(Text of a letter by e-mail 1st November 2007, from Councillor Dick Walsh, Leader Argyll and Bute Council following my request for him to comment on the material on the "Users Charter" meetings which I obtained under Freedom of Information)

Dear Neil

Users' Charter Meetings

Further to our recent correspondence in regard to your views on the various meetings held to discuss possible options on the way forward for the Dunoon - Gourock Ferry Service.
I have now had the chance to read the attachments in some detail

Tripartite discussions were held as a result of a proposal put to the Scottish Executive by Western Ferries, but the proposal had no status other than that - a proposal.
Council Officers are often required to engage in exploratory discussion such as this and I am satisfied that the Council's position has not been compromised.

Members and officers alike have consistently expressed the view that nothing would be done to prejudice the Council's intention to have a combined passenger and vehicle service operating between Dunoon and Gourock piers.

I have stated on many occasions this Council position which continues to be the case.

I would advise you that I am in continued dialogue with the Minister for Transport and hope to meet with him in the very near future.

Yours sincerely

Dick Walsh
Leader