan. (Reference: Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee Work 2022/23, submitted) Page 7
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 1 SEPTEMBER 2022 SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEWS 2021/22 – DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH SERVICE ROAD AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The Council’s Performance and Improvement Framework (PIF) sets out the presentation process for regular performance reporting. This paper presents the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Services Committee (EDI) with the Service Annual Performance Reviews and Scorecard 2021/22 for the above Services. 1.2 It is recommended that the EDI Committee reviews and approves the Service Annual Performance Reviews (Service APRs) and Scorecards 2021/22 as presented prior to publishing on the Council Website. Page 9 Agenda Item 4
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 1 SEPTEMBER 2022 SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEWS 2021/22– DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH SERVICE ROAD AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 The Council’s Performance and Improvement Framework (PIF) sets out the presentation process for regular performance reporting. This paper presents the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Services Committee (EDI) with the Service Annual Performance Reviews 2021/22 and Scorecards for the above Services. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that the EDI Committee reviews and approves the Service Annual Performance Reviews (Service APRs) and Scorecards 2021/22 as presented prior to publishing on the Council Website. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 At the end of the financial year each Service presents a review that illustrates the positive contribution to our communities, the significant challenges and any consultations that the Service has carried out. 4.2 Case Studies contained within the review have been identified by Senior Officers and provide a broad range of imaginative and exceptional examples of service delivery throughout Argyll and Bute. 4.3 Each Service APR is supported by the Services’ year-end Scorecard and as expected due to the nature of service delivery the Service APRs differ in style and content. 4.4 Following approval of the Service APRs a selection of outstanding and informative examples will be collated for inclusion in the Council Annual Report 2021/22 in due course. 4.5 The Service Annual Performance Reviews and Scorecards 2021/22 are presented in the following order:- Development and Economic Growth Service Road and Infrastructure Services Page 10
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5.0 IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Policy None 5.2 Financial None 5.3 Legal The Council has a duty to deliver best value under the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 5.4 HR None 5.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: 5.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics None 5.5.2 Socio-economic Duty None 5.5.3 Islands None 5.6. Climate Change None 5.7 Risk Ensures that all our performance information is reported in a balanced manner 5.8 Customer Service None Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services 13 July 2022 Policy Leads: Councillors. Robin Currie, Ross Moreland, Liz McCabe, Andrew Kain For further information contact: Jane Fowler, Head of Customer Support Services 01546 604466 Appendix 1 Service Annual Performance Reviews and Scorecards 2021/22 Page 11
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 1 NAME OF SERVICE: DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH PERIOD: FINANCIAL YEAR 2021/22 1. DELIVERING OUR OUTCOMES Our case studies help illustrate the positive contribution the Service has made to our communities and provides examples of good service delivery. Corporate Outcome 1: People Live Active, Healthier And Independent Lives Business Outcome BO103: We Enable A Choice of Suitable Housing Options a) Empty Homes The official ‘Empty Homes Team’ at Argyll and Bute Council, has just one Empty Homes Officer (EHO). However, as anyone who works in the field of empty homes will understand no EHO undertakes their role in isolation and collaborative and partnership working is crucial in our everyday roles, which is something we do really well across our teams. The EHO is a key member of the wider housing team; all housing roles are closely aligned to ensure that staff are working towards the key aims and objectives of the Local Housing Strategy which includes maximising the use of existing resources and bringing empty homes back into use. A few examples of pro-active collaborative working just within the area housing teams include: close working between EHO and local Housing Improvement Officers, co-ordinating advice and actions to encourage investment in common repairs in tenements when looking at options to bring individual empty units back into use. Ensuring there is regular communication and signposting to the EHO from across the team when empty homes are involved in other renovation and regeneration projects, or when advice enquiries are received. More widely, the EHO has the opportunity to regularly feed into the development of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan and local Housing Need and Demand issues, to ensure that we maximise use of existing stock if it offers suitable solutions. Empty homes have been renovated with assistance of grant funding and brought back into use as temporary homeless accommodation. We are also currently working with an owner renovating properties for possible use by NHS staff. Another diverse approach is Homeless staff contacting the EHO to bring to attention any Section 11 Notices that have been received from Lenders - this is a new protocol following on from good practice identified in the overlap of a mutual case. With systems already in place for agile working, the EHO has been able to provide advice and assistance throughout the whole pandemic. Whilst site visits were restricted, we could engage by alternative means to ensure delivering an efficient service as possible, even participating in Zoom calls with owners on our personal devices to accommodate I.T. compatibility. Page 13
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 2 Within the Council the EHO has strived to establish strong and meaningful working practices across a number of internal services all of which contribute to supporting the EHO to achieve outcomes. Partnership working takes the shape of assisting in tracing owners, instigating action, or helping find funding or practical solutions. We continue to develop our partnerships to find suitable and innovative ways to assist owners and communities bring empty homes back into use. A few examples include: • EHO is the Chair of our Area Property Action Groups which brings together Officers from range of Departments who deal with the most problematic buildings, and agree ways to engage with owners and find solutions; • The EHO attends the Strategic Housing Forum to provide an update in the service, this highlights the high level priority and commitment that bringing empty homes back into use is for our Housing Partnership; • Fraud Team – recent quote from Team Leader following joint working noted that “the EHO is an adopted member of our team!” recognition of how team working approach as strengthened relationships between Departments; • Joint piece of work with EHO in Stirling Council to raise the profile of Empty Homes within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. A joint blog has been produced which was a great opportunity to highlight issues of empty homes and help available! Whilst the empty homes service in Argyll and Bute Council has been established for a number of years, it continues to grow from strength to strength despite capacity remaining the same. The EHO has an overall remit to assist and encourage owners to bring empty homes back into use with an annual target set. This is monitored through the Local Housing Strategy. However, this in essence doesn’t capture the wider outcomes that the EHO has achieved working in partnership, some include: • Over 500 empty homes brought back into use • The EHO and Council Tax Department work extremely closely together, effective communication is key to the success of this partnership. A recent example is where the EHO was alerted to a request to change the status of an account after a letter was issued confirming property had been empty over 2 years to claim reduced VAT rate –this enabled the EHO to discuss the implications of project with the empty home owner who would have no longer been entitled to reduced VAT rate. • Implementation of a bespoke Empty/Abandoned Homes Enabling Budget to facilitate and/or instigate action to bring empty homes back into use • First Empty Homes CPO concluded - renovation works undertaken with no financial support and flat leased as private let • Worked in conjunction with Mull and Iona Community Trust to undertake joint communication exercise with all registered empty home owners on the Island. Page 14
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 3 • Hebridean Trust in Tiree supported by the EHO to drive forward plans for the long term use of all their buildings whilst assisting them to bring six listed empty flats back into use. Due to the scale of scheme, the EHO established a working group of relevant partners to maximise support to take this project forward. • The EHO is working with Islay Development Initiative to bring two empty flats back into use as affordable housing. This also provides unique opportunity to consider a plug and play model on the grounds of property for additional housing provision. • Regular Shelter Best Practice Group contribution and also provided support and shared good practice with a number of Local Authorities over the course of 2021 including: development of empty homes grant schemes; new Empty Homes Officer peer support; sharing details on funding mechanisms; and bespoke case management demonstration. • Winner of outstanding team and Scottish Empty Homes Conference 2022. Page 15
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 4 Corporate Outcome 2: People Will Live In Safer and Stronger Communities Business Outcome BO1014: Our communities and supported and protected a) Covid public health control measures National Covid restrictions to businesses and communities were still in place in April 2021, and these changed over the reporting year. This placed additional responsibilities on the Councils Environmental Health service to support and enforce standards within businesses to ensure compliance with relevant public health control measures. The changing landscape of controls made this work challenging and an example of this was the introduction of the vaccine certification scheme affecting some 220 licensed premises in Argyll and Bute. Through a proactive approach, businesses adapted their activities to develop compliance plans or bring their operation out with these requirements in a two-week period. In the period 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022, the environmental team carried out 862 Covid interventions and investigated 773 business enquiries and complaints. Compliance levels were high with 7 formal notices issued. This is excellent performance by the environmental health team in challenging times, when they also were involved in the management of Covid outbreaks with NHS Highland and referrals through the Test and Protect regime. b) Retaining Customer Standards Excellence accreditation Planning and Regulatory Services retained their Customer Standards Excellence accreditation in 21/22 with the number of compliance-plus criteria increasing from 4 to 7, and 2 other partial criteria classified as fully compliant. This is a very positive outcome, particularly as services had to introduce new ways of working during the Covid pandemic. c) Customer Service Requests resolved within targets Demand on Regulatory Services to respond to customer service requests increased during the pandemic, from 1,549 in 2019/20 to 2444 in 21/22 (excluding export health certificates), an increase of 56%. This was particularly challenging and resource intensive, but the team responded well achieving 70% (increasing to 85% with export health certificates) resolved within service targets. Given the increasing workload, a demand reduction project to review our triaging system for service requests will be carried out in 22/23, which may result in some complaints types not being investigated or being dealt with differently. Page 16
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 5 d) Local Air Quality Local Air Quality Progress report 2021 for Argyll and Bute prepared by the environmental health, concluded that local air quality in Argyll and Bute continues to show a long-term steady or falling trend, with a marked reduction at most monitoring locations during 2020. e) Air services out to the islands Argyll and Bute Council operate three licensed aerodromes at Oban, Coll and Colonsay. These aerodromes are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as required by law to allow scheduled passenger flight services (for use by paying members of the public) to land and take off. The licensed aerodromes above support the Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services out to the islands of Coll, Colonsay and Tiree (Tiree airport is owned by Scottish Govt and operated by Highlands and Islands Airports). Support to the firefighting staff and inspection of the aerodromes on Coll and Colonsay is provided by the Station Manager and two Crew Commanders from Oban airport. There are also scholar flights to the islands at the weekend. The air services transport pupils from the islands of Coll and Colonsay to Oban High School allowing them valuable time with their families during the weekend and offering further resilience in the event of ferry service cancellations during the winter months. (Tiree has its own high school). The PSO air services have proved essential for service provision to the islands with the NHS, Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll Community Housing Association being key business users. During the Covid pandemic the Council continued to support and operate the air services out to the islands with all seats reserved for travel for essential users only e.g. key workers, NHS staff or island residents on the Wed and Thurs flights. The Council worked with the operator Hebridean Air Services to convert t weekend flights to cargo flights. The eight seats were removed from the aircraft to make way for freight. Page 17
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 6 f) Digital connectivity The Council continues to have a significant interest and provide support to the national effort as it continues to improve communication infrastructure across our rural areas. The Council’s Strategic Transportation and Infrastructure Team continues to provide support acting as a single point of contact for Government Officials, Industry bodies and numerous external consultants by providing assistance when it is required. Feedback from consultants has been complimentary of the processes which the council has implemented to assist in the progress of digital connectivity. With the numerous Government and Commercial programmes currently active, even through the difficult national lockdown the free flow of information, continuous communication and support has provided dividends with these national programmes. Our cross departmental working continues to play a major role in the successful development of digital connectivity across the area. g) Active Travel Active Travel is an overarching term covering journeys made by a physically active means, for example walking, wheelchair, cycling or scooting. Active Travel projects are usually split into two types, infrastructure and behaviour change, although some projects can include elements of both within a single project. Infrastructure development and delivery aims to provide high-quality, accessible routes for people to walk/wheelchair and, in the case of cycleways/cyclepaths to cycle or scoot, thereby enabling and encouraging them to travel actively. Research has identified that a lack of suitable and safe routes are one of the most frequently cited reasons for not travelling more actively. These physical barriers can be relatively minor items, for example lack of dropped kerbs, or larger, for example the lack of an off-carriageway route. This is particularly notable within Argyll and Bute where the majority of walking and/or cycling provision is limited or non-existent out with the built up areas, forcing users to walk/cycle on national speed limit carriageways. Behaviour Change projects are designed to overcome challenges to give people the confidence or incentive to travel more actively, for example by providing walking or cycle training, by providing individualized travel plans to demonstrate the viability of travelling more actively within their life or providing activities which encourage active travel. Behaviour change elements are becoming increasingly common within infrastructure projects in order to encourage use of the infrastructure to maximise the benefits to the community. Research has demonstrated that increased activity, including travelling actively, has significant physical and mental health benefits, reduces inequality, creates a healthier and more productive workforce and reduces congestion and transport related pollution (e.g. air, noise and visual). As such promotion of active travel delivers benefits and savings across both the public and private sectors while supporting economic development and healthier, happier lives. Page 18
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 7 Argyll and Bute Council’s Strategic Transportation Team during 21/22 has delivered active travel projects totalling £80k from Smarter Choices Smarter Places funding, £195k from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, £376k from Cycling Walking Safer Routes and £628k from Sustrans funding. Business Outcome BO105: Our Natural Environment Is Protected And Respected. a) Building Standards meets all key performance measures Building Standards met all key performance measures in 2021/22. Building Warrant numbers have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels although the service were successful in obtaining commercial work in vetting applications from Scottish Borders and East Lothian Council. b) Dangerous Buildings The lack of maintenance in private properties has been challenging leading to an increase in reports of dangerous buildings. Building Standards surveyors are required to inspect these properties and where there are risks to the public, take action to remove these dangers. Any enforcement action can be challenging, particularly where the owners refuse to take immediate repairs, and initiation works in default has been resource intensive. An example is a fire affecting 4 commercial and a residential properties on the main shopping area in Dunoon, where the Council had to initiate actions to partially demolish the properties to remove immediate dangers and secure the site. There was continued pressure to clear the site and this took some months, following negotiations with the different owners and insurance companies. Page 19
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 8 c) Building Standards one of a few local authorities to introduce the new Building Standards Scotland Competency Framework Building Standards was one of a few local authorities to introduce the new Building Standards Scotland Competency Framework. This was successfully introduced through an officer-working group, which identified that we have an experienced, professional and competent team, with some personal and professional training needs incorporated within a formal plan. Corporate Outcome 5: Our Economy is diverse and thriving Business Outcome BO110: We Support Businesses, Employment and Development Opportunities a) Business Gateway support is the perfect piece for local jewellery maker A jewellery designer based in Cardross, Argyll and Bute, has enhanced its e-commerce offering in response to the Covid pandemic, with support from Business Gateway via DigitalBoost, Scotland’s national digital upskilling programme, and grant support from Argyll and Bute Council. Led by husband-and-wife team Linda and Matt Scott, Linda Macdonald Jewellery specialises in hand-crafted silver and gold jewellery. The business benefited from Business Gateway support during the Covid pandemic as it navigated retail store closures along with wholesale and supplier issues. Page 20
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 9 With over 100 stockists in the UK and overseas, the team has been working with the service to grow the business for almost ten years. Most recently, Linda approached Business Gateway for support as the online retail side of the business grew during the pandemic. Through DigitalBoost, Linda and Matt accessed one to one support from a digital expert as well as digital webinars and online resources. Linda Macdonald Jewellery also secured Recovery grant funding from the Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator Programme to help with the cost of enhancing the existing e-commerce platform and the development of a hard copy trade brochure and digital display, as COVID restrictions ease and in-person events are back on the cards. The Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator Programme is funded by Argyll and Bute Council and the European Regional Development Fund 2014-20 Structural Funds Programme. Linda said: “It’s been great to have the support of Business Gateway during what has been a very challenging period to run a business. Through DigitalBoost, we were able to access expert help which was invaluable as we started the process of improving our e-commerce offering. Additionally, the Recovery grant funding secured through the Local Growth Accelerator Programme was particularly helpful, allowing us to invest in upgrading our website and marketing materials as our focus shifts to recovering post-pandemic and getting back to business as usual.” Page 21
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 10 Jen Smith, Business Adviser for Business Gateway Argyll and Bute, said: “It is rewarding to see how this package of support has shaped Linda and Matt’s digital journey, and we’re pleased they have increased confidence to move to a greater focus on digital capabilities. Having a strong online presence will continue to be vital for businesses as we emerge from the pandemic. Through the DigitalBoost programme, digital specialists are available to help businesses across a range of issues with free, expert, impartial advice. Our Local Growth Accelerator Programme can now help businesses to recover from the pandemic, as well as those looking to grow.” Find out more about Linda Macdonald Jewellery at lindamacdonaldjewellery.com b) Business Gateway catapults consultancy to success with expanded team and ISO accreditation A business consultancy that specialises in helping organisations deliver efficiencies and become more sustainable, has been able to expand its team with the appointment of a new graduate, following a package of support from Business Gateway. DWS Associates, who help organisations solve problems and win opportunities, were able to take on a graduate placement through HR advice and signposting to funding through the Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator Programme. The Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator Programme is funded by Argyll and Bute Council and the European Regional Development Fund 2014-20 Structural Funds Programme. Alice Masson was taken on at the start of the year and increased capacity in the team. She also helped the business secure vital ISO accreditations, as well as the Scottish Business Pledge and Cyber Essentials Plus. Through Business Gateway, owner David Smart was also able to access support through DigitalBoost, Scotland’s national digital upskilling programme, delivered by Business Gateway. This included a Digital Health Check and webinars on video production for social media and LinkedIn for business. David, owner of DWS Associates, said: “Our network of experienced directors’ were at capacity, and we knew we needed support if we were to achieve our wider business goals and growth ambitions. Through Business Gateway, we were able to access the help and funding we needed to expand our team and take on Alice who has helped upskill the whole team with her creativity, research and communications skills. She also increased our capacity and resources, letting us achieve vital ISO accreditations that will help us facilitate further business growth.” Alice said, “It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience working at DWS, and knowing that I’ve brought value to the organisation through my work in securing accreditations and developing our communications strategy. I look forward to building on this further in the coming months.” Page 22
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 11 Donald Melville, Business Gateway adviser, said: “By acknowledging their need for a new member of staff to help lighten the load, DWS has been able to achieve key certifications, ensuring their directors can focus on doing what they do best. Taking on a new employee can be a complex process. We can help businesses with each step, as they start their recruitment process through to hiring their new team member.” NOTES TO EDITORS: 1. The Scottish Government is the Managing Authority for the European Structural Funds 2014-20 Programme. For further information visit our webpages or follow @scotgovESIF. 2. The Local Growth Accelerator Programme Argyll and Bute is open to businesses aiming to increase their turnover by £50,000 or more within the next three years; or aiming to increase annual turnover to pre-COVID levels or achieve modest growth (below £50,000 increase) within the next three years. Businesses must be based in Argyll and Bute; micro, small or medium sized (fewer than 250 employees and less than €50m turnover or balance sheet total of less than €43m); not account managed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise or Scottish Enterprise and not operating solely as retailers. Business Outcome BO111: We Influence And Engage With Business And Policy Makers a) An enforcement intervention is performed in a consistent and fair manner with businesses supported throughout A survey of businesses which were subject to Covid enforcement interventions concluded that 95% of businesses were satisfied or very satisfied with the response of officers within Regulatory Services and believed they were treated fairly. This is an indicator of good enforcement practices by Regulatory Services. b) Food exports The UK withdrawal from the European Union on the 31st January 2020, introduced new arrangements for the export of food to EU countries. This was particular challenging for food exporters in Argyll and Bute (primarily fish and shellfish) and to the Council Environmental Health service, who must certify that the product is compliant with food safety legislation and fit for human consumption. The creation of commercial hubs in central Scotland mitigated demand at a local authority level for export health certificates for EU consignment with the main exporters in Argyll and Bute using these hubs. To support business and meet our statutory requirements as a food authority, audits of the main exporters have been undertaken and attestations issued every 3 months to these key exporters to allow them to continue exporting to the EU using commercial hubs. In addition, the Council issued 1284 export health certificates in 21/22 to businesses to export to non-EU countries (e.g. China, Middle East etc.) and 195 certificates to exporters services to export to EU countries. Page 23
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 12 Business Outcome BO112: Argyll And Bute Is Promoted To Everyone a) Restoration of 39-43 Victoria Street, Rothesay, Isle of Bute A Rothesay Townscape Heritage (TH) grant of £311,601 supported the comprehensive repair of a prominent listed building in multiple ownership, serving to safeguard the property for future generations whilst helping to lift the appearance of Rothesay’s town centre. Traditional materials and methods of repair were used to ensure best practice, and align with Historic Environment Scotland’s Advisory Standards of Repair. Works encompassed roof works, including leadwork, chimney and skew repairs, as well as substantial masonry works to front, rear and gable elevations, which included stone indents and stone replacements, as well as full re-pointing and structural repairs. Rainwater goods and dormer windows were also restored and the roof inspected for rot and treated accordingly. Timber sash and case windows were restored, and uPVC windows replaced in timber. New close doors were added to front and rear. Rothesay TH is a heritage-led partnership project that is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Smarter Choices Smarter Places and LEADER. The partnership funding totals, £2,746,049. It is anticipated with private owner contributions included, the total value of the project will be in excess of £3.2m. The programme is being delivered over a 5 year period, and will conclude on 31st March 2023. Page 24
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 13 2. SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES The significant challenges faced by the Service during 2021/22. These challenges either created specific pressures on the Success Measures or impacted on delivery. Specific additional activity or mitigating actions were carried out to reduce the negative impact on service delivery. Corporate Outcome 1: People Live Active, Healthier And Independent Lives Business Outcome BO103: We Enable A Choice of Suitable Housing Options a) A significant challenge is emerging in relation to the statutory provision of suitable temporary accommodation for households presenting as homeless to Argyll and Bute Council. We rely on the private rented sector for the provision of temporary accommodation and over recent months the housing market has picked up significantly and a number of landlords have asked for their properties back thus reducing the number of temporary accommodation units available to the Council. There has not been a budget increase in relation to the temporary accommodation budget for a significant time period so the ability to pay a competitive rent to secure replacement units is very limited. The increasing pressures on accommodation managed by Housing Services in the form of changes to the way that Asylum Seekers will be accommodated, the Ukrainian Resettlement Programme and changes in the Criminal Justice system to relieve pressures on prisons will and are making the situation even more challenging. At present close scrutiny of this issue is being carried out in order to quantify and identify any emerging trend and potential solutions. Corporate Outcome 2: People Will Live In Safer and Stronger Communities Business Outcome BO104: Our Communities And Supported And Protected a) There is considerable work and resources ongoing to restart the official food safety programme in Argyll and Bute. This has involved the risk assessment of over 2400 businesses to develop a new interventions plan, the training of authorised officers in new process and systems and a review on how statutory food controls delivered. This will be a challenge to the environmental health team, given the resourcing difficulties and other conflicting work demands. Additional resources are required at a time when there is a national shortage of qualified environmental health and food safety officers. b) Recruitment and workforce planning. There are serious resourcing issues affecting the service due to the national shortage in qualified professional officers and the inability to attract to Argyll and Bute. On one occasion, after three adverts, no qualified officers applied for a post, despite the offer of flexible locations and home working. This reduces the team’s capacity, and leaves the options of recruiting trainees or operating with long term vacancies. Page 25
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 14 Corporate Outcome 5: Our Economy is diverse and thriving Business Outcome BO112: Argyll And Bute Is Promoted To Everyone a) Significant shortages of skilled staff and rises in costs of materials and fuel and difficulties accessing supplies as well as delays experienced in the commencement of construction caused by Covid. 3. CONSULTATION AND ENGAGEMENT - WE ASKED, YOU SAID, WE DID…. Please list all consultations and resulting actions that the Service has carried out during this period. a) Argyll & Bute Local Housing Strategy 2022-2027: Public Consultation Final Phase: September – October 2021 Following extensive consultation and stakeholder engagement in 2019/20 and 2020/21, the final consultative draft LHS was issued for comment and feedback prior to approval by the Strategic Housing Forum and full Council in November 2021. The responses were positive and reinforced key aspects of the strategy including the need to improve stock condition and energy efficiency; the need for more affordable housing to attract and retain permanent residents; the negative impacts of too much second/holiday homes; and the need to ensure sufficient infrastructure to support new build programme. The overall view was summed up in the comment: “I think the Housing Strategy does pin point the key issues and actions needed well.” At the same time the draft LHS was submitted to the Scottish Government and the formal Peer Review process, and again very positive feedback was received, with particular commendation on our approach to community engagement, consultation and partnership working. This included the support and joint working with local community groups and led to the establishment of a dedicated Community Housing Network for community-led housing projects. The consultation plan is available on the LHS page of the council website, and is summarised in the new LHS itself, which was formally launched at the Strategic Housing Forum in March 2022. b) Argyll & Bute Housing Contribution Statement 2022/23 – 2024/25 Housing Services engaged with HSCP colleagues on the review and update of the new three-year HCS which forms part of the Joint Strategic Plan for the HSCP. This involved consultation and approval by partners on the SHIP Officers Group and the Strategic Housing Forum. Page 26
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 15 c) Regulatory Services and Building Standards Stakeholder Surveys In 2020/21, Regulatory Services and Building Standards carried out a number of stakeholder surveys to attain their views on specific issues aimed at making service improvements. These included: i) A survey of businesses who received a Covid intervention to assess the quality of the service provided the appropriateness of information on public health controls and any enforcement was fair. This identified that businesses welcomed the advice and guidance from the Councils environmental health teams in assisting them to new and developing public health measures. ii) Following the national Pye Tate report for building standards, agents were surveyed to obtain their views on the reported slight reduction in user satisfaction and on the future of User Forums that had been poorly attached previously. As a result, the User Forums have been replaced with regular newsletters and a single MS Teams Agents Group, rather than 4 individual annual face-to-face meetings. In addition to support customers, a guide to “Do You Need a Building Warrant” was developed and published on the Councils website d) Aviation Strategy Discussion document to inform the development of an Aviation Strategy (transport.gov.scot) Ensuring that the Scottish Government uses this welcome review of the governance and support of air services to consider alternative structures and funding mechanisms that can best deliver improved affordable connectivity. e) Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2) This review of the strategic transport network’s performance will inform transport investment in Scotland for the next 20 years (2022-2042) by providing evidence-based recommendations on which Scottish Ministers can base future transport investment decisions. STPR2 offered the opportunity for Economic Development Department to lobby for improvements to the Argyll and Bute transport network, to be delivered at a national level through, the Strategic Transport Project Review 2. Page 27
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 1 NAME OF SERVICE: ROAD AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES PERIOD: FINANCIAL YEAR 2021/22 1. DELIVERING OUR OUTCOMES Our case studies help illustrate the positive contribution the Service has made to our communities and provides examples of good service delivery. Corporate Outcome – We Have An Infrastructure That Supports Sustainable Growth Business Outcome BO113 Our Infrastructure Is Safe And Fit For The Future a) Oban depot consolidation project The scheme to rationalise our depots in Oban was fully completed this year. This project sees the Council’s existing roads depot and Jackson’s Quarry, Oban, expanded and redeveloped as a single site for all Roads and Infrastructure Operations across Oban and Lorn to be delivered from. This project reduces the Council’s operating costs by moving from three depots to one, and has created local job/economic opportunities through subcontracts to the main contract delivered by Luddon Construction, as well as providing for support to the accommodation market in Oban with Luddon squads staying in Oban Mon-Thurs. The depot consolidation project continues with focus now being given to both Lochgilphead and Islay. Page 30
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 2 b) Rothesay pontoons project Scheme specification and procurement was carried out last financial year, with delivery of the scheme commencing in this financial year and in to the following year. This is a c. £900,000 project to provide around 20 pontoon berths for Rothesay, providing access to the town/Isle of Bute for leisure yachters. This is a significant and affluent market area, which will bring increased visitor numbers to Rothesay to spend money in local shops, restaurants, cafes etc. Developing access to the marine tourism market is a continuing theme, and this project comes off the back of the Campbeltown and Oban pontoon projects which have brought significant economic benefit to both of those towns. c) Major marine transport connectivity schemes Over the course of 2021/2022 we have progressed with a number of ambitious marine engineering schemes designed to guarantee safe and sustainable future transport connectivity for our island communities. These include: Craignure Developing the concept of this scheme towards a detailed design including significant public engagement where a community group is working with council on elements of the design process. Fionnphort/Iona At this location we are progressing a £20million scheme to replace/renew key pieces of marine infrastructure to allow for full and unfettered access to and from Iona. d) Road reconstruction During this financial year we carried out an ambitious programme of road improvements with an investment of over £10m of council funding together with additional monies from the Timber Transport Fund in the region of £1.4m. This allowed us to complete over 100 individual roads reconstruction schemes which will improve the overall road network, contributing to keeping Argyll and Bute open for business. As a result of this ongoing prudent investment and proportionate and appropriate engineering choices, the overall road condition continues to improve. Page 31
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 3 e) Bridge improvements During the tail end of this financial year we were successful in securing a £5.5m grant for bridges and structures improvements/replacement. This will enable a number of bridges to be strengthened and/or replaced over the coming years, providing more resilience to transport infrastructure whilst also reducing some of the routine revenue maintenance work. Page 32
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 4 f) Bute seawall In December 2021 a combination of hide tide and unusual easterly wind direction resulted in significant damage occurring to the seawall on the A886 at Ardbeg on Bute. The damage was so severe that utility pipes cables and conduits were left exposed. With the wall having washed away significant further damage to the carriageway and highly probably private land beyond would have been caused. This is a key route into Rothesay and as such the council mobilised working with its own internal team and contractors to put in place a temporary sea defence utilising interlocking concrete blocks. In this financial year we are taking forward the design works for a permanent, lasting solution. g) Lady Lismore, ferry services and Ports and Harbours The council operates four lifeline ferry services as well as 39 ports and harbours across the council area. This financial year a new vessel was commissioned and built. Connecting Port Appin with Isle of Lismore. This new vessel came in to service in May 2022. The old vessel was replaced due to changes in safety requirements. The new vessel meeting current day Maritime Coastguard Agency and maritime requirements. h) Oban Bay The council’s harbour board in December 2021 took a decision to progress the municipal port for Oban. This means the council will become responsible for the wider waters of Oban Bay and through a statutory process which includes a Harbour Revision Order which will provide powers to the council which will ensure that vessel movement within the bay can be safely managed. Page 33
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 5 i) Winter maintenance The council is responsible for carrying out winter maintenance, removal of ice and snow, to its 2,300km of road. There is a network of roadside weather stations which together with specialist forecasting surveys provide bespoke treatments across the council area utilising 32 separate routes. Key facts from this winter season: • 65 full fleet runs • 2,049 individual vehicle runs • Highest turned out route A819 Inveraray to Dalmally • Total distance travelled 105,024 miles • Salt used 11,030 tonnes • Total spend £2,258,228.59 Corporate Outcome – We Have An Infrastructure That Supports Sustainable Growth Business Outcome BO114 Our Communities Are Cleaner And Greener a) Island landfill cells Circa £1million investment in sustainable waste disposal and Gartbreck on Islay which is currently underway. Over the course of the previous year the Mull scheme was progressed to ensure suitable landfill capacity for the island’s general waste, ensuring that waste services can continue up until December 2025. Similar works commenced in this current year for Gartbreck and Islay which will provide landfill capacity for Islay and Jura’s general waste up until December 2025. Some landfill capacity will be required beyond the end of 2025 for items such as arisings from abattoirs and some building materials such as plaster board etc. Page 34
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 6 b) Preparing for 2025 Biodegradable Municipal Waste Landfill Ban Collaborative work has continued with West Dunbartonshire Council regarding joint procurement for waste solutions post December 2025. This is likely to mean a joint contract for some of Argyll and Bute’s waste material which would bring efficiencies due to economies of scale. It is likely however that Argyll and Bute will need additional transfer stations particularly in the Helensburgh and Lomond area to help create logistical efficiency. c) Street cleansing We continue to deliver our commitments under the Environmental Protection Act and have also been consistently achieving high marks in the street cleanliness index which is administered by Keep Scotland Beautiful. Street cleanliness contributes towards public health as well as providing a clean and attractive environment in which our communities, businesses and visitors can thrive. Page 35
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 7 d) Refuse collection and recycling We collect refuse and recycling from over 48,000 households together and 3,400 commercial premises, as well as providing 11 civic amenity sites and 98 bring sites across the council area. e) Decarbonisation projects Over the course of 2021/2022 we have progressed a number of schemes which will contribute to the Council’s corporate goals to reduce our carbon footprint and provide for cleaner, greener transport options this includes: Additional electric and hybrid vehicles, additional EV charging points, LED lighting replacements as well as carrying out proportionate low carbon roads repair techniques, such as surface dressing which has a significant reduction in carbon emission compared to traditional surfacing methods. In many applications surface dressing can be a more environmentally friendly surface treatment generating far less carbon per M2 than laying a typical 40mm layer of asphalt material on a road. However, whole life costs need to be considered both in terms of carbon and finance. This means that often it is more cost effective and indeed necessary from a structural point of view to lay asphalt/bituminous macadam rather than surface dress. Treatment type Typical Carbon cost Inlay 8.43Kg per metre squared of CO2 Surface dressing 1Kg per metre squared of CO2 Page 36
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 8 2. SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES The significant challenges faced by the Service during 2021/22. These challenges either created specific pressures on the Success Measures or impacted on delivery. Specific additional activity or mitigating actions were carried out to reduce the negative impact on service delivery. Corporate Outcome – People Live Active, Healthier And Independent Lives Business Outcome BO101: We Ensure Information And Support Are Available For Everyone a) Customer contact versus reducing capacity Although significant progress has been made in this area of our work over the past few years, with increasing automation; availability of proactive information to reduce avoidable contact; improved business processes; and service redesign there continues to be a huge pressure in terms of correspondence. Although further resources have been committed to this area of work, it may be the case that should a further significant improvement in customer service and engagement be desired, that further investment is required. The pressure on back office teams to juggle a range of work streams continues to be a challenge. Ultimately our goal is to continue with the process of channels shift, encouraging all customers to self-serve. This requires to be supported with the appropriate resources, information and expertise to provide an enhanced data set to allow for self-service. Corporate Outcome - We Have An Infrastructure That Supports Sustainable Growth Business Outcome BO113: Our infrastructure is safe and fit for the future a) Continuing the trend of improvement/arresting the decline in our road network Our Annual Status and Options Report sets out the benefits of continued investment in our road network and highlights the critical risk of underinvestment. Although our network has seen a welcome improvement in recent years, we would need to spend in the region of £10million annually to maintain a ‘standstill’ position, and significantly more to see continued improvements. Year on year budget consultations and public feedback has shown the importance of roads to our communities – maintaining the required level of investment is likely to be challenging in future years given the predicted decline in available capital funding. This brings with it significant engineering, economic, financial and reputational risks for the Council. We continue to deliver a range of different technical solutions that are designed to be proportionate for the use of the road and take into consideration the island and rural geography of Argyll and Bute. As an example, we have made extensive use of in situ recycling which is where the existing road surface is excavated then re-laid at a new level – this has both environmental benefits and also helps us overcome some of the logistical challenges in getting new materials to some or our harder to reach areas. Page 37
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 9 b) The sustainability of our current cemetery provision There are significant ongoing pressures on the Council’s cemeteries, with some critical sites in Kintyre and on Mull approaching their capacity. The Council will require to take a view on potential future reductions in cemetery availability and options for our customers or make a significant [likely to be in the tens of millions] financial allocation to allow for significant expansion, environmental compliance, future proofing etc. of the current provision. This is the subject of an ongoing consultation and review exercise, which will be reported to EDI over the course of this financial year. c) Delivering the Craignure and Iona/Fionnphort marine infrastructure schemes Financing and delivering these once-in-a-generation marine engineering schemes will pose significant resource challenges over the course of the next financial year. Business Outcome BO114: Our Communities Are Cleaner And Greener a) Working towards the 2025 BMW ban and the end of the Waste PPP contract in 2026 While these significant changes are some years it the future the planning is already underway. The BMW ban will pose a significant and ongoing financial risk to the Council – Officers are currently engaged on a number of fronts working with Scottish Government and neighbouring local authorities to plan for/reduce the impact, and to provide Members with advice and support for any lobbying activities that they may wish to undertake. b) Increasing the pace of change to deliver on decarbonisation objectives Of particular concern in this area of work is the impending legislative changes and the move away from petrol and diesel vehicles. It is expected that the new Transport Scotland Electric Vehicle Strategy will set ambitious national goals, with the expectation that local authorities will deliver the bulk of the infrastructure to allow for the necessary modal shift. While we are advanced in our planning for a future EVC network it is expected that the pace of delivery of schemes will need to increase to match demand. It appears likely that a rolling programme of multiple annual installations will be required. This will need to be appropriately resourced. Even if the Council appoints a term contractor for EVC installations, this will require to be contract managed and reported on. At present it is expected that there should not be any particular financial issue for the Council, as EVC development and associated project management costs are likely to be covered by Transport Scotland/ Scottish Government funding. There is however a significant challenge in delivering the infrastructure to support a transport revolution, and ensuing reputational risk. There will be similar pressures to replace the Council’s fleet. In this aspect of decarbonisation work it is critical that we recognise that we must not instigate change simply for its own sake – continuity of service delivery needs to be first and foremost throughout this process. At the moment, Page 38
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 10 although there have been trials of electric and electric/hybrid heavy vehicles, it remains to be seen if the current market offering is robust and resilient enough to deliver our services to the current quality specifications and frequencies. Corporate Outcome Getting it Right Business Outcome BO115 We Are Efficient And Cost Effective a) Inflationary price increases During this current financial year it has been noted that tenders are being returned with higher than estimated prices together with increases in material costs and some items of specialist equipment/parts becoming increasingly difficult to source. The specific impact of price increases on individual projects is being regularly reported through the Council’s committee process e.g. recent report to EDI on the roads reconstruction programme. Business Outcome BO117 We Encourage Creativity And Innovation To Ensure Our Workforce Is Fit For The Future a) Workforce planning Putting mechanisms in place to succession plan and to reduce the overall age profile of our workforce, providing attractive career/growth opportunities and the ability to ‘grow our own’. In particular we have had historically poor retention of graduate engineers, although with recent changes to the structure and progression pathways within our Design Team we are hopeful of having better retention in this area of the business going forward. Of particular concern though is the age profile of our operational squads and within our middle management positions. In addition there are increasing challenges relating to recruitment and retention of staff due in part to more attractive remuneration packages being offered by competitors. 3. CONSULTATION AND ENGAGEMENT - WE ASKED, YOU SAID, WE DID…. Please list all consultations and resulting actions that the Service has carried out during this period. a) During this period the council through its EDI committee agreed to carry out a consultation exercise relating to EV chargers, this consultation is due to commence during 2022. b) Craignure Pier – we consulted on both the short and long term options earlier this year. As a result of feedback we are developing further 3D projections of the possible options to allow communities to better understand the proposals. Page 39
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SERVICE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 11 c) We Asked… Traffic Regulation Orders often result in significant representation received by the Council. This brings with it a level of demand that needs to be prioritised which can often result in other less urgent tasks having to be postponed. Page 40
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES 1st SEPTEMBER 2022 WINTER SERVICE POLICY 2022/23 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Each year Members consider for approval, the Council’s Winter Service Policy. The format and general content of the Winter Service policy 2022/23 remains similar to that of the 2021/22 Policy. 1.2 The policy sets out priorities for treatment and routes, which will be ‘pre-treated’ in advance of winter hazards. In prolonged winter conditions, the policy provides for all roads to be treated, with resources being allocated to focus on the hierarchy of priorities (i.e. the lower priorities will only be cleared once the higher priorities have been treated and remain clear of any recurring hazards). 1.3 The policy is a comprehensive document setting out the management, governance and operational requirements for the winter service. The policy sets out signing provision to warn the travelling public of roads which are unsuitable for use during extreme winter conditions. The policy also provides a protocol for the reduction in use of salt and preservation of remaining stocks in the unlikely event of replenishment salt stocks not being available. This was introduced following the severe winters of 2009/10 and 2010/11 when national salt supplies were interrupted. 1.4 It is recommended that the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee:- Approves the 2022/23 Winter Maintenance Policy Document at Appendix 1; Approves the Salt Use Reduction and Preservation of Stocks Protocol at Appendix 2; Notes the Advisory signing, routes unsuitable in severe conditions at Appendix 3; Notes the Frontline Treatment Vehicle Fleet at Appendix 4; Notes the Salt Stocks monitoring and resilience record at Appendix 5; and Notes weather summary from 2021/22 at Appendix 6. Page 43 Agenda Item 5
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES 1st SEPTEMBER 2022 WINTER SERVICE POLICY 2022/23 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report presents the Winter Service Policy 2022/23 which remains in a similar format and covers a similar network to the Policy approved by this Committee in previous years. This is generally based on the network and times of the public bus service with additional priority and resources allocated to strategic high speed roads. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee :- Approves the 2022/23 Winter Maintenance Policy Document at Appendix 1; Approves the Salt Use Reduction & Preservation of Stock Protocol at Appendix 2; Notes the Advisory signing, routes unsuitable in severe conditions at Appendix 3; Notes the Frontline Treatment Vehicle Fleet at Appendix 4; Notes the Salt Stocks monitoring and resilience record at Appendix 5; and Notes weather summary from 2021/22 at Appendix 6. 4.0 DETAIL Winter Maintenance Policy 2022/23 4.1 The proposed Winter Maintenance Policy for 2022/23, in terms of treatment standards and routes, remains largely unchanged from that approved by the Council in 2011. The number and category of pre-treatment salting routes remains the same including the amendments introduced to cater for the transfer of A83 Kennacraig – Campbeltown to the Trunk Road network in August 2014. 4.2 The current pre-treatment routes were reviewed, descriptions updated and distances re- measured as part of an operational procedures review in summer 2021. A further analysis of performance and accuracy of these updates, used in the winter operational period 2021/22 is part of pre-start preparations for Winter 2022/23. No direct changes to the category of routes, or length of treatments, is proposed at this time. The current level of treatments is based largely around the public service bus routes network. 4.3 The advisory signs for alternative routes in severe snow conditions remain similar to the four routes proposed in previous years. Details on sign configuration and locations are contained in Appendix 3 of this report. 4.4 Winter stand-by arrangements will commence on Friday 28th October 2022 and will continue until Friday 14th April 2023. There are a total of 31 treatment routes detailed in the policy operational planning web-based management tool. Should weather conditions Page 44
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dictate, it may be necessary to bring forward the start date and/or push back the finish date. This would be determined operationally depending on forecasted weather conditions. 4.5 The Winter Treatment Fleet for 2022/23 will be similar to last winter. This will consist of 17 hired gritters from Econ Ltd. 8 of 26t 9cu.m capacity and 9 of 18t 6cu.m capacity. 1 contractor vehicle on Jura, one shared route assisted by 1 contractor vehicle in Lochgoilhead and 12 Council vehicles. The Council element consists of the updated frontline winter capable fleet of QCB demountable, multipurpose vehicles procured during 2021. This provides 31 main frontline vehicles with 3 spare 18t 6cu.m capacity multipurpose vehicles and 3 back-up 12t 3.5cu.m multipurpose vehicles to cover breakdowns. In addition, a further 4 x 7.5 tonne tippers can accommodate ploughs, giving a total of 10 extra vehicles that can be deployed together with tractors and ‘V’ ploughs if conditions demand. 4.6 The requirement to manage drivers’ hours within the delivery of all Council Services directly impacts on the retention of the Council’s Operator Licence. Drivers from across the operational teams (grounds, waste, roads) deliver the pre-treatment service, in conjunction with external contractor assistance on the islands of Jura and partly in North Cowal. In extended periods of extreme winter conditions consideration will be given, at an operational level, to prioritising services to ensure that winter treatments can be delivered. This may result, for example, in refuse collections and other services being temporarily suspended in order to prioritise the clearing of ice and snow. Such measures are only likely in prolonged periods of extreme weather. 4.7 Steps are taken each year to increase the available driver “pool” by utilising other council drivers including grounds and waste disposal operatives. Discussions are ongoing to resource additional resilience by engaging assistance from external contractors on some mainland routes where in-house coverage is limited. In extreme and prolonged weather events and where other priority tasks occur (such as responses to road traffic collisions, collapsed culverts, fallen trees etc) resources may need to be allocated based on a risk based priority. 4.8 The table below indicates the statistical variations in operational activities over the last five winter seasons. Weather patterns vary with some years experiencing hazards more widespread and in others more concentrated on inland and higher routes. The equivalent Full Fleet runs statistic is used to indicate an approximation to the budget allowance. The application of salt varies between 10gm2 and 40gm2 depending on a number of factors including road surface temperature, forecast and residual salt. In parallel with these methods, grit and sand are applied in snow conditions. The route with the individual highest number of turn-outs, remains consistently the A819 East Lorn Strategic Route. Appendix 6 to this report provides a summary of the 2021/22 winter conditions. Winter Season 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 Equiv Fleet Runs 110nr 62nr 78nr 79nr 65nr Salt used tonnes 22,992t 13,059t 12,280t 15,753t 11,030t Most turned - out run A819 = 162nr A819 = 109nr A819 = 139nr A819 = 114nr A819 = 107nr Page 45
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4.9 It is some considerable time since we have experienced a large scale snow event. Even the “Beast from the East” in 2017 only affected the Eastern domains of Lomond, Bute and Cowal with the rest of Argyll largely untouched. It is likely that should a longer spell of snow affect the whole of Argyll and Bute, a considerable escalation in resources and hence budget spend will be required to maintain lifeline accesses to communities. 4.10 Footways and footpaths will only be treated, in periods of lasting hazard, when it is considered by the winter management team that the physical condition of the footways and footpaths makes it necessary and treatments will be effective. Footways and footpaths will usually only be treated during normal working hours. Staffing levels are such that we generally do not have sufficient labour available to deal with footways and footpaths in parallel with treatments of the carriageway. The mobilisation of external resources to assist in footway treatments, is a balance of cost benefit against potential thaw conditions rendering treatments un-necessary. This winter maintenance policy applies to the public road network and a limited number of ‘emergency service and public transport routes. Public car parks, access to council offices, schools etc all being subject to local arrangements out with the scope of this policy. 4.11 In specific locations additional information and diversion signing will be erected to further inform drivers of the hazardous conditions on some routes and advise them of alternative routes where available resources will concentrate on maintaining treatments. There are four roads where signing to indicate specific alternative routes are available. The signs deployed for these road closures are detailed in Appendix 3. 1. A817 “Haul Rd”, Lomond. Snow gates at A82 and A814 “central” roundabout Diversion via A818 Arden - A814 Garelochhead 2. C46 Glen Aros / Glenbellart road , Mull Signs at Aros Bridge and Dervaig Primary School Diversion via A848 Tobermory 3. C9 Glenfinart Road ( The Larach) , Cowal Signs at Whistlefield Hotel and Sligrachan Bus turning head; Diversion via A880 Cot House 4. C11 Otter Hill road ( Bealach an Drain) , Cowal Signs at Glendaruel A886 and Otter Ferry B8000; Diversion via A8003 Tighnabruaich and Kames. 4.12 The Council’s Winter Maintenance budget was increased by £500k in Financial Year 2019/20 to an operational budget of £2.12M. This provided the capability to deliver the equivalent of approximately 62 full runs over the winter season, at pervious unit costs. This was an increase in estimated runs from the previous 55 runs. The actual cost of winter maintenance is dependent upon the severity of winter conditions and is a financial risk in that the service responds in accordance with set policy to variable weather events, which are not predictable. The amount of salt used per year will vary, depending on the grams per sq.m instructed in the individual route plans, for each mobilisation. 4.13 Overall the financial cost for 2021/22 was £ 2.258 million against a budget of £2.122 million. With reference to the table above, despite a reduction in overall Fleet Runs and total tonnage of salt used, compared to winter 2020/21, the out-turn costs for the winter were similar, differing by only £28k. This indicates a general increase in the unit costs of winter and hence the average cost of a full fleet mobilisation. Page 46
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4.14 For this reason, it will be necessary to re-evaluate the number of runs achievable within the current budget allocation of £2,119,974 for the coming season, winter 2022/23. 4.15 Various cost increases have occurred or are likely, which will affect the unit cost of a winter treatment. The removal of the “Red diesel” rebate on 1st April 2022, will mean that there will now be no fuel savings against the single use vehicle PMG fleet. This is estimated to add 57p / litre as at May 2022 although costs have continued to rise throughout the summer. Based on the calculated mileage of the PMG fleet for the treatments carried out last season, of 109,000 Km, this would add £20,710 to the equivalent fuel bill. 4.16 In addition to the above , revised Salt prices have been accepted through the Scotland Excel contract from our term supplier Irish Salt Mining and Exploration Ltd. Prices vary depending on delivery method and location but increases of between £7.76/t and £14.38/t have been accepted. At the average increase of £10.57/t and based on the average annual salt use volume over the past five seasons of 14,997 tonnes, this will add an additional £162,683 to the equivalent materials costs for winter treatments. 4.17 The current 2021-23 Gritter Hire Contract with Econ Ltd., estimated to cost £916,864.00 ex VAT, in total, is entering its second year. A review of current multipurpose fleet availability, potential for additional treatment routes to comply with current policy and overall efficiency of a mixed economy model for winter service vehicles will be undertaken in early 2023, towards assessing if an extension to the current contract or a revised model is pursued, for 2023-24 onwards. 4.18 Taking the above cost increases into consideration, it is likely that unit costs will increase by a minimum of 10% over those attributable last season. The budget monitoring indicator of “Equivalent Full Fleet Runs” achievable within the budget is there for reduced from 62 runs to 56 runs, for winter 2022/23, monthly reporting. 4.19 As of July 2022, the Council held a stock of 6,083 tonnes of salt. Provisional replenishment orders are in place for 5,100tonnes. Deliveries will be called forward for completion by mid-Oct. This replenishment order has an estimated value of £ 254,124 at the revised unit rates for salt, which now averages £50.09 / tonne delivered. This will top up capacity in storage facilities to the target starting stock of +11,000 tonnes. Salt deliveries will continue to be ordered throughout the winter period, to keep reserves stocked and preserve resilience. Weekly salt reserve stock lists are submitted to Scottish Government as part of a Scotland wide winter resilience plan. 4.20 The Salt Use Reduction and Preservation of Stocks protocol was introduced in December 2010 in light of severe shipping and material shortages. This was reviewed and updated in 2020 and is attached at Appendix 2. 4.21 The assessment of school routes subject to pre-treatment before 08:00hrs, is covered under Priority 3b of the route hierarchy, in section 4 of the Policy. This is reviewed each year once the pupil intake for August is confirmed. The levels of occupancy on school bus routes have been confirmed. The revised number of both pupil passengers and service bus users in the Lorn Arc area has necessitated the formation of another pre-treatment route out of Oban depot – L7 due to increases on completion times and vehicle capacity, to comply with current policy. No other amendments are necessary elsewhere on the network, this season. Page 47
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Transport Scotland 4.22 Following the decision to trunk the southern section of the A83, Transport Scotland are now roads authority for this section of road Kennacraig – Campbeltown. The G6 trunk road contract for NW area has a commencement date of 16th August 2022 and has been retained by BEAR Scotland Ltd as Operating Company. 4.23 It is likely that Argyll and Bute Council will continue to provide a winter service and reactive emergency repair service, on behalf of Transport Scotland via Bear Scotland to the section of trunked A83 between Kennacraig and Campbeltown. This will be to a similar level as the previous contract, for the first season at least, subject to development of a Trunk road manned depot in the Campbeltown area during the development stages of the new contract, which has a potential 10 year duration. Winter Review 4.24 We are in the process of appointing a Route Optimisation Programme provider, which we anticipate will be a fundamental part of a future Winter Review. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 This report details the Council’s Winter Maintenance Policy for 2022/23 and highlights the pressures on resources and operational effectiveness due to the constraints of future funding levels and best practice advice. 5.2 Committee is asked to approve the Winter Service Policy 2022/23 and note the details in Appendices 1 – 6. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy - It is considered to be good practice for Committee to confirm policy for winter maintenance activity on an annual basis. This report seeks to achieve the above. 6.2 Financial - The Council’s Winter Maintenance budget was increased to £2.12M in financial year 2019/20. This provides the capability to deliver the equivalent of approximately 56 full runs of the treatment fleet over the coming season. The actual cost of winter maintenance is dependent upon the severity of winter conditions and is a financial risk in that the service responds to weather events that are not predictable. Should the criteria for school bus routes change this will affect the budget required. 6.3 Legal - The Winter Maintenance Policy sets out the Council’s level of service provision for winter maintenance, with reference to Section 34 of Roads (Scotland) Act 1984. 6.4 HR - Staffing levels have reduced over recent years, this can make it challenging to have sufficient staff to deal with a severe winter event. Processes are in place for external suppliers to assist in geographic specific locations with additional support called forward through framework contracts should severe weather persist. 6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty 6.5.1 Equalities – protected characteristics – None. 6.5.2 Socio-Economic Duty – None. 6.5.3 Islands – Island road network hierarchy assessed and included in this policy. Page 48
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6.6 Climate Change - In recent years, weather patterns are trending to intermittent storm events with shorter duration periods of traditional “winter” hazards of snow and ice. Frequent thaws / wash-off events result in an increase of repeat salting treatments in marginal conditions. Therefor increasing cost and resource commitments, rather than reducing them. 6.7 Risk - The proposed policy, is designed to reduce the exposure of the Council to risk. 6.8 Customer Service - The winter policy has been designed to maintain access to the Council’s Strategic Road network and other “lifeline” routes within the confines of the available resources. Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure - Kirsty Flanagan Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services – Jim Smith Policy Lead for Roads and Transport – Councillor Andrew Kain August 2022 For further information contact: Jim Smith Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services – 01546 604324 APPENDICES 1. 2022/23 Winter Service Policy Document 2. Salt Use Reduction and Preservation of Stocks Protocol (2020 revised) 3. Advisory Signing – Road Closures in Severe Conditions. 4. Frontline Fleet 2022/23 5. Current Salt stocks – August 2022 – monitoring and resilience record. 6. Summary of 2020/21 weather conditions Page 49
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APPENDIX 1 – 2022/23 WINTER SERVICE POLICY WINTER SERVICE POLICY 2022-23 Author Network and Standards Manager Owner Head of Roads & Infrastructure Services Date August 2022 Version 1.0 Page 50
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CONTENTS Page No. Section 1 Introduction 2 Section 2 Outline Principles 2 Section 3 Management Arrangements 3 Section 4 Policy on Treatment Priorities 4 Section 5 Winter Standby, Standby Procedures and Gritting Guidelines 6 Section 6 Snow Clearance Strategy 7 Section 7 Assistance from Other Authority Resources and Contractors 9 Section 8 Salt, Etc. 9 Section 9 Plant Resources and Servicing Practices 11 Section 10 Weather Forecast and Monitoring 11 Section 11 Operational Communications 12 Section 12 Instruction and Record Keeping 13 Page 51
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1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Argyll & Bute Council has a statutory obligation, under Section 34 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, to “...take such steps as it considers reasonable to, prevent snow and ice endangering the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles over public roads” in the Council area, which by definition includes carriageways, footways, footpaths, pedestrian precincts, etc. 1.2 Argyll and Bute Council will consider implementation of the recommendations included in the UK Roads Liaison Group document - Well Managed Highways Infrastructure, code of practice (first published October 2016) within the practicalities of resources and geography. The Council, through its officers, will liaise and take guidance from the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS), Winter Service Subgroup on the consistent approach to implementation, in the context of the Geographical and Climatic conditions relevant to Scotland. 1.3 It is the aim of Argyll & Bute Council to provide a service with respect to the above that will:- a) Ensure the provision of a standard of treatment appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions. b) Establish patterns of working which will produce the greatest benefit from the deployed resources, with the view to reducing the level of risk and the extent of any delays to the public, caused by adverse weather conditions. c) At all times comply with the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. 2.0 OUTLINE PRINCIPLES 2.1 The Council, through the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, will:- a) Set policy and strategy and monitor the winter maintenance service. b) Arrange weather forecasts to assist the Winter Management team to determine the daily winter maintenance treatment strategy. c) Provide specialist winter maintenance plant. e.g. snow plough attachments, bulk gritters, demountable gritters, towed gritters and loading shovels. d) Provide salt, grit, grit bins, snow gates and signing. e) Provide organise and manage a trained labour force. f) Provide non specialist plant e.g. lorries for demountable gritters, pickups, non-specialist loading equipment, hand tools, tarpaulins and the like. Page 52
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3.0 MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS 3.1 The Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services is responsible for implementing the Council’s Winter Service Policy. 3.2 The Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services has overall responsibility for ensuring that the Council’s winter maintenance activities are carried out in line with the Council’s Winter Service Policy. 3.3 The Operations Manager is responsible for the day to day operation of the Council’s winter service policy. He is responsible to the Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services for the appointment of a Weather Service Provider (forecaster), collection of winter management and weather data, maintaining salt stocks, winter plant and communications, training of staff, preparation of rotas for on-call Managers and Area Supervisors. 3.4 The Operations Manager in consultation with the Network and Standards Manager shall appoint appropriate staff as Winter Managers. The Winter Manager on duty is responsible for consulting with the Duty Manager and approving the draft winter plan of action together with any subsequent updates to that plan produced by the on-call Duty Manager. 3.5 Duty Managers are responsible for analysing forecast data, liaising with the forecast provider and producing the daily winter maintenance action plan and gaining approval from the Winter Manager. They will ensure that the daily winter maintenance action plan is submitted to local areas for action by 15:00 hrs each day. They will monitor the weather information and make any changes to the action plan as conditions require. 3.6 The Operations Manager will ensure that the appointed staff in their areas are aware of and understand the strategies and priorities as stipulated. On receiving the Duty Manager’s approved daily winter action plan they will ensure, through the Area Winter Supervisor, that the plan is correctly implemented. They will ensure, wherever practicable, that adequate resources are available to fully undertake the Council’s Winter Service Policy. 3.7 Discussions will take place between Senior Management to monitor performance, at regular meetings. Any problems highlighted by the Duty Managers will be resolved at local level, where possible. Duty Managers will be relieved by other Area Office staff, from any local management responsibilities, during their weekly duty requirements. 3.8 Provision of the Winter Service on Council roads will normally run from the nearest Friday to the 1st November through to 15th April each season. However, this period may be extended, at either end, to accommodate weather conditions. 3.9 Daily communication will take place with the Trunk Roads Service provider to inform each other of their respective treatment proposals. The Council work in partnership with the Trunk Road Operation Company and provide the winter and emergency response service for A83 Trunk Road, Campbeltown to Kennacraig section. Treatment instruction for this road is received as part of the daily TR plan and actions are recorded on the TR grit-log form and transmitted to their control room on completion. Page 53
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4.0 POLICY ON TREATMENT PRIORITIES 4.1 Carriageway treatment 4.1.1 Prior to the commencement of each winter the Assistant Network and Standards Manager will produce carriageway gritting routes based generally on the following principles:- Priority 1 Strategic high speed, main traffic routes Lomond - A814 Dumbarton- Garelochhead, A818 Arden (A82) - Helensburgh Cowal - A815 Cairndow – Dunoon Ferry Lorn / Mid-Argyll - A816 Oban - Lochgilphead, A819 Dalmally – Inveraray 04:00 – 08:00hrs 08:00 – 16:00 hrs 16:00 – 22:00 hrs 22:00 – 04:00 hrs Mon Sat - Pre-treat as required + reactive Pre-treat + reactive as required Pre-treat as required + reactive Reactive as reported conditions dictate Sun PH & Pre-treat as required + reactive Pre-treat + reactive as required Pre-treat as required + reactive Reactive as reported conditions dictate Priority 2 Other “A” and “B” classified roads, Except where treatment is categorized under Priority 3 bus routes, or less. A814 Garelochhead –Arrochar, A815 Dunoon-Toward, A817 Haul Road & B833 Rosneath Peninsula, A880 to Ardentinny, A885 Sandbank, A886 Strachur– Colintraive, A8003 Tighnabruaich, A844 / A845 & A886 on Bute, A846 / A847 on Islay, A846 on Jura, A848 / A849, A884 & B8073 Tobermory – Dervaig, on Mull, B828 / B839 to Lochgoilhead , B842 Southend –Carradale, B843 to Machrihanish, B844 / B8003 to Easdale & Cuan, B8024 Kilberry Loop , B841 / B8025 Achnamara & Tayvallich. Plus Principal Accident and Emergency routes or roads to hospitals and routes to Police stations, Fire stations and Ambulance depot accesses Other selected streets in main urban areas e.g. steep hills, etc where route efficiency permits. 06:00 – 08:00hrs 08:00 – 16:00 hrs 16:00 – 22:00 hrs 22:00 – 0600 hrs Mon -Sat Pre-treat as required + reactive Pre-treat in advance (if possible) + reactive Reactive as reported conditions dictate Reactive - only in extreme conditions Sun & PH Pre-treat as required + reactive Pre-treat in advance (if possible) + reactive Reactive as reported conditions dictate Reactive - only in extreme conditions Priority 3 Any section of public road, outwith P1 & P2 above, subject to :- Main Public Service bus routes as timetables require that can be met within operational time bands. Should it be impractical to cover a service then the operator must be notified or Main School Bus routes prior to or during term days only. New designation 06:00 – 08:00hr 08:00 – 16:00 hrs 16:00 – 22:00 hrs 22:00 – 0600 hrs Priority 3a Mon-Fri Pre-treat required as Pre-treat advance in (if No unless treatment stable No Treatment Service Route + reactive possible) + reactive conditions forecast a.m. W/E Pre treat in advance of journey, if possible, but no guarantee. Timetabled days only. Priority 3b School Route (12 or more occupied seats) Mon- Fri Pre-treat as required + reactive Pre-treat in advance + reactive No treatment unless stable conditions forecast a.m. (Not Friday p.m.) No Treatment No treatments out-with School Term days (apart form Sunday evenings in advance, if stable conditions forecast Monday a.m.) Page 54
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Priority 4 All other public roads, Only as actual conditions dictate and resources are deemed to be effective. 06:00 – 08:00hr 08:00 – 16:00 hrs 16:00 – 22:00 hrs 22:00 – 0600 hrs Mon - Fri No treatment Reactive (may include pre-treat) Reactive – only extreme conditions in No treatment W/E & PH No treatment Reactive – only in extreme conditions No treatment No treatment 4.1.2 The above route priorities are set around the requirements to pre-treat in advance of freezing conditions or react to developed hazards within a reasonably practicable timescale within the confines of the resources available. Under standard conditions, pre- treatment routes are designed to be completed within 3 hours of mobilisation. 4.1.3 Where hazards re-occur after treatment or in conditions where instantaneous hazards occur, resources may be required to concentrate on re-application of several treatments prior to moving on. In such circumstances the highest priority routes, experiencing such conditions, will generally be treated first and resources will only be released to other priorities once it is determined that treatments have an expectation of remaining effective. 4.2 Footway and Footpath Priorities 4.2.1 At the start of each winter, the Assistant Network and Standards Manager will produce footway and footpath treatment routes based generally on the following principle. Priority 1 - Urban Shopping Areas and Precincts. Priority 2 - Other areas of high pedestrian concentration, e.g. in the vicinity of hospitals and schools. Priority 3 - Steep hills in housing developments and in the vicinity of residential homes for the elderly. 4.2.2 Footways and footpaths will only be treated, in periods of lasting hazards, when the Duty Manager, in consultation with Area staff, considers that their physical condition makes it necessary and treatments will be effective. They will usually only be treated during normal working hours. 4.3 Resources 4.3.1 Labour To ensure that an adequate labour resource is available to allow treatment to be carried out, arrangements are in place with Amenity Services section to participate in the supply of additional labour when conditions require. 4.3.2 Plant Plant to assist with the clearance of snow and spreading of salt has been provided by Roads and Infrastructure Services. Attachments to mowers to allow footpath ploughing will be fitted at the start of each season, where practicable. Footway salt spreading barrows are provided for use by available labour when required. Page 55
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4.4 Cycleways 4.4.1 Only cycleways contiguous with roads and footways will be treated in conjunction with any planned treatments. 5.0 WINTER STANDBY, STANDBY PROCEDURES AND GRITTING GUIDELINES 5.1 The formal winter standby period for Council roads will normally be from the end of the working day on the Friday nearest to 1st November to the Friday nearest to 15th April. This period may be extended at either end as the prevailing weather conditions dictate. 5.2 Shift and Standby Procedures. 5.2.1 During the operational period, standby arrangements will be operated on a formal home standby basis, with call-out as required. Arrangements will be put in place to allow mobilisation of any frontline vehicle within 1 hour of call out. 5.2.2 Standby rotas will include sufficient drivers to ensure that the priority 1 routes can be treated within 3 hours of commencing treatment 5.2.3 On receipt of a weather forecast indicating medium to heavy snow, sufficient additional operatives will be placed on standby to cover all priority 1 & 2 routes and any priority 3 routes likely to be affected as timetables indicate, by the forecast. 5.3 Carriageway Treatment 5.3.1 Carriageways will generally be treated in the order of priority as specified in section 4. 5.3.2 By 13:00 each day during the winter months, having considered the most recent weather forecast, the level of residual salt on the road Network and the available resources, the Duty Manager will compile an Action Plan for carriageway treatment for the following twenty-four hours. The Winter Manager will review, recommend any adjustments if needed and then approve the proposed plan. 5.3.3 Precautionary treatment for frost and light snow will be spread at a target rate of 10g/m² of salt. 5.3.4 Precautionary treatment for conditions where frost is forecast after rain should be delayed as long as possible to reduce loss of salt due to wash-off. This should not preclude the treatment of routes during showers where freezing of rain on contact has been predicted, or is reported. 5.3.5 Precautionary treatment when heavy snow falls are expected should be at a rate of between 20 and 40g/m² of salt according to the anticipated severity of snowfall and confidence level of the forecast. 5.3.6 In conditions where current snowfall is forecast to continue, substitution of salt with abrasive materials, sand or grit, will be instigated until such time as showers cease and any use of de-icing materials are deemed to be more effective. In extreme or persisting conditions, all material spreading will cease until there is an expectation that any deposits will remain on the carriageway and be effective in aiding traction. 5.3.7 In marginal conditions, consideration will be given to limiting treatment to known localised Page 56
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areas prone to icing. During periods of prolonged freezing conditions in the absence of precipitation, spot salting of areas of persistent seepage will continue while hazards remain. 5.3.8 Where areas of seepage from adjoining land are recorded on a regular basis, these will be identified and pre-emptive rectification of the drainage system will be instigated. Land owners will be notified of their requirement to carry-out such work as it affects public roads. The Council will take necessary steps to effect repairs, in the absence of any undertaken by landowners and pursue recovery of costs accordingly. 5.4 Footway and Footpath Treatment 5.4.1 Treatment of footways and footpaths will be by a combination of mechanical and manual operation. In large urban areas footway salting will be carried out by purpose built spreader barrows with a nominal design spread rate of 50g/sq.m. 5.4.2 Salt will only be utilised where ice and frost are the main hazard. In all snowfall conditions, physical clearance will be the priority with sand / grit spread thereafter to aid traction. 5.4.3 Treatment of footways and footpaths will normally only be carried out during the normal working day as resources permit. In most cases additional resources should be mobilised at local level as conditions dictate. The Winter Manager and Duty Manager will be kept informed of all additional resources mobilised by local management. 6.0 SNOW CLEARANCE STRATEGY 6.1 Carriageways 6.1.1 On receipt of a weather forecast indicating medium to heavy snow, carriageways should be treated in accordance with section 5.3.5. When the forecast is for rain turning to snow or the snow prediction is marginal the salting operations should be delayed accordingly. 6.1.2 When forecasts indicate that there will be medium or heavy snow falls, the Duty Manager will instruct that all vehicles capable of being fitted with ploughing devices will be so equipped. 6.1.3 Salting should be continued or be restarted when snow is falling, as conditions warrant however sand / grit must be used to preserve de-icing materials until such time as it can be used effectively. 6.1.4 Snow ploughing will commence as soon as it is considered that the operation will be effective. Generally snow can only be ploughed effectively at depths exceeding 30mm. 6.1.5 Spreading treatment of ploughed surfaces will be carried out when it is considered that the material will have the most beneficial effect. The normal case on two lane carriageways will be for spreading treatment to be started when the second lane is being ploughed, generally in the return direction. However in persisting snow conditions the spreading of materials shall be delayed until clearance of accumulations is effective. 6.1.6 Resources should generally be allocated to clear roads in the order of priority shown in section 4, but with precedence being given to those areas which have experienced the heaviest snow falls and drifting Page 57
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6.1.7 Where slush is formed it should be ploughed as soon as practicable to avoid the risk of rutting should there be a further significant drop in temperature which might result in freezing conditions. 6.1.8 Where snow hazards are predicted to persist or develop intermittently throughout the night, consideration will be given to continuing action in some circumstances. Mainly in cases where a break in operations may result in hard packed snow or other conditions difficult to treat on resumption. Individual circumstances, such as access for emergency services or other lifeline service vehicles will normally take precedent over the above route priority arrangements. 6.1.9 Where it is judged that a road cannot be kept open, early closure in liaison with the Police in a planned manner, should be initiated. Direct consultation at local level must be maintained where conditions are changeable and in some circumstances this may mean discussions on site between local Supervisors and Police officers. 6.1.10 In specific locations additional information and diversion signing will be erected to further inform drivers of the hazardous conditions on some routes and advise them of alternative routes where available resources will concentrate on maintaining treatments. There are three roads where signing to indicate specific alternative routes are available. 1. A817 “Haul Rd”, Lomond. Snow gates at A82 and A814 “central” roundabout Diversion via A818 Arden - A814 Garelochhead 2. C46 Glen Aros / Glenbellart road, Mull Signs at Aros Bridge and Dervaig Primary school Diversion via A848 Tobermory. 3. C9 Glenfinart Road ( The Larach), Cowal Signs at Whistlefield Hotel and Sligrachan Bus turning head; Diversion via A880 Cot House. 4. C11 Otter Hill road ( Bealach an Drain), Cowal Signs at Glendaruel A886 and Otter Ferry B8000; Diversion via A8003 Tighnabruaich and Kames. 6.1.11 Road closures will be reported to the Director, Head of Service, Operations and Network Standards Managers’ as soon as practicable, with immediate notification transmitted to Traffic Scotland and local radio stations where appropriate. 6.2 Footways and Footpaths 6.2.1 Where footways and footpaths are covered with light accumulations of snow i.e. less than 30mm, treatment will consist of the application of Sand or Grit as described in section 5.4. of this document. 6.2.2 Where snow depths exceed 30mm footways clearance will be carried out where practicable by pedestrian operated or ride on powered footway ploughs. This will be enhanced by manual clearance when necessary i.e. where access precludes the use of the above plant. 6.2.3 Snow clearance of footways will normally only be carried out during the normal working day and as resources permit. Page 58
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7.0 ASSISTANCE FROM EXTERNAL CONTRACTORS 7.1 Roads and Infrastructure Services provide labour and non-specialist plant as specified. In some districts, mainly islands, resources are limited and private contractors are used to provide cover to comply with this policy. 7.2 In areas of the network remote from the main depots, sub-contractors are engaged to provide the full winter service provision in parallel with the in house council resources. 7.3 In severe weather conditions additional resources can be drafted in from local private contractors to supplement those of the Council. Arrangements are made through the Operations Manager to contact these contractors in advance to determine their availability and formulate contingency plans for contact and mobilisation. The Winter Manager and Duty Manager will be kept informed of all additional resources mobilised by local management. 8.0 SALT ETC. 8.1 Provision of Salt 8.1.1 Salt or other de-icing materials will be supplied through the Network and Standards Manager. An annual supply contract shall be let prior to the start of the winter season. 8.1.2 Onsite sampling and testing shall be carried out in each area as the Network and Standards Manager deems necessary. The Network and Standards Manager will ensure that sufficient stocks of Salt and Abrasive materials are maintained at each storage location. 8.2 Storage of Salt 8.2.1 Where practicable salt shall be stored under cover to prevent leaching, improve handling and to reduce treatment times. A programme of upgrading salt stores with permanent roofs will be undertaken as quickly as practicable and as financial, planning and operational considerations allow. 8.2.2 Storage facilities will be loaded out prior to the commencement of operations and stock levels will be monitored weekly to assure optimum supplies are available throughout the season. Stores will be kept as full as practicable as protection from the weather allows and minimum stock levels will dictate optimum re-ordering procedures. 8.2.3 Weekly totals of all salt quantities delivered, transferred or issued as treatments will be collated for each storage location and e-mailed to HQ for central collation from 12:00hrs each Friday. 8.2.4 Requests for additional salt will be included in these weekly e-mails and calling forward of orders will be co-ordinated centrally through the Roads Procurement Officer, with the supply contractor to provide the most efficient means of optimising stock levels. 8.3 Use of Salt and Salt / Abrasive Mixtures 8.3.1 Preservation of salt or other de-icing materials for use where they are most effective should be a consideration when formulating a treatment plan. Service resilience must be taken into consideration at all times. Page 59
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8.3.2 All routes will be pre-treated with pure rock salt, as the most effective method of preventing freezing of wet surfaces or melting of previously formed ice. However on predominantly rural routes affected by snow, grit may be added at 1:1 salt/grit mix to aid traction and break up compacted layers. In severe conditions or when supplies are restricted, pure Sand / Grit will be employed to preserve de-icing stocks. In wholly urban areas, salt only should be applied to the carriageway at all times. Salt should be spread at the designated spread rates as determined by the Duty Manager. 8.3.3 The grading of salt and grit for mixtures shall be such that 100% will pass a 6.3mm sieve but less than 1% passing a 2mm sieve. 8.3.4 Grit bins should be filled with a 3:1 grit/salt mix, initially at the start of the season. Continued replenishment in times of persisting hazard will be purely of Sand / Grit to preserve de-icing materials and only when resources permit. 8.3.5 Provision of Salt to other departments of the Council or other Contractors will be restricted to maintain the resilience of the Roads and Footways Winter Service within the terms of the Salt preservation Protocol. 8.4 Calibration and control of Salt Rates of Spread 8.4.1 The Operations Manager will ensure, through the Fleet Manager that all spreaders, permanent and demountable, are maintained in such a manner as to optimise the salt feed and regular checks of the calibration shall be carried out. Records of all tests and alterations to the calibration shall be maintained for inspection. 8.4.2 All spreaders shall have limiting devices fitted such that spread rates cannot exceed 60g/m². The device may be fitted in such a manner as to allow it to be temporarily disconnected to assist the clearance of blockages. 8.5 Grit Bins and Grit Heaps 8.5.1 Grit heaps and grit bins are normally placed on routes not included on the Priority 1 – 3 pre-treatment network, or on sections of these routes where additional self help facilities are considered advantageous. They are provided to allow the public to use the salt/grit mix to treat localised hazards on carriageways and footways on the public adopted network. 8.5.2 Grit heaps will be situated on rural road verges predominantly on bends, junctions or steep sections. They shall be placed at distances which provide a reasonable volume of material over the extent of any problem area as, if material has to be carried too far, it is unlikely to be used. Consideration will be given to the environmental impact associated with tree roots, hedges and watercourses. 8.5.3 Grit Bins will normally be situated in urban areas or where leaching from grit heaps in rural areas is likely to have an environmental impact. They are placed similarly to rural grit heaps to provide an additional self help facility in streets such as at bends, junctions, steep sections of carriageway or footway or close to schools and other public buildings where delays in planned treatments may result in persisting hazards. Care must be taken in locating bins to avoid impeding sight impaired pedestrians or access to public utilities or roads authority apparatus. Generally where practicable, grit bin sites will allow material to be carried downhill to treat sections of the public network Page 60
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8.5.4 Replenishment of material to grit heaps or bins will be carried out as regularly as conditions of use require, within the confines of available resources. Sites in regular use may require more frequent visits and the mix of material may vary as operational resources and stocks of available materials permit. This may depend on the overall salt resilience capability of the Council in times of prolonged severe weather conditions. 8.5.5 Requests for the locating of additional grit heaps or grit bins in urban areas will be considered using the following criteria. Is the request relevant to the Council asset of adopted roads and footway network? Is there a genuine need for an additional facility, based on local knowledge, the type of hazard of concern and any accident history? The criteria for locations in 8.5.2 & 3 above will apply. The proximity of similar facilities will be considered, as provision of bins and heaps often leads to further requests in similar locations. The overall volume of bins and heaps will have an impact on the ability to provide an effective replenishment operation. 8.5.6 A register of grit bins shall be maintained by the Network and Standards Manager and their location and suitability will be reviewed annually. Grit bins will be serviced and all debris and litter removed prior to the start of the winter season. Initial replenishment of heaps and bins will be carried out prior to the start of the formal standby period, where practicable. 9.0 PLANT RESOURCES AND SERVICING PRACTICES 9.1 All winter maintenance plant will be serviced, overhauled and made ready for use, at least two weeks before the designated start of the winter period. All servicing and maintenance of specialist winter maintenance plant will be the responsibility of the Operations Manager. The Council’s Fleet Services section, maintain all plant and equipment for the user departments. The Fleet Manager will inform the Operations Manager of any deterioration in the effectiveness of any items of Winter Maintenance Plant. 9.2 Any short fall in resources caused by the removal of plant from service, during the winter period, should be reported to the Operations Manager by the Duty Supervisor. The Operations Manager will then seek ways to address the problem. Where additional fleet vehicles are available, these will be prepared as back-up units, either in advance of operations or as soon as practicable whenever a shortfall in vehicles arises. 9.3 The Operations Manager will ensure that all major items of plant are made operational by the start of the standby period. A programme of trial runs will be drawn up, to allow all items of plant to be tested and have all their accessories fitted to ensure readiness for the winter period. The trial runs will be carried out on a depot by depot basis during normal working hours. 10.0 WEATHER FORECASTING AND MONITORING 10.1 DTN Group , Antwerp, (formerly MeteoGroup, London) have been contracted to provide the road forecast for the period 1st October to 15th May each winter period. Access to forecast information will be gained via the local area networks at Council offices during office hours, or by a broadband router link from Duty Manager’s homes. Information is Page 61
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available on a bespoke website for weather information and partially backed up by e-mail. In the event of a system failure it will be possible to obtain the forecast information by fax to the Duty Manager’s Office or verbally out of hours to their home. 10.2 The contract with DTN Group provides for a twenty-four hours consultancy arrangement. Forecasters are available throughout the winter period by telephone, to discuss weather matters and clarify details with department staff. 10.3 The text forecast is augmented by other services as necessary, including the use of RADAR and satellite images to study precipitation patterns. There are fourteen Road Sensor stations, owned by the Council and maintained by DTN Group’s partner Vaisala Ltd, giving atmospheric and surface conditions, situated throughout the Argyll and Bute road network. 11.0 OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS 11.1 Vehicle / Duty Supervisor / Depot Communications 11.1.2 Winter maintenance vehicles are provided with a cellular telephone, such that contact may be maintained with the Duty Supervisor or depot at all times. When it is considered safe to do so, manning of vehicles fitted with effective communications facilities, will be limited to the driver only. 11.1.3 The fleet of 31nr frontline, route specifically allocated and 2nr back-up, winter maintenance vehicles are fitted with satellite tracking and data- logging equipment, provided by Trackyou Ltd. Vehicles can be monitored through web access, in real time during operations and their actions are recorded and archived for future reference. One other private contractor owned vehicle is employed on pre-treatment operations on the Isle of Jura where in-house resources are limited. 11.1.4 Throughout the period of winter standby, the Operations Manager will ensure that staff are available to receive calls from the Police and other appropriate agencies. Call out rotas will be provided to the Operations Manager, adjacent authorities, management agents and the Police. 11.2 Communications with Police Scotland, Roads Policing Section 11.2.1 It is important that the strong partnership, formed with the Police, is maintained. Information relating to severe weather conditions will be communicated to the Police at the earliest possible opportunity. The Duty Manager will consult fully with the Police when it becomes necessary to arrange road closures and when there is a need to move abandoned vehicles. 11.2.2 The “out of hours” emergency rota will be issued to the Police by the Operations Manager. This will be confirmed to the Police Area Control Room at Helen Street, Glasgow on the Friday start to each weekly duty shift. 11.2.3 The Duty Manager will arrange for the daily action plan to be e-mailed to the four main local Police offices each day. This will also include a confirmation of the Area Supervisors’ and Duty Manager’s out of hours contact telephone numbers. 11.2.4 The Duty Manager will take due regard of all reports received from the Police, concerning dangerous road conditions and give consideration to them, in line with the Council Policy, Page 62
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in deciding the action to be taken. 11.3 Communications with other Agencies and Motoring Organisations 11.3.1 BEAR Scotland, the North West Trunk Roads term contract operator will be sent the daily action plan and out of hours contact information, each day throughout the winter period. 11.3.2 The Duty Manager will inform Glasgow City Council ; Roads and Lighting Faults Call Centre , R.A.L.F. , of the out of hours contact numbers for the following weeks shift and any amendments necessary thereafter. Contacts with Scottish Fire and Rescue and Scottish Ambulance Service, control rooms are included in this transmittal process. 11.3.3 The Winter Manager will inform Traffic Scotland when severe weather conditions are causing delays to traffic movement. 11.4 Communications with the Public 11.4.1 The Winter Manager will post details of the 24hour winter treatment plan each day no later than 1400hrs on the winter maintenance page of the council website. 11.4.2 Enquiries from the public will normally be dealt with by the Customer Access Centre during normal working hours. 11.4.3 Consideration will be given to the placing of warning signs, alerting drivers to the possibility that road surface hazards may develop outwith treatment times will be placed at the interface of Priority 1 to Priority 2 & 3 routes 11.4.4 Leaflets explaining the extent of treatment routes, their priority and hours of operation will be prepared and where necessary updated, in advance of each season. These will be distributed by electronic means or to all local area Council premises and other public access buildings and establishments, such as filling stations and shops. Further copies may be issued as mail-drops or inserts to local newspapers. 11.4.5 The Winter manager will ensure that any disruption to the network is reported through the internal service disruption noticeboard on the council website. 11.5 Media 11.5.1 National radio, television and national press enquiries should be dealt with by the Director or the Head of Service or through the Council’s Press and Media Relations Office. 11.5.2 Local radio and press should be dealt with by the Head of Service or by the Operations and Network and Standards Manager. 11.5.3 The Head of Service, Operations or Network and Standards Manager will be advised as soon as practicable if conditions deteriorate such that major routes have to be closed. 12.0 INSTRUCTION AND RECORD KEEPING. 12.1 The management of the Instruction, Recording and Archiving of daily winter Action plans is automated, by use of a bespoke winter maintenance management tool provided by Vaisala Ltd. Page 63
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12.2 Vaisala – Road DSS Manager is the web based system which allows access by managers and supervisors simultaneously, to post instructions and record actual activities on each specific pre-treatment route as operations progress. Details will include some or all of the following:- a) Details of the routes treated. b) The start and completion of treatment on a specific route. c) Type of treatment carried out. d) Driver and other operator details e) Quantity of materials used f) The prevailing weather conditions. g) Any contacts by Police regarding reactive requirements h) Details of any plant breakdowns, accidents or incidents. i) Any other problems 12.3 In parallel to the above recording system, vehicle activities are recorded on the “Trackyou” - vehicle tracking system. Reports and map based graphical records can be run to confirm and clarify in more detail, the recorded activities. 12.4 All records are archived in separate remote servers and can be retrieved through web access by any authorised user, at any time after a plan has been completed. 12.5 Additional records of all telephone calls related to winter operations are kept by all duty supervisors and managers. These are completed at the end of each shift, collated and filed centrally for future reference. Page 64
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APPENDIX 2 - SALT USE REDUCTION AND PRESERVATION OF STOCKS PROTOCOL. Argyll and Bute Council WINTER SERVICE – OPERATIONS 2022/23 Protocols for the reduction in use of salt and preservation of remaining stocks. Storage Capacity, Stock Transfers and replenishment times Storage capacity in all 15 “Operational” salt stores has been increased by 3,500tonnes to approximately 14,000tonnes, since 2009, through phase 1 of the covered tunnel construction programme. The 3,000tonne plus capacity Dome in Helensburgh, although an operational store, has an element of strategic storage. For national salt resilience purposes, daily usage is calculated on 2 Priority WRC1-3 network treatments and one WRC4 “other routes” treatment in each 24hr period. This equates to 375tonnes/day at normal use levels, 600tonnes/day for heavy snow. The West of Scotland Co-ordination Group, Roads sub-group agreed that Roads Authorities should achieve a minimum storage capacity of equivalent to 70% of the average total salt usage of the last three severe winters. This equates to a minimum 10,399 tonnes for Argyll and Bute for 2022. However the target tonnage for the start of each season, 1st November may vary, as replenishment of some stores are related to shipping capacity and availability, however a minimum 11,000tonnes is considered reasonable. This equates to 28 continuous days supply at Winter Policy treatment levels. As the national salt supply contract has an allowance of 21days to fulfil delivery from point of order, the minimum resilience required in normal conditions equates to four weeks operations or approximately 60% of the new capacity, at 10,000tonnes. In practice, reduced quantities of 6,000tonnes before replenishment are acceptable. This equates to a resilience of 16 days operations, at normal treatment levels. Within this total quantity, material may require to be moved between stores to preserve a degree of individual resilience in each of the operational stockpiles around the network. Internal transfers between stores ensure adequate stocks are available as much as practicable to maintain a consistent treatment regime throughout the network. In this way the hierarchy of route treatments can be preserved as per the policy, for as long as practicable within any delivery shortage period. Operational Decision techniques to Manage Salt use. Winter Service Policy already recognises the need to preserve salt primarily for the prevention or treatment of ice on higher speed carriageways. 3Grit:1Salt mixes are already utilised in Grit Heaps and Bins and in the reactive treatment of footways. Salt preservation techniques can be instigated on carriageway treatments where forecasts or conditions indicate that a mixture of salt and grit will provide the best treatment to aid traction. The winter operations decision to use 50/50 mixes should only be for this purpose, rather than to preserve supplies. In periods of falling snow, Grit only should be used on “return” ploughing legs until such time as snowfall ceases and there is an expectation that salt will melt any residual snow after ploughing. In settled constant dry conditions Residual Salt levels on carriageways allow the curtailment of further treatments, as part of the daily operational plan. Page 65
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Reduction in Salt use in treatments, to preserve remaining stocks. Where salt stock levels reduce and replenishment activities are doubtful in either quantity or timescale, the use of salt will be curtailed under the following procedures. Salt Preservation level Circumstances Authorised by. SP1 Total Operational Stocks reduce to 6,000tonnes Winter Manager This level will be reached in conditions of reasonably prolonged hazardous conditions or where extreme conditions reduce the effectiveness of salt. The supply chain for salt replenishment may become of national importance and Transport Scotland and West of Scotland Co-Ordination Group advice may be received. First Operation:- Activate replenishment from Strategic Stockpile at Helensburgh Dome Depending on the likely delay in replenishment, part of the Strategic stockpile may be moved to other operational stores. The quantity will be determined by the potential delivery date for shipping, to replenish the Helensburgh store from King George 5th Dock Glasgow and other western stockpiles, via Argyll ports. The transfer of each 1,000 tonnes of stock will provide a further 4 days resilience within the operational stores, at normal use rates. Resilience:- 4 - 12days at normal use levels 375t/day : 2 - 6 days heavy snow 600t/day Second Operation:- Activate Salt Preservation Measures. Salt treatments will be reduced. Spread rates adjusted from 40g/m2 to 20g/m2, or 20g/m2 to 10g/m2. Further reductions in the salt content of all carriageway treatments will be achieved by mixing Grit and Salt together, firstly at 1Grit:1Salt then 2Grit:1Salt. In extreme frosts where RSTs remain below -5C all day, and salt is considered to be ineffective, additional treatments of pure Grit on all routes can be instructed to aid traction. Grit heaps, bins and footway treatments will remain at 3grit:1Salt. Resilience:- 32days at reduced use SP1 = 188t/day : 20days heavy snow SP2 Total stocks reduce to 4,000tonnes Head of Service Salting treatments will be curtailed to Priority 1&2 pre-treatment routes only (1233km – rev 2021) The SP1 salt mixing techniques will be used in all further SP levels. All other treatments will be of pure Grit including replenishment of grit bins / heaps. Resilience:- 25 days at reduced use SP2 = 156t/day : 15 days heavy snow SP3 Total Stocks reduce to 2,000tonnes Executive Director Salting will be reduced to one treatment per 24hr forecast period, of the Priority 1&2 network, usually 06:00hrs mornings, in advance of the majority of traffic movements. All other treatments will be of pure Grit including replenishment of grit bins / heaps Resilience:- 25 days at reduced use SP3 = 78t/day : 15 days heavy snow SP4 Total stocks reduce to 1,000tonnes Chief Executive Salting reduced to Priority 1 and Priority 2 “A” class routes only 06:00hrs. (492km) All other roads and mobilisation times, Grit only. Resilience:- 32 days at reduced use SP4 = 31t/day : 20 days heavy snow SP5 Total Stocks reduce to 700 tonnes Chief Executive Effectively 2 days resilience at original policy normal use. The trigger point for application to Scottish Executive Emergency Salt stockpile. Release of salt, allowing replenishment out with the normal constraints of the national salt supply contract. Resilience:- 22 days at reduced use SP5 = 31t/day : 13 days heavy snow Total resilience: SP1 (2nd Op) > SP5 (end) = 68 days : 41 days heavy snow. Page 66
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APPENDIX 3 – ADVISORY SIGNING, ROUTES UNSUITABLE IN SEVERE CONDITIONS In specific locations additional information and diversion signing will be erected to further inform drivers of the hazardous conditions on some routes. This advises them of alternative routes, where available resources will concentrate on maintaining treatments. There are four roads where signing to indicate specific alternative routes are available. 1 A817 “Haul Rd”, Lomond. Snow gates at A82 and A814 “central” roundabout. Diversion via A818 Arden - A814 Garelochhead 2 C46 Glen Aros / Glenbellart road , Mull Signs at Aros Bridge and Dervaig Primary School Diversion via A848Tobermory 3 C9 Glenfinart Road ( The Larach) , Cowal Signs at Whistlefield Hotel and Sligrachan Bus turning head; Diversion via A880 Cot House 4 C11 Otter Hill road ( Bealach an Drain) , Cowal Signs at Glendaruel A886 and Otter Ferry B8000; Diversion via A8003 Tighnabruich and Kames. Example of typical information sign Sign on permanent display during Winter Season. . Road Closure in conjunction with temporary signs when conditions dictate. ROAD CLOSED AHEAD ROAD CLOSED Alternative route avoiding hazardous conditions Page 67
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APPENDIX 4 - FRONTLINE TREATMENT VEHILCE FLEET 2022-23. 2022-23 WINTER POLICY , PRE-TREATMENT ROUTES ALLOCATED VEHICLE - ( inc 70&71 Reg replacing 19Reg vehicles #) .08/09/2021 HIRED FLEET - 18T GVM - 6cu.m. PMGs 2021/23 - VRNs Confirmed ( Inc updates) Policy and Pre-Treatment Routes unchanged 31 Council pre-treatment routes , remeasured HIRED FLEET - 26T GVM - 9cu.m PMGs 2021/23 - VRNs Confirmed 30 Frontline Vehicles inc S/C assist V IN-HOUSE FLEET - Replacement QCB units - 18tGVM 6cu.m spreader plus 1 route, services to BEAR Scotland Ltd IN-HOUSE FLEET - Replacement Multispreads - 12t / 7.5 t GVM DRAFT WINTER FLEET ALLOCATION - 7th JULY 2022 VEHILE REGISTRATIONS / DESIGNATION TO BE UPDATED BY OCT 2022 District START DEPOT/ SALT STORE code Pre-treatment route Description tonnes cu.m Vehicle Make Reg No. Vehicle Model c/w Straight offset Plough blade Gritter Capacity BUTE Rothesay - Union St B 1 A886 Rubodach and Bute rural 5.64 4.34 DAF - LF260 FA SJ21 LVM Econ - QCB c/w 6cu.m ZERO C Demountable Spreader 6 cu.m. Rothesay - Union St B 2 Rothesay town & Bus routes 4.00 3.08 DAF - LF230 FA SJ21 LVO 7.5t ECON Multispread - demountable spinner 1.5cu.m. COWAL Dunoon - Victoria Rd C 1 & C5 Dunoon A886/A815 & B839/B828 Hell's Glen / Glean Mor 6.17 4.75 Merc 2635 YJ 19 RWN AROCS 6x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 9 cu.m. Dunoon - Victoria Rd C 2 A815 Dunoon - Toward ( & Loch Striven ; POL depot) 3.08 2.37 DAF - LF260 FA SJ21 LVL Econ - QCB c/w 6cu.m ZERO C Demountable Spreader 6 cu.m. Dunoon - Victoria Rd C 3 Dunoon streets 1.43 1.10 DAF - LF230 FA SJ21 LWG 12t ECON Multispread - demountable spinner 3.5cu.m. Dunoon - Victoria Rd C 4 A886 Colintraive - Strachur & B836 Glen Lean 5.92 4.55 Merc 2635 YJ 19 RWU AROCS 6x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 9 cu.m. Lettermay-Lochgoilhead -S/C C5 South B839 Pole - Lochgoilhead & Carrick Bus turning 0.87 0.67 Contractor assistsnce - Cowal Leisure Ltd - Vehicle tbc 3 cu.m. Dunoon - Victoria Rd - S/C C 6 A8003 Tighnabruich and Portavadie Ferry 3.49 2.68 Merc 1827A YJ 19 SWV AROCS 4x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 6 cu.m. Dunoon - Victoria Rd C 7 A880 Ardentinny 2.48 1.91 Merc 1827A YJ 19 SWY AROCS 4x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 6 cu.m. LOMOND Helensburgh - Blackhill H 1 A818 - A817 - A814 South to Glen Mallon Jetty 6.44 4.95 Merc 2635 YJ 19 RWV AROCS 6x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 9 cu.m. Helensburgh - Blackhill H 2 B833 Peninsula & A814 North - Arrochar/Succoth 4.66 3.58 Merc 2635 YJ 19 RXL AROCS 6x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 9 cu.m. Helensburgh - Blackhill H 3 Helensburgh West & Rhu 2.91 2.24 DAF - LF230 FA SJ21 LVT 7.5t ECON Multispread - demountable spinner 1.5cu.m. Helensburgh - Blackhill H 4 East Helensburgh & Cardross 3.08 2.37 DAF - LF260 FA SJ21 LVN Econ - QCB c/w 6cu.m ZERO C Demountable Spreader 6 cu.m. ISLAY Bowmore - Springbank I 1 A846 & B8016 Bridgend - Port Ellen (High & Low Roads) 5.15 3.96 Merc 1827A YJ 19 RXO AROCS 4x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 6 cu.m. Bowmore - Springbank I 2 A846 Pt Askaig & A847 Portnahaven 4.18 3.22 DAF - LF260 FA SJ21 LWU Econ - QCB c/w 6cu.m ZERO C Demountable Spreader 6 cu.m. KINTYRE Machrihanish Depot KTR A83 Cambeltown - Kennacraig - for BEAR Scotland s/c 6.33 4.87 PMG (supplied) SN13BVF Trunk road Sub-Contract for BEAR 9 cu.m. Machrihanish Depot K 1 > K3 B842 Campbeltown - Carradale 2.82 2.17 DAF - LF260 FA SJ21 LWR Econ - QCB c/w 6cu.m ZERO C Demountable Spreader 6 cu.m. Machrihanish Depot K 2 B842/B843 Campeltown - Machrihanish - Southend 4.17 3.21 DAF - LF230 FA SJ21 LYK 7.5t ECON Multispread - demountable spinner 1.5cu.m. . > K3 B842 Carradale - Clonaig & B8000 Skipness - Redhouse 2.14 1.65 Follow-on with K1 Vehicle , volume included above LORN East Dalmally Depot L 1 A819 Dalmally - Inveraray 3.02 2.32 Merc 2635 YK 71 JXL AROCS 6x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 9 cu.m. Oban - Jackson's Quarry L 2 B845 Kilchrennan - C29 Dalavich 4.84 3.72 Merc 1827A YK 70 HRF AROCS 4x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 6 cu.m. # LORN West Oban - Jackson's Quarry L 3 A816 Oban - Ardfern inc Village 3.38 2.60 Merc 2635 YJ 19 RXM AROCS 6x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 9 cu.m. Oban - Jackson's Quarry L 4 B844 Easdale & Cuan 1.72 1.32 DAF - LF260 FA SJ21 LWW Econ - QCB c/w 6cu.m ZERO C Demountable Spreader 6 cu.m. Oban - Jackson's Quarry L 5 C27 Port Appin - B845 Bonawe 2.72 2.09 Merc 1827A YK 70 HRP AROCS 4x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 6 cu.m. # Oban - Jackson's Quarry L 6 Oban streets 2.60 2.00 DAF - LF230 FA SJ21 LWV 12t ECON Multispread - demountable spinner 3.5cu.m. MidARGYLL Lochgilphead-Monydrain MA 1 A816 Lochgilphead - Ardfern & B840 to Ford 3.57 2.75 Merc 3333k YF 19 OVU AROCS 6x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 9 cu.m. Lochgilphead-Monydrain MA 2 B841 Acnamara - B8025 Tayvallich 2.58 1.98 Merc 1827A YK 70 HRG AROCS 4x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 6 cu.m. # Lochgilphead-Monydrain MA 3 B8024 Kilberry Loop 3.32 2.55 Merc 1827A YK 70 HRL AROCS 4x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 6 cu.m. # Lochgilphead-Monydrain MA 4 Lochgilpead /Ardrishaig/Tarbert Streets 1.22 0.94 DAF - LF260 FA SJ21 LWT Econ - QCB c/w 6cu.m ZERO C Demountable Spreader 6 cu.m. MULL Tobermory -Baliscate MU 1 A848/A849 Tobermory - Craignure 4.92 3.78 Merc 1827A YK 71 JWY AROCS 4x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 6 cu.m. # Tobermory -Baliscate MU 2 Tobermory - Dervaig 2.68 2.06 Merc 1827A YK 71 JXD AROCS 4x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 6 cu.m. # Pennygowan Depot MU 3 A849 Craignure - Kinloch - Fionnphort 5.74 4.42 Merc 2635 YJ 19 RXY AROCS 6x4 - ECON spreader PMG - C/W Plough 9 cu.m. JURA Craighouse Depot(MBC - S/C) J 1 A846 Feolin - Ardlussa - Jura Sub-contractor vehicles 2.44 1.88 Merc 1318 OU 55 GCY Mercedes Atego 1318 PMG - M Boyle S/C 6 cu.m. Kintyre/Mid-Argyll/Lorn SPARE WEST ( based in Lochgilphead) FLH240 - Chassis Only SF 14 JKX Gully Vehicle - Demountable Gritter 6 cu.m. Bute/Cowal SPARE EAST ( based in DUNOON) FLH240 - Chassis Only SF 14 JKV Gully Vehicle - Demountable Gritter 6 cu.m. full mobilisation run YF 63 HVE SPARE - BEAR BACK-UP A83 Campbeltown 9cu.m tonnes at 20g/m2 Volume @ 20g/m2 run 119.71 Page 68
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APPENDIX 5 - SALT STOCK RECORDING AND RESILIENCE REPORTING. ARGYLL & BUTE COUNCIL WINTER MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS 2022 - 23 SALT STOCK SUMMARY SHEET 09:00hrs on All quantities in TONNES ROADS OPERATIONS UNIT Resilience TOTAL SALT TONNAGE IN OPERATIONAL DEPOTS AT DATE 6083 16.4 days OPERATIONAL USAGE Salt quantity used from to ( includes Grit bins & heaps) tonnes SALT STORES "IN STOCK" RECORDS CONFIRMED AND ADJUSTED START TOTALS LOMOND Helensburgh BLACKHILL 1304 Lomond TOTAL 1304 22.9 days (Including EAST Strategic capability) BUTE & Rothesay - UNION ST 158 Bute TOTAL 158 7.2 days COWAL Dunoon - VICTORIA RD. 526 MILLHOUSE (re-load only) 79 GLENDARUEL (re-load only) 62 Lochgoilhead-LETTERMAY 17 Cowal TOTAL 684 10.7 days MID-ARGYLL, Lochgilphead - MONYDRAIN 981 KINTYRE Campbeltown - MACHRIHANISH 706 M-A,K TOTAL 1687 18.7 days & ISLANDS Islay - SPRINGBANK 731 Jura - CRAIGHOUSE 16 747 19.2 days OBAN, Oban - JACKSON'S QUARRY 657 LORN DALMALLY 91 Lorn TOTAL 748 12.1 days and the Mull - PENNYGOWAN 494 ISLES Tobermory - BALISCATE 247 KINLOCH (re-load only) 14 Mull TOTAL 755 21.0 days STRATEGIC STOCKPILE CONNEL 0 Additional resilience available 0.0 days Original location unavailable . New site to be obtained TOTAL TONNAGE - ALL SALT AVAILABLE 6083 Tonnes TOTAL RESILIENCE 16.4 days 0 TONNES Delivered to depots this week ORDERS PLACED DATE EXPECTED LOCATIONS ( To be called fwd as req) IRISH SALT MINING AND EXPLORATION - Kilroot, NI ex KG5 by Road , or direct to Ports 1700 tonnes by Road 1000 tonnes by Road 1200 tonnes by Boat 1200 tonnes by Boat 600t Machrihanish - 600t MonydrainOctober October 31 July 2022 Operational October Blackhill Dome - to "capacity" 300t Dalmally, 500t Oban - 400t Mull October 200t Rothesay , 800t Dunoon Page 69
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APPENDIX 6 - WEATHER SUMMARY - 2021-22 Winter Season Summary 2021-22 and Monthly Reports A drier and milder winter, than in the recent past. Short term cold spells in November and December generated some wintry spells but conditions turned wet and mild after Christmas Day. The season was marked by the frequency of “named storms” throughout the core period, with events in each month culminating with three named storms in one week from the middle of February onwards. Periods of northerly airflows, bringing colder conditions, clear skies with frosts and occasional periods of wintry precipitation were few in number and interspersed with milder, wet conditions for periods of 1-2 weeks duration. There were few significant snow events, with lasting hazards only affecting high-level routes for more than 2-3 days at a time. March and April, were less “stormy” in comparison to the first 2/3 of the season. A dip in temperatures, in late March saw sub-zero temperatures carry over into April but with background temperatures improving, there were no lasting hazard in the forecasts, by the Easter weekend Fri 15th April onwards. November 2021 Overall, it was a very mild and dry November. Compared to the 30 year average, the daily mean temperature was about 1.2C warmer for Western Scotland. The month was very dry with only 50% of the 30yr average rainfall. The sunshine amount averaged out at about normal for the month. The first week of November started off cool but relatively dry, although some showers did occur in the Monday-Wednesday time frame. The coldest night of the week was Wednesday 3rd with RSTs below zero: A886 Leanach -1.6 DegC, A816 Blaran -0.4DegC, A817 Haul Road -0.4DegC, A85 Dalmally -0.3DegC, A819 Accurrach 0.0 DegC. Thursday a somewhat milder westerly flow developed, and it became increasingly mild and unsettled into the weekend. The second week of November had temperatures that were above average, and no sub-zero RSTs were recorded during the week. The third weekend of November was generally dry. There was a mix of cloud and clear spells. The mornings were cool but RSTs held above zero. The third week of November started wet and mild. A cold front crossed the region late Tuesday ushering a cooler and blustery Wednesday with a few showers. Wet and milder conditions returned for the end of the week. RSTs were well above zero for most of the week. The one exception was Wednesday morning which was quite cool, but RSTs held above zero. The fourth weekend of November started very mild, but a strong cold front went through Saturday afternoon leading to a much cooler Saturday night. It was dry but cool and a few RSTs did fall below freezing. Sunday night continued fry and clear but was even colder with most RSTs falling below zero. Mild temperatures continued for the beginning of week 4. There were also a few showers. A strong cold front crossed the region late Wednesday 24th ushering in cooler conditions for Thursday. Later Thursday 25th Storm Arwen moved across the region with rain and high winds. As it deepened and moved just to the east of the UK, very strong winds developed, and it turned much colder with rain changing to snow for higher elevations. Significant snow accumulations were recorded for some higher sites. Saturday continued very windy and cold with snow showers even down to lower levels. Storm Arwen was dubbed one of the worst UK storms in decades. Power was cut to a quarter of a million people; hundreds of trees were knocked down and three people were killed. A rare red wind warning was issued by the UK met office. In Argyll, the strongest winds and most disruption due to fallen trees was confined to the Southwestern sector - Islay , Kintyre and Bute suffering from the worst effects, with other districts north and east , having comparatively lower impact. Sunday 28th saw calmer conditions but it continued cold with snow at higher elevations and rain or a wintry mix for lower routes. Many higher sites recorded minimum RSTs of -2 to -4C Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning. The last day of November was much milder with morning RSTs all well above freezing but there Page 70
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was some rain December 2021 December was another dry month with precipitation just 50% of the 30-year normal. It was cloudy, with only 50% of normal sunshine for the month. December came in as November had left, with heavy rain and blustery conditions. However, RSTs were above freezing. Skies cleared in the evening and the night of Dec 1st – 2nd was very cold with a brisk northerly flow. RSTs rose just above freezing during the day but some rain and snow during the evening of the 2nd caused RSTs to become erratic and fall to zero or marginal in places. RSTs rose above freezing everywhere overnight as it turned drier and milder everywhere. Friday December 3rd was a cloudy and mild day with all RSTs above freezing. Saturday started blustery and wet with showers that were wintry over high elevations. After a cold start where RSTs were largely below zero, a ridge of high pressure brought settled and bright weather for Sunday. The first full week of December started wet. Most areas saw spells of rain as a front moved eastwards across the UK, bringing snow to hills and high ground. Blustery showers, wintry in places, followed behind this front. A cool and very breezy or windy day for all. Overnight, showers became isolated and clear breaks developed. RSTs fell below zero for most. Storm Barra arrived in the UK Tuesday morning Dec 7th. Snow fell down to lower levels to start, around 100m above sea level, with some accumulations reported but snow levels rose during the day. Winds were very strong, gusting 40-50mph inland, reaching up to 60-75mph over the Irish sea, resulting in coastal flooding on some routes. Overnight, showers continued for most, wintry at the higher levels but no additional snow accumulation. Storm Barra continued to dominate the weather, on Wed 8th. It was drier but a few showers did continue mixed with sleet and snow at high levels. Showers cleared away to the east late in the day. Wednesday night was dry and colder with clear spells, RSTs falling below zero. On Thursday another Atlantic frontal system moved in from the west. RSTs rose ahead of this system bringing rain at all levels. Behind the front it was blustery and colder with some scattered showers, wintry at higher levels. These became isolated near dawn as clear breaks developed. RSTs fell below zero for most weather station sites. Friday was variably cloudy with scattered showers that were wintry at higher elevations. It turned drier later on Friday 10th and skies cleared allowing RSTs to fall widely below zero. Clouds from the next system moved in near dawn, with Saturday a milder day with RSTs rising allowing for rain to develop at almost all levels through the morning. Sunday was variably cloudy and dry and relatively mild. Sunday night turned very windy and wet with outbreaks of rain. The second week of December started dry with sunny spells. RSTs fell to marginal or below zero early Monday night before cloud from the next system moved in. This system brought some rain for Tuesday but also ushered in a very mild period for the region. RSTs remained above zero for the remainder of the week. The dry weather continued through the third weekend of December. RSTs were marginal to below zero across inland sites while areas closer to the sea remained above zero. The third week of December continued dry as high pressure dominated the weather. RSTs remained above zero through Wednesday morning as stubborn cloud lingered over western Scotland. Rain and milder temperatures arrived late Wednesday and Thursday 23rd . Christmas Eve day turned colder as arctic air moved across the region from the northeast. Christmas Day started clear and cold for most areas with RSTs below zero. Rain and snow moved north-eastwards into the region Christmas night – with accumulating snow above 200 metres. Snow occurred to quite low levels for a time on the leading edge - down to around 100m in places. A wintery mix of sleet and rain was reported on road surfaces early on the 26th. RSTs were below zero widely in the morning. Snow levels and RSTs rose later in the morning into the 26th as the precipitation became patchy and light. The last week of December started cloudy, but it was milder with RSTs widely above zero. Rain developed across all levels Tuesday morning then diminished in the afternoon. It was dry and Page 71
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cooler Tuesday night as a ridge of high pressure brought clear spells and light winds. RSTs fell below zero across elevated sites and became marginal even at low levels. A warm front associated with a band of rain moved across the region during the day Wednesday ushering in an unsettled but unseasonably mild period that lasted until the year end, Friday 31st December. January 2022 January was unusually mild and dry overall. The new year came in wet and blustery but mild with RSTs well above zero. Sunday started cooler and drier, but RSTs held above zero. Showers developed late in the day with the approach of a cold front. Monday morning saw the passage of the front along with a band of rain as RSTs held above zero. It turned drier but colder in the afternoon. Monday night/Tuesday morning was clear and cold with RSTs below zero widely. Tuesday night and Wednesday morning continued cold, and blustery with the odd wintry shower around. RSTs fell below zero, widely, once again. Wednesday 5th was a dry and sunny day. Wednesday night/Thursday morning was clear and cold as winds diminished with RSTs below zero widely. Later Thursday a frontal system moved through with a band of rain that began as snow on the higher hills. Some sleet even occurred in the lower levels. Thursday night and Friday morning was blustery and colder with scattered snow showers that were locally heavy in places with accumulations in the hills. Snow occurred down to lowest levels. RSTs fell below zero widely Friday morning. Friday evening was clear and cold with RSTs falling below zero widely. Overnight the next Atlantic system moved into the region associated with a band of rain. RSTs and snow levels rose as the system approached with rain everywhere by dawn Saturday 8th. The rain cleared off in the afternoon, but showers redeveloped in the cooler air behind the system Saturday night, wintry in spots. RSTs fell marginal to below zero by Sunday morning. RSTs and snow levels rose by mid-morning with rain showers continuing. The afternoon was drier with sunny spells. RSTs fell off Sunday evening but remained above zero in most areas except the higher sites. Clouds increased from the southwest overnight and RSTs rose. Monday was a milder day with showers developing in the afternoon. Skies cleared Monday night and it turned breezy and a little cooler. A few showers developed and RSTs fell marginal in most areas and below in some higher sites. The remainder of the week to Friday 14th was dry but generally cloudy with RSTs holding above zero. The third week of January was another dry week with a series of weak frontal systems moving through from the west from time to time, however there was plenty of winter sunshine during the day and clear spells at night. A weak cold front went through late Saturday/early Sunday, and this resulted in somewhat cooler temperatures to start the next week. Monday morning saw a few higher sites fall marginal. It turned a little milder Tuesday but then the next cold front went through Tuesday night resulting in minimum RSTs falling widely below zero on the morning of Wednesday 19th, across the higher sites. Thursday was dry but not quite as cold and RSTs generally held above zero Thursday morning. Some cloud moved in Thursday night, and this kept RSTs from falling too low Friday morning although higher sites marginal to near zero. The next frontal system pushed cloud across the region Friday evening 21st and RSTs remained above zero Friday night. Saturday turned milder as a southwesterly flow developed and this resulted in RSTs holding above zero into Sunday morning. The last week of January continued the weather pattern established earlier in the month. It was a dry week, but it was even milder than the 3rd week. There were plenty of cloud through the middle of the week. RSTs were above zero through Thursday morning. Skies cleared briefly on the evening of Thursday 27th before cloud from the next system moved across the region. RSTs held widely above zero. A strong frontal system associated with Named Storm Malik (DMI) brought blustery rain across the region Friday night into Saturday morning. Saturday night skies cleared and winds diminished once again which resulted in RSTs falling widely near to, or below Page 72
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zero Sunday morning. The end of the month turned wintry as a strong cold front crossed the region Sunday night 30th, associated with Named Storm Corrie (Met Office). It turned windy and colder Monday morning with showers, wintry at higher levels. RSTs fell widely near to, or below zero Deg C. February 2022 Overall, the month of February was a wet month with precipitation at 175% of the 30-year average. It was a little milder with temperatures about 1C above the 30-year normal. It was a cloudy month with sunshine 50% of the 30-year average. The weather pattern of the previous month generally continued into the first part of February where a series of frontal systems crossed the region every 2 or 3 days. Temperatures rose ahead of the front then drop in the wake of the front. The week beginning on the 14th saw a major shift. The jet stream intensified and became situated directly over the UK. This allowed for deep areas of low pressure to form, and resulted in Storms Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin – the first time 3 storms have been named by the UK Met Office in the same week since the new storm naming system has been introduced. The first week of February started blustery and mild. It continued until Thursday night when a cold front went through associated with a band of rain. Friday 4th turned colder with some showers that were wintry on higher routes. RSTs were well above zero Tuesday through Thursday morning then fell below zero at elevated sites Friday morning. RSTs fell widely below zero Friday night, early Saturday morning before the next system brought some rain and milder temperatures to the region Saturday. In behind this system, it turned windy and quite a bit colder for Sunday with showers that were wintry, even at lower levels. The second week of February started clear and cold with RSTs widely below zero Monday morning. A warm front brought cloud and some rain along with milder temperatures for Monday 7th with an associated cold front passing through Monday night bringing a band of rain along with breezy and cooler conditions for Tuesday. It turned even colder Wednesday along with snow showers at higher sites and wintry showers at lower levels. It turned briefly milder Wednesday night ahead of the next cold front. In the wake of this front, there was some blustery showers, wintry at higher sites. Thursday night saw skies clear and winds diminish. RSTs fell widely below zero Friday morning. Friday 11th turned breezy and milder with rain Friday night that tapered to showers Saturday. Sunday continued cloudy and mild with showers. RSTs were above zero during the weekend. The third week of February turned stormy. Monday 14th saw a colder northwest flow develop and there were a few showers, wintry in the hills. Skies cleared Monday night and winds diminished and RSTs fell widely below zero. They recovered overnight as the next frontal system pushed cloud and showers, wintry in places to start. Tuesday was a blustery day with a mix of sunshine and a few showers. The next low pressure moved in Tuesday evening with rain and RSTs held above zero into Wednesday morning. Storm Dudley moved in on Wednesday 16th associated with spells of rain. It turned colder and showers became wintry in the higher hills Wednesday night into Thursday. It was also very windy. Thursday was a blustery cold day with showers that were wintry in spots. Storm Eunice moved in late Thursday night and continued Friday 19th with strong winds and snow even at lower levels. Friday night turned drier with clear spells and RSTs fell widely below zero. Saturday was another generally dry day with dry spells. Rain and milder temperatures moved in for Saturday night and Sunday. Rain turned to snow Sunday night in higher elevations as it turned very windy and colder as Storm Franklin moved across the region. For the last week of February, Monday 21ST was dry with sunny spells. Cloud, showers, and milder temperatures moved in Monday night ahead of the next frontal system. Tuesday was generally dry, breezy, and mild and these conditions continued through Tuesday night. Showers redeveloped Wednesday morning and changed to snow showers even at low levels Wednesday night/Thursday morning, as it turned much colder. Snow showers continued through the day Thursday 24th, mixed with sleet even at low levels. Accumulating snow occurred in the hills. Thursday night turned drier with clear spells. However, it was very cold with RSTs widely below Page 73
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zero. Friday was a sunny day as high pressure moved across the region. Friday night turned cloudy but was milder with RSTs holding above zero. Saturday was cloudy but dry. Saturday night continued dry, but some clear spells developed, and RSTs fell widely marginal to below zero. Sunday continued cloudy with a few spells of rain in places. Rain became heavier and more persistent Sunday night but clear away Monday 28th, morning leaving plenty of sunshine. The last night of February was clear and cold with RSTs falling below zero. March 2022 March was an unusually quiet weather month with plenty of dry weather and sunshine. Precipitation amounts were almost 70% below the 30-year normal. Sunshine amounts were almost 170% above normal. This led to a wide difference in temperatures as the sunshine during the day led to warmer than normal temperatures and the clear skies and generally light winds at night led to colder temperatures. Mean maximum daily temperatures averaged almost 2C above the 30-year average while mean daily minimum temperatures were almost 1.0 below the 30-year average. Overall, the mean temperature was ~1.0C above normal. March started clear and cold under High Pressure. A frontal system moved in for the second day of March associated with cloud showers and milder temperatures. The third day turned drier late, but it continued partly cloudy. RSTs fell marginal to below zero in a few sites Friday morning. High pressure brought an extended period of dry and clear weather along with colder conditions through the weekend that continued into the second week of March. RSTs fell widely below zero during this period. A frontal system slowly approached the west of Scotland Tuesday night/Wednesday with cloud and rain. This resulted in RSTs above zero into Wednesday morning 9th. This was the beginning of a pattern change which continued for the remainder of the week and through the weekend with a series of disturbances bringing wet and mild conditions to the region with RSTs remaining above zero during the period. The wet and mild conditions continued into the third week, w/c 14th March. RSTs held above zero. Skies cleared Wednesday night as a ridge of high pressure moved in and RSTs fell widely below zero Thursday morning. This ushered in an extended period of fine, dry weather with plenty of early spring sunshine that continued for the remainder of the week and through the weekend. RSTs fell marginal to below zero for most sites during this period. The bright and mild weather continued through the fourth week of March, but RSTs were not as cold and remained above zero most nights. The bright and mild weather continued into the last days of March. A cold front went through the region Wednesday 30th morning associated with rain showers that changed to snow showers later in the morning at higher levels. RSTs were above freezing through Wednesday morning. RSTs fell widely below zero the last night of March as skies cleared and a colder northerly flow moved in. April 2022 The late season cold spell continued into the first week of April. Sub-zero RSTs continue to be recorded on most sensor sites, with minimum temperatures Minus 1.4 to 3.6 Deg C , becoming confined to high-level sites by Sunday 3rd, as cloud and heavy rain developed over the area. From Monday 4th onwards, temperatures increased to overnight minima in double figures in urban domains by Wednesday 6th April. Sub-zero RSTs developed again, mainly on higher routes inland on 8th, lingering into the morning of 9th at North Eastern inland sites. This was the last period of sub-zero road temperatures, with conditions improving through to Easter, with RSTs generally Plus 5 to 9 Deg C overnight in mixed conditions with clear spells and frequent rain in showers or as weather fronts moved in from the Atlantic. Clearer conditions overnight Tuesday 19th allowed temperatures to drop to Page 74
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Plus 1.5 to 2.5 Deg. C in Northern and Eastern districts by Wednesday morning, whilst in clear sunny conditions RSTs reached Plus 30 Deg C by early in the afternoons. The general seasonal improvement continued through the remainder of April, with overnight minimum RSTs in the range Plus 4 to Plus 8 Deg C through to 30th. Page 75
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE ROAD AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES 1 SEPTEMBER 2022 STREET LIGHTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAMME 2022/23 LED PROJECT AND REPLACEMENT COLUMNS PROGRAMME 2022/23 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Argyll and Bute Council are responsible for the maintenance of over 14,500 street lights and associated lighting columns, control pillars and lit road signs. A large quantity of the inventory of streetlights is still powered from the “5th core” electrical supply system, dating from 1930s. This is a hidden problem which manifests itself in frequent power failures which are costly to rectify. 1.2 There is also a parallel issue, where the age of street lighting columns is unknown. The newest columns are now approaching 25 years, since the previous upgrading programme in 1990’s, with many others estimated as between 50 – 80 years. This is well outside the Industry recognised life expectancy of 25 years for columns and wiring. 1.3 As a direct result of this, over recent years additional costs have been incurred through the Street Lighting Revenue budget, to replace failed power supplies and deal with actual or potential column failures due to corrosion. 1.4 The £3.9M LED Replacement Luminaires project commenced in Helensburgh and Lomond in 2015. Sections of work were completed in the period to 2018 bringing approximately 12,580 new LED Luminaires onto the system. 1.5 The disruption due to Coronavirus has delayed the continuation of the project until now. At the time of writing, the final assessment and award of a tender is underway with an expected start onsite in the remaining area of Oban, Lorn and the Isles in August 2022. Thereafter a “mop-up” process will replace any columns classed unsuitable for continued use and catch any luminaires missed in the original works. 1.6 The remaining works packages for LED fit out and column replacement works are estimated at £485,000 and is fully funded within the existing LED Project budget. RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee:- i. Endorses the Street Lighting Capital Improvements programme 2022/23; and ii. Endorses the LED and Replacement Column programme 2022/23. Page 77 Agenda Item 7
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE ROAD AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES 1 SEPTEMBER 2022 STREET LIGHTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAMME 2022/23 LED PROJECT AND REPLACEMENT COLUMNS PROGRAMME 2022/23 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report provides details of the proposed Street Lighting reconstruction programme for 2022/23. The programme is based on an allocation of £740,000, comprising of £440,000 of Capital allocation from this and the previous financial year and an additional £300,000, awarded through the budget process, to deal with defective columns and cabling. 2.2 This report also provides details of the proposed LED Replacement luminaires project, to completion in OLI and follow-on process of replacement of defective columns and “catch-up” luminaire fittings in all areas. This is valued at £485,000 and funded through the £3.9M LED project budget. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee:- i. Endorses the Street Lighting Capital Improvements programme for 2022/23; and ii. Endorses the LED and Replacement Column programme for 2022/23. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 Street Lighting Capital Improvements programme 22022/23 4.1.1 The Street Lighting inventory of 14,500 lighting columns is located generally, one third in Helensburgh and Lomond, a third in Bute and Cowal and the remaining third distributed throughout Kintyre, Mid-Argyll, Lorn and the outer islands centers of population. 4.1.2 Faulty cables and corroded columns are an issue throughout the network but a large number of recurring faults remain outstanding in the eastern districts where the bulk of the inventory is situated. Schemes have been identified and prioritised in these areas, where lights remain in fault condition or the risk of recurring failures is likely. This is the first batch of schemes identified to rectify the previous backlog in inventory improvements. 4.1.3 The plan is to design new lighting systems as part of each scheme, fully compliant with current regulations and include independently controlled cabling systems through new control pillars, known as Highway Distribution Units Page 78
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(HDUs). This will provide one new power supply to each HDU and give full control of the cable network to each lighting column, through ducting which will allow future cable replacement without the requirement to re-excavate tracks between columns. This will eliminate the current “5th core” issues and also “wired armoured” cables, which were previously buried directly in the ground without ducts and require full re-excavation to replace any defective sections. 4.1.4 The programme for delivery will be through the mixed economy model, partly for smaller schemes, delivered through the in-house Street Lighting Team, which consists of three electricians and one apprentice, working with local contractors from the framework contract, to provide the tracking, cabling and column placement element of the works. Larger schemes will be let to experienced Street Lighting Contractors through a tendering process. 4.1.5 Appendix 1 details the specific schemes and estimated values for the Street Lighting Capital Replacement Schemes programme 2022/23. At the time of writing, works are scheduled to commence in August 2022 and continue through to March 2023. 4.1.6 An element of parallel working to improve footways affected by lighting tracking works has been allowed for in the programme. This will generate minor savings in the lighting works estimates, where final full width footway re-surfacing is funded through the parallel Footways Capital Improvements programme. This will allow two improvements in one, in certain locations and provide additional benefit to communities. 4.2 LED Luminaires and Replacement Columns programme 2022/23 4.2.1 Capital funding in recent years, pre-Covid, focused on the LED luminaire replacement project. This reduced the overall power consumption of the system by approximately 45%. In some cases columns deemed unsuitable for new luminaires were by-passed in the project and are part of further “column upgrade catch–up” works, in parallel with this programme of full system upgrades. 4.2.2 The design element of the LED project will be delivered by WSP Ltd, in parallel with the Street Lighting Capital replacement schemes design work. The new lighting for each street requires a design assessment. This will comply with current lighting standards and be based on the existing location and height of the lighting columns, to determine the specification of LED luminaire required. This will provide a new fully compliant LED lighting system in each location. 4.2.3 The tender assessment and award process is underway. A start to the fitting out of the LED programme in Oban and Lorn is anticipated in August. 4.2.4 The follow-on works packages for column replacement and “catch-up” LED fitting will follow-on from the completion of the OLI original LED programme. This will be delivered by a combination of in-house Street Lighting / Framework contractors toward completion of the LED project by 31st March 2023. Page 79
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5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 This report provides details of the proposed Street Lighting Improvement programme for 2022/23. 5.2 This report provides details of the parallel LED Luminaires and Replacement Column programme 2022/23. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy - works assessed and carried out under the current Roads and Lighting Asset Management Plan. 6.2 Financial – Programme based on capital allocation for year 2022/23. The increase in LED luminaires will further reduce the overall power consumption requirement for the street lighting asset. 6.3 Legal – None. 6.4 HR - Works delivered by a combination of in-house operations teams with sub- contractors and external contractors. 6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty 6.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics – None Known. 6.5.2 Socio-economic Duty – None Known. 6.5.3 Islands – None Known. 6.6 Climate Change – All Luminaires–low energy LED, plus recyclable equipment. 6.7. Risk - Completed works will reduce requirement for reactive repair of lighting faults and improve the overall condition of the Street Lighting asset. 6.8 Customer Service - overall improvement in Street Lighting service. Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Jim Smith, Head of Roads and Infrastructure Policy Lead for Roads and Transport, Councillor Andrew Kain AUGUST 2022 For further information contact: Hugh O’Neill, Network and Standards Manager Jim Smith, Head of Roads and Infrastructure Service Page 80
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APPENDICES Appendix 1 – Street Lighting - Capital Reconstruction Programme 2022/23 Appendix 2 – LED project - Programme to completion 2022/23 Page 81
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APPENDIX 1 - STREET LIGHTING - CAPITAL RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME 2022/23 APPENDIX 2 – LED PROJECT - PROGRAMME TO COMPLETION 2022/23 Street Lighting Capital Program 2022/23 v2 - 11/05/2022 v3 06/07/2022 (Est red) Funding through Capital and other allocation Note £440,000 HDU = Highway Distribution Unit £300,000 Power connection and control box £740,000 CAPITAL BUDGET 2022-23 DUCTING , CABLE AND COLUMN UPGRADE AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME Area Scheme Name Estimated Value Proposed Scheme Details Contractor Delivery Model Works programmed after Design process completed - to appointed Small Works Framework Contractor BC Dunoon - Argyll Street Car Park / Pier Esplanade £1,500 12No. 8M Column Brackets Single Head, 12No. 8m Column Brackets Double Head, Install 2No. 4m Columns and 56No. New LED Luminaires In House HL Rosedale Gardens £26,500 Column (7No.) and HDU Replacement / cabling and ducting In House / Small Works Framework HL Eastwood Lane From the A814 £32,200 Column (9No.) and Cable Replacement / Cabling and ducting In House / Small Works Framework HL Kathleen Park (From Rhu Road Higher) £43,200 Column (12No.) and HDU / Cabling Replacement In House / Small Works Framework BC Ladside Road and Ladeside Place Rothesay £66,000 Column (18No.) and HDU / Cabling Replacement In House / Small Works Framework BC St Brides Road / Blain Terrace Ballochgoy Rothesay £42,000 Column (12No.) and Cable Replacement In House / Small Works Framework Works let after Design ,Tendering and Procurement process completed - to appointed Contractor HL Kilmahew Drive & Kilmahew Grove Cardross £72,000 Column (20No.) and Cable Replacement Contractor HL St Modens Way £54,200 Column (15No.) and HDU Replacement Contractor BC A815 Innellan Shore Road £204,600 Column (60No.) and HDU (6No.) / Cabling Replacement Contractor Lorn OBAN - Nant Drive and Spur roads ( Phase 1 of £238K project estimate) ( £114K c/o) £124,700 Column (71No) 8 HDU and cable replacement ( PH 1 2022 ) Contractor Mull Tobermory - Back Brae £73,200 Column (20no.) 2 x HDU and Cabling Replacement Contractor £740,100 Estimated Value of Works Additional allocation for Defective Columns and Cables. Capital Allocation ( inc £190,000 carred over from 2021-22) Funded through remaining LED Replacement Project Budget OTHER INSTALLATION WORKS - LED PROJECT Works programmed after Design process completed - to appointed Small Works Framework Contractor Kin Sound of Kintyre £55,000 95 nr LED REPLACEMENT In house Var Cat 4 Columns - LED mop up £180,000 200 nr Column replacement & LED In house / framework Works let after Design ,Tendering and Procurement process completed - to appointed Contractor Lorn Oban and Lorn upgrade £150,000 1100nr LED REPLACEMENT Contractor Var Sweep Through - LED Catch £100,000 600nr tbc LED REPLACEMENT Contractor £485,000 Estimated Value of Works Page 82
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 1 SEPTEMBER 2022 TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECTS & REGENERATION TEAM – LARGE SCALE PROJECT UPDATE REPORT 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The purpose of this report is to update the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee on progress of the large-scale, externally funded project work of the Transformational Projects and Regeneration Team, and to highlight key issues that may impact on the successful delivery of projects. 1.2 The last update report was considered by the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee in March 2022. 1.3 The Team is currently responsible for the delivery and or management of projects and or associated grants with a cumulative value of £35.5m. Projects are listed in Appendix A. RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee consider, and note the current progress contained within the report. Page 83 Agenda Item 8
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 1 SEPTEMBER 2022 TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECTS & REGENERATION TEAM – LARGE SCALE PROJECT UPDATE REPORT 2. INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report sets out the current position of the large-scale projects, which are currently being delivered by the Transformational Projects and Regeneration Team. 2.2 Transformational Projects and Regeneration sits within the Council’s Development and Economic Growth Service and works region-wide. The Team has a particular focus on ‘place’, heritage regeneration, the creative industries, renewables and Islands and works closely with communities, third sector organisations, town centre heritage building owners and businesses to realise positive change. 2.3 The Team’s work broadly includes the following areas:- Drafting/submitting bids to secure external funding of various scale, such as the new Heritage and Place Programme previously referred to as the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) programmes; Development/delivery of regeneration projects with a particular emphasis or theme, such as the suite of measures to encourage shopping locally; Development/delivery of a number of place-based engagement projects, working in partnership with the community and key partners, leading to action plans, such as charrettes, and working with communities to realise these community ambitions; Development of the economic opportunities for Argyll and Bute across Film, Creative Industry and Renewable sectors, with the objective of securing income to the area and delivering local economic benefit, including support to community organisations working across these sectors; Support to third sector organisations involved in the delivery of their own individual economic regeneration projects, as well as support to third sector organisations delivering regeneration focused projects where council funding is involved and/or where projects align with council outcomes, such as Regeneration Capital Grant Funded (RCGF) projects funding; Development and Administration of the Council’s, Strategic Events and Festivals Grant, 16 SEF grants awarded under SEF Round 4; and; Page 84
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Overseeing the delivery programme and financial administration of projects supported through funding from Scottish Government, such as the Town Centre Fund (TCF) and more recently Place Based Investment Fund (PBI) and Islands Programme as well as Crown Estate funding. 2.4 This paper also seeks to report on key issues that may impact on the current status of each project, such as any amendments to project scope or timeframe. 2.5 The 18 large-scale projects currently in delivery, either directly by the Team or by a third party and where the team is responsible for managing the associated grant, are included within the table in Appendix 1, and have a cumulative total value of £35.5m. 3. RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee consider, and note the current progress contained within the report. 4. DETAILS 4.1 The following sections summarise the progress associated with each of the large- scale projects that are currently in delivery and are either directly delivered by the team or the grant is managed by the Transformational Projects and Regeneration Team. The projects are listed in Appendix 1. Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) Projects 4.2 The council currently is responsible for the delivery of four heritage-led regeneration schemes in progress. The total value of the four CARS schemes successfully secured by the council via a competitive process, represents in excess of £10m of investment into the built heritage of key towns, and is largely comprised of funding from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), with match funding from the council and private owners. 4.3 The CAR schemes operate as grant administration programmes that offer grant to property owners to help them repair and safeguard historic buildings. A significant number of building owners have, and continue to benefit from the funding, which has delivered a significant level of investment over the last ten years. 4.4 Due to the cost of repairing traditional buildings, many of these owners would have been unable to undertake the level of repairs required without grant assistance and their properties would have continued to deteriorate. Had deterioration continued, the council may well have had to step in to undertake emergency work to these buildings. CARS grants have also helped to safeguard existing businesses, and new businesses have opened as a consequence of the Page 85
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regeneration, helping to create jobs within the community. 4.5 Such investment has, and continues to change the physical appearance of our key town centres for the better, making them more attractive places in which to live, learn, work and do business. Rothesay Townscape Heritage Phase 2 (2017 – Mar 2023) Project Status - GREEN Rothesay TH is a £2.75m project in year four of a five year programme. The partnership project is funded by NLHF (£1,888,500), HES (£500k), Argyll and Bute Council (£200k), HIE (£70,249), LEADER (£65,800) and Sustrans (£21,500). Project staff are fully funded for the project duration. Of the 5 priority building repair projects, 3 are complete, 1 due to complete in November 2022, and the final priority project is awaiting a start date with completion due in March 2023. 4 shopfront restorations have been completed, with another within planning stages. A series of window repair grants have also been provided for the restoration of traditional timber sash and case windows. The project seeks to facilitate traditional skills development and host events that celebrate the island’s heritage. To date a maintenance awareness raising event, community engagement event and 14 workshops have been held. In addition, a substantial amount of audience development analysis has been undertaken, resulting in recommendations to support the visitor market and enhance the end-to-end visitor experience. The potential for a WASPS style studio has been analysed, Rothesay Castle has been lit up in animation, and the pilot pop-up shop in the former Clydesdale Bank has successfully continued beyond the scope of the TH funding. Dunoon CARS (2017 – March 2023) Project Status - GREEN Dunoon CARS is a £1.95m project in its final year of delivery. A fully funded project officer is employed to deliver the project for its duration. The envelope restoration of 3 priority buildings and 22 shopfronts has been completed to date, with a further 1 priority project going out to tender at the end of July 2022. A complementary scheme of skills development, in partnership with Dunoon Community Development Trust, CHARTS, Dunoon Grammar School and Tacit Tacit is also being undertaken this summer. Local boat builder Ben Neville is running workshops on traditional timber skills in order to build elements of a beach hut to be displayed in an exhibition along West Bay. Helensburgh CARS – (2021 – Mar 2026) Project Status - GREEN Helensburgh CARS is a £1.8m project in the first of a five-year delivery period. The partnership project is funded by Argyll and Bute Council (£500k) and HES (£1.24m). A fully funded project officer is employed to deliver the project for its Page 86
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duration. CARS priority building status has been removed from the property at 5-7 East Clyde Street due to owner complexities. A new priority building has been identified within the Conservation Area 65-67 Sinclair Street Helensburgh and owners details are being collated. Two expressions of interest are being progressed for the smaller repair grant pot. Expressions of Interest received from the owners of 6 shopfronts are also being progressed. The CARS Officer will work with the property owners with the aim of developing these expressions of interest into formal applications. A complementary scheme of skills development, in partnership with HES and Build Your Future (BYF), took place on 13th May at Hermitage Academy which was very well received by teachers and pupils. Further events are also being planned to engage and maximise community benefits. Lochgilphead CARS (2020 – Mar 2026) Project Status – GREEN Lochgilphead CARS is £1.6m partnership project with HES (£969,700) in its third year of delivery. An additional £200,000 has been secured from the latest allocation of Place Based Investment funding. The additional funds will help to deliver two more priority building projects, enhancing project outcomes. Following some delays, the first priority building project is due to commence in August 2022. Development work is underway for the second priority building. Good progress is being made with the remaining two priority buildings. The first Small Repair Grant has been awarded. Discussions continue with a number of other building owners. From the 10-13th May 2022 we delivered the Argyll and Bute Traditional Building Skills roadshow to high schools across four towns, starting in Lochgilphead. Almost 200 pupils were given the opportunity to try their hand at skills ranging from roof slating to building surveying and thermal imagining. Other training activities have involved us helping Argyll College students to manufacture play equipment for a local nursery and a Keeping Warm in Older Homes event for the public. Further activates are currently being developed. Hermitage Park, Parks for People (2016 –Dec 22) Project Status GREEN The £3.7m Parks for People project is in its final year. The main project funders are NLHF (£2.3m) and Argyll and Bute Council (£380k), with the remainder coming from a range of other grant/in-kind funding. Capital delivery is now complete. The focus continues to be on delivering the activity plan and finalising some smaller landscaping and planting projects. Green Flag Status was reconfirmed in July 2022 for the third consecutive year. The park will continue to be Page 87
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assessed annually in order to retain this status of excellence, and also as a condition of funding. As part of the agreed activity plan, work on creating a new volunteer bothy in the Demonstration Garden is now complete, and the Demonstration Garden itself is progressing. The University of the Highlands and Islands have used the park as the venue for practical elements of their NC Horticulture course. The Green Gym project continued in 2022 with a specifically targeted group from Alzheimers Scotland. The Community Room in the new Pavilion has been available for hire and has attracted art workshops, craft fairs, bridge clubs and some use for fitness classes. It has also been the venue for horticulture workshops offered for free as part of the NLHF Activity Plan and for a second Lime Mortar Training course. Volunteer numbers are picking up with some specific help for lime mortar pointing and helping in the Demonstration Garden. In July 2022, the Park hosted an event as part of the Dandelion Scotland programme which was well attended. An area suitable for outdoor fitness has been identified and marketed, one bid being received and accepted. The successful bidder is currently taking their proposals through planning. Tarbert / Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund Project Status – AMBER In its 2016/17 budget, Council allocated £3m from reserves to support regeneration and economic development in the settlements of Tarbert, Lochgilphead and Ardrishaig. 4.6 Following recommendations from, and discussions with, a number of local organisations, 6 projects were identified to proceed to Full Business Case (as ratified by Policy and Resources Committee on 19th October 2017). 4.7 To date, the following 4 projects are complete: Gleaner (Phase 1 only) - completed summer 2019. Tarbert Harbour – shore side facilities completed in May 2019, car park completed in March 2021. Barmore/Garvel Road junction improvements - completed February 2020. Colchester Square/Argyll Street, Lochgilphead – completed May 2021. 4.8 Current projects are as follows: Lochgilphead Front Green Works commenced on the Front Green on 31st May 2021 and are expected to complete in August 2022. As reported previously, we were able to use Town Centre Funding and unused contingency to extend the works. Issues with delivery on site together with these additional works account for the delays in completing the project. Page 88
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Ardrishaig North Public Realm Following a second procurement exercise, contractors P1 Solutions Limited have been appointed to undertake the works. Pre-construction works are underway and at the time of writing work is expected to start on site in late August/early September. Work should be complete early in 2023. During the period of construction areas of the site will need to be closed off, we will work with the contractor to minimise disruption as much as possible. Regular updates will be issued to stakeholders and other interested parties and on the Council website. Gleaner Phase 2 We continue to work with Scottish Canals with regards to this wider site, but do not yet have any further information to share. Regeneration Capital Grant Funding (RCGF) Project Status – GREEN Over the past seven years, a total of £8.96m RCGF funding has been secured from Scottish Government to support 15 projects across the area. A further 3 projects secured funding during 2022-23, as follows: Obair Ùr Thirodh – Tiree Community Business Hub (£565k), Kerrera Old School - Community Hub Final Phase (£285k), and Ulva Ferry Shore Facilities Building - Doras Caolas Ulbha (£603k) taking the total to circa £10million. Although RCGF supports community projects, the Fund is only open to local authorities, and as all 32 local authorities are eligible to apply, this makes for a highly competitive process. The team has responsibility for applying to RCGF each year and also managing the respective grant awards. The team is working to get grant agreements in place with the most recent grant beneficiaries as soon as possible. A further 4 stage 1 bids were submitted to the most recent call for funding: (Round 10 2023/24) from RCGF. The four bids were as follows: Aros Waterfront Development, Tobermory, Mull – outdoor activity hub, RCGF grant request £370,000 (total project cost £370,600) Nonhebel Light Industrial Park Expansion – RCGF grant request £600,000 (total project cost £900,000) Tarbert Sea Sports Centre– RCGF grant request £503,000 (total project cost £773,500 ) Re-development of East Pier Tarbert– RCGF grant request £1.5million (total project cost £1.7million) If any of the above stage 1 bids are successful stage 2 bids will need to be developed and submitted later this year with a decision early next year, start of spend would be 1 April 2023. Page 89
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4.9 An update on the current RCGF projects is provided below, and is followed by a table of all awards to date (Table 1). Kilmartin Museum – Work on the construction phase started in the spring 2021 is due for completion later this year, the project has drawing down the initial grant award of £200,000 plus the council funding award. An uplift of £50k has been approved by RCGF, and at the request of Kilmartin Museum, a request for a cash flow loan has been approved by the Council. Mid Argyll Community Pool - Construction work concluded and funding has now been fully drawn down and the project is complete. Storas Ulbha Heritage project, Ulva – Unfortunately the organisation was unable to secure a contractor within the budget and the decision was taken not to progress at this time. £49,591 remained unclaimed. Port Ellen Community Hub, Islay – The organisation is working to secure a main contractor. They have been awarded a further £300k from RCGF to address a funding shortfall. Scalasaig business units, Colonsay - A contractor is in place and construction is underway. Project end date is September 2022. Kilmory Business Park, Lochgilphead – This will help deliver a joint project with M&K MacLeod on the proposed Kilmory Business Park. Obair Ùr Thirodh – Tiree Community Business Hub – Procurement is underway. Kerrera Old School - Community Hub Final Phase - Procurement is underway. Ulva Ferry Shore Facilities Building - Doras Caolas Ulbha – Procurement strategy being developed. Table 1 RCGF Project Grant Awarded Year Awarded Balance Remaining / Yet to Drawdown Kilmartin Museum £275,000 2019/20 £50,000 MACPool £400,000 2020/21 £0 Storas Ulbha £194,090 2020/21 £113,796 Port Ellen Community hub, Islay £1,046,223 2021/22 £964,005 Scalasaig business units, Colonsay £335,000 2021/22 £335,000 Kilmory Business Park in Lochgilphead £829,000 2021/22 £829,000 Obair Ùr Thirodh – Tiree Community Business Hub £565,000 2022/23 £565,000 Kerrera Old School - Community Hub Final Phase £285,000 2022/23 £285,000 Ulva Ferry Shore Facilities Building - Doras Caolas Ulbha £602,590 2022/23 £602,590 Page 90
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4.10 Scottish Government Place Based Investment 2021 – 2026 Town Centre Funding has been superceded by Place Based Investment (PBI) funding, which the Scottish Government has committed to allocating on an annual basis over a five year period. Argyll and Bute’s allocation for 2021/22 was £821k. At their respective meetings of 24th June 2021, 12th August 2021, and 2nd September 2021, Argyll and Bute Council, Policy and Resources Committee and Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee agreed to use PBI towards 8 projects that support a living well locally concept, have climate friendly ambitions, and which have stemmed from the community through design-led consultation activity or through needs identified by key partner organisations. The Scottish Government expect that any uncommitted funds by 1st April 2022 will be returned to Scottish Government. Funding has been committed to 8 projects, as follows: £80k towards a region-wide (excluding CARS/BID towns) shopfront improvement scheme; £100k towards a Rothesay TH priority building; £80k towards public realm enhancements in Bowmore town centre; £70k towards improvements to the area surrounding Castle House Gate Lodge, Dunoon; £50k as third party grant to Dunoon Burgh Hall Trust towards landscaping works to support a café garden and support the sustainability of the facility; £163k towards enhancing the surface of Helensburgh masonry pier; £250k towards public realm improvements in Gibraltar Street, Oban; and, £28k towards the Helensburgh Hermitage Park, Greening The Bothy project. All the above are either completed or progressed to the point that the funding is secured. The Councils PBI allocation for financial year 2022/23 from Scottish Government is £712,000. At the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee on 16 May members agree to allocate £389,514 of the PBI funding to some initial projects. These are listed below: Lochgilphead CARS Priority Buildings – additional £200,000 from PBI Helensburgh Pier, enhanced hard landscaping and lighting of the masonry pier section – additional £89,514 from PBI to cover increased costs Page 91
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Tobermory Harbour Wall and Railings, Phase 2 - £100,000 from PBI (£100,000 from CE and a request of £250,000 from Islands Programme) Members are considering a report at the August Policy and Resources Committee in regard to the allocation of the remainder of the £322,486 unallocated PBI funding for 2022/23. 4.11 Scottish Government Islands Programme 2021/22 & 22/23 The Scottish Government wrote to Councils on 17 December 2021 advising of the distribution of the 2021-22 Islands Infrastructure Fund (IIF). Argyll and Bute Council’s share of the funding was £740,000. The fund was for capital works and required to be committed via a grant contract or contract award by 31 March 2022. At the Policy and Resources Committee meeting on 17 Feb 2022 members agreed to allocate the IIF to 11 projects, 9 of which were third party projects. The allocation was as follows: Organisation Project Details Grant Awarded Jura Community Business Petrol Station Upgrade £50,000.00 Gigha Heritage Trust Improvements to Achamore Gardens £30,000.00 Tiree Community Development Trust Renewable heating solutions £45,000.00 Isle of Kerrera Development Trust Redevelopment of the Old School £55,000.00 Tobermory Harbour Association Pier and quay restoration £50,000.00 South West Mull and Iona Development Seaweed infrastructure £67,000.00 South Islay Development Port Ellen Playing Fields £50,000.00 Colonsay Community Development Company Ltd Creation of campsite £40,000.00 Isle of Jura Development Trust Mooring repair and upgrade £40,000.00 Argyll and Bute Council Upgrade to Colonsay road network £100,000.00 Argyll and Bute Council Improvements to Rothesay Pontoons £213,000.00 TOTAL £740,000.00 Grant contracts have been issued to all third parties and the team are currently in the process of working with the individual organisations to ensure the draw down and compliance as per the grant offer and conditions of Scottish Government. In regard to the island programme for 2022/23 the Scottish Government has introduced a competitive bidding process for all 6 island authorities as opposed Page 92
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to a direct allocation. A total of 4 bids were submitted to SG in early summer. A decision is pending. The submissions were as follows: 1. Island Airports Resilience and Sustainability project – Coll and Colonsay - £300,000 IP grant request. 2. Island Community Halls Digital Hubs – Islay , Iona, Tiree and Coll - £100,000 IP grant request. 3. Tobermory Seawall and Railings project - £250,000 IP grant request. Total project costs is £450,000, remaining £200,000 secured from PBI and CE 2022/23 allocation 4. Kerrera Road project - £357,577.32 IP grant request. Total project cost £557,577.32, £200,000 match from previous CE award. 4.12 Scotland Loves Local Projects Scotland Loves Local funding (£46k) secured from Scotland Town’s Partnership (STP) has been used to develop a suite of measures to support the resilience and recovery of town centres, to encourage shopping locally and promote the idea of the ‘20 minute neighbourhood’. As well as having awarded over 120 shopfront improvement grants to business owners, work to date includes the following: Bespoke Argyll and Bute Shop Local Messaging (argyll-bute.gov.uk) Digital Training - Webinars and one-to-one sessions were held with business owners on making the most of Google My Business, to increase the chances of ranking in local search results and presenting a better offer digitally. Feedback from businesses was overwhelmingly positive, with 93% of all attendees stating that the webinar would help their business. Digital Photography - 125 local businesses were professionally photographed to support business owners update and enhance their online presence. The photographer updated streetview images to ensure that the Argyll and Bute offer as viewed online reflects the most current position and presents the area in the most positive light. Argyll and Bute Gift Card - The gift card for Argyll and Bute formally launched in October 2021. The initiative is a year-long pilot, funded by Scottish Government and administered through STP, designed to boost local spending and support local businesses. To date, over 115 Argyll and Bute businesses have registered to accept the card as a means of payment for goods and services. As of 22nd July 2022, a total of 262 cards have been purchased to the value of £13,010.00. At the full Council meeting of 28th April 2022, members agreed to commit a share of the Local Authority COVID Economic Recovery (LACER) Fund to the Gift Card. The approved options were:- Issue Scotland Loves Local Gift Card to households in receipt of Council Tax Reduction Scheme - £797,720; Page 93
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Fully fund Gift Card for 2022/2023 into 2023/2024 - £30,000; Marketing budget to promote the Gift Card. The marketing allocation from the LACER funds will be used to encourage additional business registration across Argyll and Bute to maximise offer of the card for consumers. Officers are currently considering options for spend and anticipate marketing activity will be rolled out towards the end of the year. The Argyll and Bute Gift Card can be purchased as follows: Argyll & Bute Gift Card | Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards (scotlandgiftslocal.com) 4.13 Budget: The above project updates are predominantly in relation to the externally funded projects for which the team are responsible for firstly securing and then delivering as per grant requirements or overseeing the specific budget claiming and monitoring process where these relate to a third party project. A number of these include a proportion of council funding as well as TCF, PBI or CE funding. There is a set budget for each project and each is subject to specific outcomes and timelines, as agreed with respective funders. The externally funded elements of the project costs can only be claimed once proof of all necessary information has been provided to the respective funder. Each funder has a different criteria against which delivery is measured, and the council has entered into formal grant contracts with all funders involved. 5 CONCLUSION 5.1 Place based investments are taking place across much of Argyll and Bute making significant improvements to the quality of life of local people and our communities. Much of the work is externally funded adding to the capital funding committed by the council to enable this investment to happen. The successful delivery of the projects require careful monitoring and close working with colleagues, partners and community stakeholders. The impact from the Covid-19 pandemic and the UK having left the EU sets a background that creates a challenging environment in which to work. Prices are currently exceptionally high, due mainly to supply chain issues, but also shortages in labour. The Team therefore adopts a pragmatic approach to delivering projects, ensuring that these are as meaningful as possible using the budget available however the environment in respect of project delivery is a very challenging one. 5.2 The projects contained within this report will result in assisting the economic recovery of Argyll and Bute, helping to sustain numerous small businesses, making the place more investor ready, improving our towns and villages as places to live and visit together with adding to the significant regeneration works that are being taken forward for Argyll and Bute, and seek to make an improved and lasting difference to the area. Page 94
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6. IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy - The delivery of these projects fits with the Council’s Corporate Plan, Argyll and Bute Local Outcome Improvement Plan and the Economic Development Action Plan. The economic outcomes from this project will contribute to the Government’s Economic Strategy. 6.2 Financial - All funding has been approved for the projects detailed in the report. The funding comes from the council and from external funding sources. We will continue to review costs and assess budgets. 6.3 Legal Each project will have differing legal and procurement requirements depending on the grant funder and the associated grant contract conditions and we are working closely with colleagues to identify the support required and to allow this to be factored into future work plans. 6.4 HR - The resources required to deliver the projects will be continually monitored. The management of these externally funded projects as well as the management of the Council, PBI, CE and IP and RCGF grants requires a significant amount of resources from the team to ensure that all the necessary due diligence and financial management is undertaken and the risk is minimised to the council. 6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: 6.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics - None 6.5.2 Socio-economic Duty - None 6.5.3 Islands - None 6.6 Climate Change - It is an ambition of our project work to work towards net zero by adopting a carbon conscious approach throughout. 6.7 Risk - Construction projects by their very nature are challenging given issues that can arise relating to site conditions, managing contractors/the design team and associated budgets and meeting funder’s requirements. The effects of Covid-19 has added even more challenges both in regard to the development/delivery phases of projects. We continually seek to minimise the risk through strong project management processes, however until the projects are fully delivered on site there remains a risk. Other areas of risk relate to the potential for limited uptake in regard to CARS/TH grants and also over-run on costs for third party projects. In regard to the latter this is a high risk particularly as the council is not the responsible body for the projects or their delivery on the ground. The setting up of regular benefits realisation group meetings and building good working relationships with the third parties assists in identifying where issues may arise and where additional support may be required. Covid-19 and the resulting impact on the construction industry and costs is an additional risk to the delivery of these projects and we are reviewing all costs and working with funders to minimise the impact and manage the risk as much as we can Page 95
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6.8 Customer Service – None Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Policy Lead for Economy and Rural Growth: Councillor Robin Currie 31st July 2022 For further information - please contact Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth Fergus.Murray@argyll-bute.gov.uk Audrey Martin, Transformation Projects and Regeneration Manager Audrey.Martin@argyll-bute.gov.uk Appendices: Appendix A – List of Council and Third Party projects that the Team is either responsible for delivering directly or for managing the grants given by the council to a third party organisation. Page 96
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APPENDIX A - LIST OF COUNCIL AND THIRD PARTY PROJECTS Council & Third Party Regeneration Projects Project Value Council Funding Contribution External Funding - Including TCF Delivery Start Delivery End - (Excludes Defect Period) Dunoon CARS £1,949,965 £500,000 £1,002,348 2017 2022 Rothesay TH2 £3,244,856 £200,000 £2,508,781 2017 2022 Tarbert Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund (Includes TCF Grant) £6,374,952 £3,000,000 £3,374,952 2018 On going Hermitage Park (Includes TCF and PBI Grant) £3,754,625 £455,000 £3,299,625 2016 2021 Kilmartin Museum RCGF & Council Grant plus cash flow loan £7,171,932 £400,000 £225,000 2019 2023 MACPool RCGF Grant £1,464,045 £0 £400,000 2020 2022/23 Port Ellen Community hub, Islay RCGF grant £1,365,223 £0 £1,046,223 2021/22 2022/23 Scalasaig business units, Colonsay RCGF grant £467,398 £0 £335,000 2021/22 2021/22 Kilmory Business Park in Lochgilphead RCGF grant £1,980,000 TBC £979,000 2021/22 2022/23 Lochgilphead CARS (Includes 22/23 PBI Grant) £1,806,096 £386,220 £1,169,731 2020 2026 Helensburgh CARS £1,740,000 £500,000 £1,240,000 2021 2026 Events and Festivals grants (including annual Mod)16 SEF4 grants awarded £170,614 £170,614 - 2022 2023 Place Based Investment 21/22* £821,000 £0 £621,000 2021/22 2022/23 Place Based Investment 22/23** £512,000 £0 £712,000 2022/23 2022/23 Obair Ùr Thirodh – Tiree Community Business Hub - RCGF Grant £860,000 £0 £565,000 2022 2023 Kerrera Old School - Community Hub Final Phase - RCGF Grant £427,290 £0 £285,000 2022 2023 Ulva Ferry Shore Facilities Building - Doras Caolas Ulbha - RCGF Grant £652,590 £0 £602,590 2022 2024 Islands Infrastructure Fund 21/22 £740,000 £0 £740,000 2021/22 2022/23 Scotland Loves Local £46,000 £0 £46,000 2022/23 2022/23 LACER Fund £40,000 £0 £40,000 2022/23 2023/24 Total £35,588,586 £5,611,834 £18,571,250 * See separate 12th August 2021 Policy and Resources committee report for proposed breakdown of projects and values. ** Full award for 22/23 was £712,000. This figure has had the £200,000 awarded to Lochgilphead CARS deducted. See separate 16th June 2022 Policy and Resources committee report for proposed breakdown of projects and values. Page 97
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE LEGAL AND REGULATORY SUPPORT 1 September 2022 Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 - Allotments Waiting List Register 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The purpose of this paper is to update the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee on the ongoing actions that are being undertaken in response to duties placed on the Council under Part 9 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 which provides a legal framework that promotes and encourages community empowerment and participation in growing food. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Members asked to note the Allotments Waiting List Register update which reflects the duties placed on local authorities arising from Part 9– Allotments of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. 3.0 DETAIL 3.1 The council’s Business Continuity Committee on 16 April 2020 adopted Argyll and Bute’s first Community Food Growing Strategy. The Strategy’s vision is to encourage and enable people in our community, who wish to grow their own food, by providing information on potential community food growing spaces, advice and guidance. 3.2 Developing the strategy was a duty placed on the council by the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, which requires each local authority to produce a food growing strategy. It also places a duty on the council to establish and maintain an allotments waiting list register and to produce an allotments report for the area each year. 3.4 At the time of preparing this report 106 individuals had requested to be included on the Register. Area Number of Individuals on the waiting list 2022 Bute and Cowal 31 Helensburgh & Lomond 46 Mid Argyll, Kintyre & the Islands 15 Page 99 Agenda Item 9
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Area Number of Individuals on the waiting list 2022 Oban Lorn & The Isles Area 14 3.5 Argyll and Bute Council has three allotment sites (as defined by the Act which are those on Local Authority land) one in Helensburgh and two in Rothesay. They are each managed by allotment associations. Other Community Food Growing Spaces such as community gardens and schools exist within a number of mainland and island sites which are managed by local dedicated community members and school groups. 3.6 As the Council does not currently directly manage allotments, Legal and Regulatory Support Officers have established relationships with allotment sites and other land owners. With agreement from those that have submitted their details these are then passed to these independently managed sites in anticipation of securing land for the purposes of growing food. 3.6 There is circumstantial evidence to suggest that land owners have become anxious to welcome individuals onto their property as a consequence of the restrictions that were imposed during the pandemic. However, officers are optimistic that as we emerge from the pandemic more land owners would welcome the opportunity to work with the Council is making land available for allotment use. 3.7 In order to complement the Community Food Growing Strategy Legal and Regulatory Support provide a dedicated Community growing spaces website, which can be accessed by following this LINK (https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/community-growing-spaces). The website holds useful information relating to Community Empowerment, including allotment legislation and guidance for community groups who are interested in growing their own food. 3.8 The Partnerships Development Officer who supports Community Asset Transfer requests has received several intimations of interest from individuals regarding the use of council assets for allotment and community gardens. These intimations of interest have not, to date, reached a positive conclusion in terms of the establishment of an allotment association or community garden groups. However, Officers are committed to supporting individuals’ and groups to encourage and enable people who wish to grow their own food. 3.9 The Council manages a demonstration garden in Hermitage Park, while this does not fall within the definition of an allotment in the traditional sense it is used to give people, particularly schoolchildren, experience of food growing. Additionally, much of the food grown in the demonstration garden is available for the public to freely pick, for example last year many people helped themselves to strawberries with many patrons being gifted bags of produce to enjoy at home. Page 100
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Pupils of Hermitage Primary enjoying the demonstration garden. 4.0 CONCLUSION 4.1 The adoption of the Argyll and Bute Council Community Food Growing Strategy met the councils duty under Part 9 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, officers continue to provide information to support and signpost individuals and community groups who wish to grow their own food. 5.0 IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Policy – None 5.2 Financial – None 5.3 Legal – Meeting our duty to produce a Food Growing Strategy, Allotment Waiting List and Rules and Regulations under Part 9 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 5.4 HR – None 5.5 Fairer Scotland Duty – None 5.5.1 Equalities – None 5.5.2 Socio-Economic Duty – None 5.5.3 Islands Duty – None 5.6 Climate Change – None 5.7 Risk - Failure to report the Allotments Waiting List Register means we do not fulfil our duties placed on local authorities arising from Part 9 – Allotments of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. 5.8 Customer Service - None Page 101
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Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support May 2022 For further information contact: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager Telephone 01436 658717 - stuart.mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 102
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Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee Work Plan 2022/23 This is an outline plan to facilitate forward planning of reports to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee. Date Title Service/Officer Date Due Comments 1 September 2022 Service Annual Performance Reviews 2021/22 Customer Support Services Winter Service Policy 2022- 23 Roads and Infrastructure Services Footways Reconstruction Programme 2022-23 Roads and Infrastructure Services Street Lighting Capital Improvements/Led Project And Replacement Columns Programme Roads and Infrastructure Services Waste Strategy Update Roads and Infrastructure Services Transformational Projects & Regeneration Team - Large Scale Project Update Report Development and Economic Growth Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 – Allotments Waiting List Register Legal and Regulatory Support Future Items Cemetery Asset Update Roads and Infrastructure Services Parking review Roads and Infrastructure Services Page 103 Agenda Item 10
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Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee Work Plan 2022/23 Shared Prosperity Fund: Argyll And Bute Regional Policy Position March 2019 - Agreed that officers come back to a future Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee meeting to present and seek approval on appropriate criteria and indicators. Roads Resurfacing Scrutiny Review Roads and Infrastructure Services December 2019 – Agreed that a report containing an Action Plan would come forward to a future meeting of the Committee Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy Roads and Infrastructure Services June 2021 – Further report to be considered at Committee prior to consultation exercise. Page 104
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Document is Restricted Page 105 Agenda Item 11NOT FOR PUBLICATION by virtue of paragraph(s) 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government(Scotland) Act 1973
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