Vandalism of telephone boxes

In the last month, the graffiti and vandalism to telephone boxes has been drawn to my attention. Telephone boxes requiring a clean up can be reported to BT Openreach. 

Phone box near Byres Road

Unfortunately, telephone boxes can become an eyesore on the high street if they are not regularly repaired and maintained. 

Whilst the usage has declined with the increasing access to mobile phones, telephone boxes are needed for emergencies and are helpful for tourists to place local calls, as well as for those who do not like or cannot afford mobile phones. 

Useful link:

BT Openreach - www.payphones.bt.com 

Bike Theft Concerns

The number of bikes stolen in the Hillhead area is now recognised as a serious and costly issue for residents and visitors. Thefts have been highlighted during my conversations with a range of groups in the area. Students rely on their bikes to get to and from the University of Glasgow. Many residents are keen cyclists who require a bike for travel for work. 

Thankfully, resources have been provided from the local Area Partnerships for the Community Police Officers to provide bike marker kits at local events in the Hillhead, Anderston City and Patrick West Area. The marking of the bikes aims to make it possible to identify the owner of a stolen bike more easily.

Police vehicle in Kelvingrove Park on 21st September

There was a drop-in event held for cyclists at Kelvingrove Park on Saturday 21st September which I attended. There are other similar events being organised by Police Scotland. 

Please look out for posters within your local library or log on to the twitter of the Glasgow West End Police Office for updates.

Celebration of local talents at Harvest Fayre

On Saturday, I enjoyed a visit to the Coachhouse Trust on Belmont Lane, Kelvinbridge. There was a harvest event providing an opportunity to purchase a range of local produce, plants and arts and crafts. There is a market garden with local produce including potatoes, garlic, carrots, and tomatoes. 

Anyone who has not made a visit before, or in recent times, is encouraged to find their way to the main building and growing spaces. They can be accessed to the rear of Viper on Great Western Road.

 

 Views of Belmont Lane.

This organisation is making best use of the back lane providing a much valued community resource. In the month ahead, the Trust is putting on an exhibition as part of the Scottish Mental Health  Arts and Film Festival. 

Useful links -

Coachhouse Trust Arts and Media Project - http://www.thecht.co.uk/arts.html

Stop Supermarket Expansion on our High Streets

In the last week, I welcomed a petition presented to the Petitions Committee at Glasgow City Council which asked for a rethink of the proposals which enable supermarkets to expand across Glasgow.

The plans for new smaller units by Tesco were highlighted as damaging to the fortunes of local neighbourhoods in Yorkhill and Kelvinbridge. There are strong objections from residents in these areas to the development of new smaller supermarkets by Tesco as they are expected to take customers away from existing food retailers and therefore, threaten the livelihoods and vitality of independent businesses. An example cited is the closure of Andersons Fruit and Vegetable Retailer on Byres Road after a new Tesco supermarket opened in Byres Road.

It was suggested by the petitioners that prior to the approval of any plans or licences for supermarkets, the Council should ensure that comprehensive health checks of the economic vitality and viability of designated town centres is undertaken. Reference was made to relevant planning guidance issued by Scottish Government including Scottish Planning Policy 8 and Planning Advice Note 59.

The petitioners asked for the new Glasgow Local Development Plan, replacing City Plan 2, to consider evidence that there are negative consequences of the further supermarket development for Glasgow's town centres. 

In response, it was agreed by the Petitions Committee that a report to the Regeneration and the Economy Policy Development Committee should be provided in response to the concerns raised by the petitioner. This report should give an examination of the National Planning Framework and the relevant strategies which could address the issues highlighted by the petitioners regarding the balance of retailers in local communities.

There is a need for stricter planning regulations for supermarket development to ensure we can retain a thriving, diverse mix of food retailers within our city's local neighbourhoods.

Public meeting to discuss New City Road Project

In the last 6 months, various concerns have been raised about the environment next to the motorway, located between St. Georges Road and Garscube Road. There are ongoing problems with litter, flytipping, graffiti, and anti-social behaviour.

Cycling and walking route under the motorway

Potential site for new lighting, an artwork or mural?

There is a public meeting to provide an opportunity to share concerns about this area and discuss ideas to improve it. An action plan will be developed to bring about a better appearance and enhanced cleanliness to this important access route for people getting to and from the city centre.

This meeting takes place on Thursday 19th September, from 7 -  8.30pm, in Oakgrove Primary. All are welcome to attend.

Follow up visit to Kilgarth Landfill Site

A further visit to the Kilgarth Landfill site, near Coatbridge, on 26th August, provided an opportunity to review the outcome of the works to cap the area and activity taking place there. It is a former landfill owned by Glasgow City Council.

A greenspace area with a lake next to the landfill site provides a wildlife habitat.

Grassland area covered the landfill site.

There is ongoing monitoring of the site including management of methane taking place and the recreational use by the public. Further updates will be required on the methane generated from the site, the findings of any wildlife surveys, and the maintenance plan for the site.

Signage problems in Napiershall St. Parking Scheme

On a walkabout of the Napiershall Street Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) on 26th August 2013, various issues were raised with council officials. The restricted parking zone for Woodside was amended from 1st August 2007 to include the Napiershall Street, North Woodside Road, and South Woodside Road. This led to the introduction of designated shared-use parking places, disabled vehicles parking places, motorcycle parking places, loading places and waiting restrictions. During the walkabout, it was identified that some of the signage is no longer appropriate and it should have been removed in 2007. 

Yellow sign "At any time" to be removed from South Woodside Road and Napiershall Street.

Sign hidden behind a hedge in Lansdowne Crescent is no longer 

required and is to be removed.

It was also noted that some of the signage notifying motorists of the rules that apply to cars parking in the restricted parking zone need to be repaired or replaced.

Sign indicating the entry point of the RPZ was missing.

A sign is not located in the correct position.

One of the main concerns of residents is that there is a requirement to park in designated bays only but this information does seem to be clear from the signage displayed in the area. Some of the signs refer to parking in bays from Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm. It was clarified by council officials that all cars must park in designated bays at all times of the day or night to avoid parking fines. 

Useful link:

Parking Controls in West of City Centre - http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=7907