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Tuesday, 9th February 2010

Rothesay fence plan on hold - for now

Talks planned on barbed wire barrier

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"I recognise that it may be needed in some form due to the legislation on port security but I still believe the design is totally over the top"
Bute councillor Robert Macintyre
Published Date:
03 July 2008
Editor
THE construction of Rothesay pier's brand new prison-esque security fence has been put on hold - for a short while at least - pending the outcome of talks between senior Argyll and Bute Council officials and elected councillors on the subject.


The hold-up comes after a combination of incredulity and outrage greeted our story last week that the council planned to put up an eight foot high steel barrier fence along the length of the pier, with three strands of barbed wire along the top.

Not surprisingly we've been deluged with reactions to the story, with every single respondent condemning not just the design of the fence but the need for any fence at all, particularly given the plentiful supply of shoreline any would-be terrorist could use if they really wanted to launch an attack on the pier in particular or the island in general.

Bute councillor Robert Macintyre, who is also Argyll and Bute's deputy leader, told us on Tuesday: "The council leader, Dick Walsh, has agreed to my request that the implementation of the fence be suspended until he and I can meet with Andy Law (the council's director of operational services] and Stewart Turner (head of roads and amenity services], and our health and safety officer Logie Collins, to investigate the proposed design of, and necessity for, this fence.

"When we do we will want to go over the whole thing - I recognise that it may be needed in some form due to the legislation on port security but I still believe the design is totally over the top."

The fence was due to be put up between July 22 and August 18, with steel posts three metres high and three metres apart and welded mesh steel sheets, topped with barbed wire, in between.

Cllr Macintyre also told us Bute Blacksmiths had been awarded the contract to put up the fence - though whether islanders are savvy enough not to take out their ire on the local 'subbies', if it does go ahead, only time will tell...

* Thanks for the many comments posted throughout this last week on the subject. If you have a fresh take on the issue please do let us know - register or sign in below to post your comments.



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  • Last Updated: 03 July 2008 9:31 AM
  • Source: The Buteman
  • Location: Isle of Bute
 
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linda lopez,

blyth northumberland 03/07/2008 10:48:26
I am appalled at the possibility of such a monstrosity being built in such a beautiful location. My husband and our two sons have enjoyed fishing from Rothesay pier for many years and the boys are devastated at the news as it is the highlight of their holidays on the island. The Isle of Bute is a beautiful and tranquil location and to erect such a grotesque fence around its pier would be outrageous and totally unecessary and I fear it will further decrease the already dwindling number of visitors on the island which will of course affect all local businesses which are already struggling to survive. Certainly, we, as a family will be re-thinking our future holiday plans should this ridiculous scheme be implemented.
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Mark McCormack, BCC member.,

Rothesay Tartan Shop 03/07/2008 15:45:09
While it is to be welcomed that Cllr MacIntyre has arranged a meeting with Council Officers, I do hope that this is not a token gesture on his part to appease us locals. These are the same Council Officers who attempted to deceive not only the peolpe of Bute but also its elected representatives, of which he is one. At the very least the Councillor should demand that Council Officers contact the Department of Transport seeking clarification of Rothesay Pier's security assessment and what, if any, security measures need to be put in place.
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Chris Turner,

Stalag PA20 05/07/2008 17:30:20
The ISPS code, legislates for port and ship security in the UK. "The Code applies to ships engaged on international voyages including passenger ships, cargo ships (of 500 gross tonnage and upwards) and mobile offshore drilling units as well as port facilities.
I may have missed it but when was the last ship that berthed at Rothesay pier engaged on an international voyage of >500gt.
There is no requirement for this fence.
I only hope local councillors can find some backbone and stand up for the people that elected them.
4

Rodden Shaw,

London 06/07/2008 20:30:36
I do hope that the air strip and Rhubodach slipway will have similar security measures instated. Maybe tourists should also be strip searched and made to wear orange jump suits to complete the Guantanamo Bay feel!
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