Apologies: Cathy Peattie MSP, Sandy Brown, Robert Spears, Angus Macdonald

Attendance: Alan Burns (Forth Ports), Colin Hemfrey (Falkirk Council), Kevin Collins (Falkirk Council), Cllr Alistair McNeill, Cllr Allyson Black, Julie Reid (Community Council), Ray Mountford (Ineos), Dave Smith, Walter Inglis, Michael Connarty MP.

Walter Inglis, in the chair, began the meeting by asking for the views of each of the groups represented; suggesting that the objectives of the group could be summarised as improving the environment for the community though sustainable economic growth – reducing traffic levels on some routes and catering for growth through development of others.

The Councillors and Council Officers began with a discussion of the current situation with regard to the local plan and traffic management proposals. Structure plan proposals were still being revised, and the final stage of consideration would be by public enquiry at the end of summer 2008.

Actual developments were of course dependent upon local and central government project funding availability. Changes to junctions 5 & 6 were being considered. It was noted that the “local issues” were also of a strategic nature in the context the Scottish economy.

Allan Burns outlined Forth Ports position, with regard to the need for improvements to motorway junctions and other road links, noting the limitations of the current situation, including the desirability of creating east and west access for junction 6, or the creation of a junction 6a, the issue of separating container from other traffic, and the options for upgrading access from east and west (including the canal route). It was noted that there were only one or two residential properties on the Earls Road.

The was support for the idea that the best solution would involve a division of traffic. It was also noted that any development would need to be considered in relation to the rest of the road network, including signage and other traffic management measures. It was noted that the Council had computer models which could produce graphic simulations of the impact of road and other developments, including vehicle types and other factors. Junction 6 modelling would be completed by the end of the year.

Possible improvements to rail access were discussed, and expanding the group to involve rail and other interests.

It was noted that several sizeable companies had been invited to participate but had not attended the initial meeting, and others such as hauliers had subsequently expressed an interest. They would be invited to future meetings, and the list of those invited would be circulated so that others could be suggested (****ACTION****).

Ray Mountford spoke about the position of Ineos. While a lot was transported by sea, petrol and diesel tankers were a significant contribution to road traffic. There might be a possibility of bypassing the town and getting out via junction 6 – but this could create other problems.

There were differing options for liquid and solid materials. Some solids were transported by road to the railhead. This double-handling could be eliminated if the railhead could be brought closer. This would affect the Bo'ness Road, but there could, for example, be a road bridge over an extended railway line. There was also a possibility of blowing plastic over the road, but studies suggested that it would be feasible to use this method for transfer to the docks.

Michael Connarty noted that the Köln plant had a public railway running through it.

Another issue for the Bo'ness Road was security lobbying that it should be closed. It was noted that there were many, probably more likely, security threats that this would not address.

Funding would be needed to examine plans. Scottish Enterprise could commission such a study. It was suggested that someone (Stuart Ogg or the Chemical Group person) be invited to a meeting. Ray said that as he was in regular contact, he would speak to them.

Allan had met with Jim McKinnon of the Scottish Executive Planning Department, and had raised some of the above issues with him, emphasising that Forth Ports needed to know about external plans so that they could develop their own internal plan for the next three to five years.

Kevin noted that the development of plans should be national followed by regional followed by local, but has often been the reverse, with local planning developing contingencies based on current funding and varying amounts of additional outside funding.

It was noted that SESTRANS worked on a fifteen year timescale.

Michael Connarty outlined the possibilities for European funding in the context of the Trans European Network for Transport (TENT). Allan noted the need for government / enterprise network involvement to secure European funding.

It was agreed that a future meeting of the larger group (the forum) should take place in the not too distant future, with a workshop / plenary format.

It was agreed that the Forum and the Working Group should meet on a Friday morning.

It was agreed that a press release would be issued through Cathy Peattie's office to highlight the work of the group, exploring avenues for funding, and encouraging wider participation in the group.