Author: ColGlen Secretary

The Community Council have received another batch of the posters below for community use – if you would like some, please contact secretary@colglencommunitycouncil.org.uk.

Please find below a briefing on avian influenza for your information

The avian influenza outbreak in the UK continues with confirmed outbreaks in England.  However the impact has been devastating for affected commercial and domestic poultry premises and also wild bird colonies. In Scotland, there continues to  be reports of dead bird carcases being washed up on shorelines, although numbers are decreasing.

Current national position

The enhanced biosecurity measures brought in across Great Britain in November 2022 when there was a medium risk for some poultry premises have been vital in protecting flocks across the country from the virus which is circulating in wild birds. The UK Chief Veterinary Officer announced yesterday that the risk of avian influenza has now reduced to low for all poultry and as a result, the mandatory requirements will be lifted from midday on Tuesday 16 August. Whilst the risk in kept birds has reduced, all bird keepers should still follow enhanced measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks and all poultry gatherings, including at fairs, shows and markets, remain banned, due to a large number of flocks mixing together and the risk posed by any infections spreading across the country

The current situation in Argyll and Bute and actions being taken by the Council are as follows:

1.       We continue to publicise the DEFRA guidance via social media on the key actions the public, landowners and poultry keepers should take emphasising key national measures. Social media messaging is continuing and we encourage you to share this information through your own networks, organisations and communities;

2.       Our website is updated regularly

3.       The number of dead wild bird carcases being washed ashore is reducing from figures reported over the last 3 weeks, but continues to affect areas of our shorelines including Kintyre, Gigha, Islay, Mid Argyll and Mull

4.       Specific contact has been made with commercial poultry businesses to discuss the situation and their arrangements.

5.       The Council have received notification of a positive case of avian influenza in a dead white tail eagle in Mull. This has been assessed in accordance with public health risk and no further action is required.

6.       There is no statutory duty on the Council to remove dead bird carcases from our coastline. Our decision is to follow DEFRA guidance and leave them in situ, with advice issued to the pubic not to uplift or touch these carcases. The Council do not have the resources to commit to an uplift program. Advice has been issued to landowners who may decide to uplift them on how to collect and dispose of them safely. There is public and member expectations that the Council will uplift the dead bird carcases and criticism of our approach.

7.       Public health risks are low and with the risk of viable virus reduces through sunlight and increasing temperatures

8.       The Council continues to contribute to the Scottish working group on avian influenza, chaired by Nature Sortland.

9.       Regulatory Services are monitoring the situation, responding to public enquiries and reviewing our strategy weekly

10.   If you receive any enquiries, please refer them to the Councils, website for further information. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) (argyll-bute.gov.uk)

PETITION TO STOP COLLECTIVE LEADERSHIP MODEL

Please find below a link to a petition below which is being led by Dalmally Parent Council. They are requesting a stop to the Collective Leadership proposal process and for the process to be restarted, and the conversation to be started again. Good consultation is fair/equitable, it is transparent, evidence based (should include risk assessments/cost analysis etc.), it should be balanced and what is proposed should “do no harm” to our communities. Without the relevant evidence and balance of information we have know way of knowing if this will “do harm” to our communities, schools, staff, young learners, way of life now and in the future.

Good consultation records and respects all views.

There is a desire for all groups to work positively together with the Council to find the best possible outcomes for our schools, staff, pupils, communities etc.

Please can you share the petition with parents if possible, thank you.

https://chng.it/zk58PMghkm

Thank you to everyone who entered our photography competition! We have had some fantastic entries, and look forward to sharing them on our website.

And our winners are… *insert drum roll*…

BEST SUMMER SCENE
WINNER: Sue MacLeod – ‘Loch Riddon in May’

BEST SUMMER SCENE
RUNNER UP: Micheal Russell – ‘Summer Morning’

BEST WINTER SCENE
WINNER: Alistair MacLeod – ‘Winter Scene’

BEST WINTER SCENE
RUNNER UP: Jennifer Davie-Smart – ‘Icy Waters at Bealachandrain’

BEST COLINTRAIVE IMAGE
WINNER: Micheal Russell – ‘Loch Riddon’

BEST COLINTRAIVE IMAGE
RUNNER UP: Josh Dawson – ‘Sunset over the Kyles’

BEST GLENDARUEL IMAGE
WINNER: Jen Morley- ‘Glendaruel image’

BEST GLENDARUEL IMAGE
RUNNER UP: Jennifer Davie-Smart – ‘Looking North’