13
Councillor Feaver queried when the bus service would come into place for Forbeshill and the Aberlour-Forres route.
In response, the Transportation Manager advised that the new service would be introduced early in the new year and that the Committee would be notified of the exact date nearer the time.
In relation to the requirement of speed signage in Upper Rafford, Councillor Macrae queried whether Officers had had the opportunity to review the speed survey results.
In response, the Transportation Manager advised that the first installation of speed signage would take place this week in Forres.
Councillor Alexander raised concern that the reduction in the Museums Service budget was being regarded as an issue for Forres rather than a Moray wide issue as the Falconer Museum is located in Forres. He further advised that he had been approached by The Friends of Falconer Museum to speak on the Council’s behalf at a recent meeting however, in an effort to demonstrate that this is a Moray-wide issue, he had declined the invitation and suggested that the Council Leader be approached. As the Council Leader was unavailable, Cllr A McLean had agreed to speak however, being a Forres Member, this defeated the purpose of highlighting that the reduction in the Museums Service is Moray-wide. Councillor Alexander further stated that, at the meeting, he had noted that the Convener of the Council was present however did not identify herself as such and he was of the view that this depicted poor leadership.
In response, Councillor Morrison advised that she was on annual leave when the invitation to the meeting was issued therefore was not in a position to talk at the meeting however she did attend and was happy to take questions however none were addressed to herself.
The Chair confirmed that the reduction in the Museums Service was Moray-wide and not just related to the Falconer Museum in Forres and confirmed that continued efforts were being made to re-open the service as quickly as possible.
Councillor Warren noted that the Council had been unsuccessful in securing Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) funding for the ice plant and chill facility at Buckie Harbour and queried whether any appeal had been made or other funding avenues pursued.
In response, the Transportation Manager advised that there was no appeals process for FLAG funding and that alternative funding sources were being pursued for the ice plant and chill facility at Buckie Harbour.