An island survey is taking place to determine whether there is a need for a community led fuel facility on the island.

A consultation has taken place recently within the Garrison, but for those that were unable to attend the event, they still have the opportunity to have their say via an online survey.

Optimal Economics are acting on behalf of North Ayrshire Council to investigate the potential for a community led fuel facility on Cumbrae.

They are proposing to investigate the viability of such a proposal, and an online survey is available until 14 April at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Cumbraefuel This survey is also available for completion by picking up a paper questionnaire in the library.

The recent drop in session was aimed at gauging the views of residents, businesses and visitors on the purposes of assessing the need for a community owned fuel facility.

With the County Garage Petrol Station closing back in 2006, there is now no public fuel supply available.

At the turn of the year, the councillors, who represent the island, requested that Cumbrae Community Development Company, supported by advice from officers of NAC, prepared a business plan for fuel provision on the island.

Funding opportunities There are various funding opportunities that exist for a community led facility including the Scottish Land Fund, which is administered by the Big Lottery Fund in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise. There is also the Growing Community Assets programme also operated by the Big Lottery Fund. Both funds can support acquisitions of land or buildings with applications accepted from social enterprises, voluntary and community groups and charities.

Residents and visitors require to travel to the mainland to refuel their vehicles. A modern and potentially more affordable solution could be an overground storage system. Such tanks are generally associated with commercial operators using them on a temporary basis whilst refurbishing existing petrol stations. One was successfully installed above ground in Stornoway.

The North Ayrshire Area Committee also agreed for North Ayrshire Council to write to the UK Government and local MEPs with respect to the Fuel Duty Relief Scheme. This would seek to allow residents within island communities such as Cumbrae, where the scheme applies but no facility is present, to claim back the rebate in some way when purchasing fuel.

It was also agreed for the local authority to contact the three private organisations on Cumbrae who retain a fuel supply, with a view to exploring wider community provision.

However, the lack of interest in a fuel facility has been highlighted as an obstacle after the Great Cumbrae Community Development Plan 2010 found that only 8.9% of respondents to a public consultation believed it to be a priority for the island.