Removing the M8 Woodside Viaduct

Reclaiming the streets for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport is the priority as we rapidly cut our transport emissions to halt catastrophe climate change.

We can learn from the world’s most liveable cities. In research conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Vancouver has received high scores in terms of education, health care, culture, environment, and infrastructure. The main reason behind Vancouver's achievement is the city's determination in the 1970s and 1980s to resist the lure of motorways as a response to traffic problems. Traffic congestion, and the desire to avoid it, has influenced commuters in Vancouver to look at alternatives to car use.

Glasgow is seeking to make similar progress in the reduction of traffic dominance and car dependency. This can be delivered through the planning framework provided by the City Centre Living Strategy. 

This support for less car use is needed due to the context of the increased risk in extreme weather events caused by climate change.  Torrential rains or higher summer temperatures and heat waves affect the pavements and road infrastructure.

There are significant ongoing maintenance and replacement works to consider due to the wear and tear of the city’s motorway infrastructure.

Some cities have chosen to dismantle their motorways instead of repairing them. They have adopted urban planning policy to enable the redesign of motorways to create mixed use development, parks, residential, commercial, or other land uses. This has promoted walkable and cycle-friendly cities.

Glasgow can take forward plans to dismantle the M8 Woodside Viaduct. Currently, the emergency maintenance works at this Viaduct are creating significant traffic disruption and causing disturbance to residents, many of whom do not own a car.

We can support measures by Transport Scotland to remove the M8 Woodside Viaduct. This can address the adverse consequences of motorway traffic cutting through our communities. In the longer-term, this will create more liveable neighbourhoods designed to support pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.

Improvements to flower beds, North Woodside Road

The ongoing maintenance of the flower beds next to the cycle lane and footway at North Woodside Road, next to the junction with Maryhill Road, is a concern for residents. This week, I noticed that work was underway to refurbish the flower beds.

This work is being undertaken by the Connecting Woodside Project. We look forward to the improvements to this street's environment being completed. 

Walking around the Forth & Clyde Canal

I enjoy a walk or cycle along the towpath of the Forth and Clyde Canal on a weekly basis. A highlight for many residents during a visit to the area is the chute located next to Garscube Road.

There are also artworks to remember Alasdair Gray who was the novelist, artist and playwright on the canal's path network. Since his death in 2019, an archive about Alasdair Gray has been established at the Whisky Bond on Dawson Road which is open Monday to Friday.

Finance needed to address the homelessness crisis

Thanks to the City Treasurer and members of the Green Councillors Group for their work on this budget agreed on 24th February 2026 along with Finance Staff and Policy Officers. This 2026-27 council budget is offering only a short-term fix by borrowing to cover the costs of B&Bs and hotels needed in response to the homelessness crisis. 

We need more support to accelerate the building of affordable and social homes in Glasgow in 2026. We know that a significant, sustained investment of millions of pounds to address the housing emergency is necessary. We have the highest number of people experiencing homelessness in Scotland but don't have the resources that they need to provide people with homes they require.  

The Council has to be able to take giant steps forward in delivering the good quality, safe, secure and warm homes that our citizens urgently need. We require a breakthrough in our engagement with the Scottish Government and UK Government to enable the city’s housing sector to have long-term certainty to combat the high homelessness rates. 

We welcome a continued commitment from Scottish Government to social housing, with grant funding available for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme for Glasgow. The progress being made in achieving this housing investment through a partnership with Scottish Government is greatly appreciated. However, the Council has to be able to ensure Glasgow’s housing investment is provide at a level that can take on the challenge of eradicating child poverty. 

Increased investment to prevent and end homelessness, with targeted support for groups at higher risk, including women experiencing domestic abuse and disabled people is vital. There is a need for a particular emphasis on increasing the availability of family-sized properties. The transformation of domestic energy use to tackle fuel poverty and drive the shift to efficient, low carbon heating can address housing costs and prevent homelessness.

Housing developments are essential to be able to grow the local economy and improve the wellbeing for our citizens and communities in 2026. We are faced with significant issues due to construction costs, inflation, labour shortages and regulatory pressures affecting housing supply in the year ahead. There is a risk of delivery of new homes slowing down. 

It is more important than ever that we continue to work to support efforts to end homelessness across Council Services and push to secure the resources needed from the UK Government and Scottish Government. By supporting collaboration and innovation, we can aim to accelerate housing investment, leverage additional private investment and boost overall housing supply. 

Support for public artworks

This week, I noticed new artwork located at Lansdowne Crescent to enhance the area's appearance.

There is support for the development of street artworks across the West End. 

Public CCTV camera installed in Woodside

There is a new re-deployable CCTV Camera located at the junction of North Woodside Road and St Georges Road. This CCTV camera was installed in response to local concerns about anti-social behaviour and the need to improve community safety. 

There has been community consultation which supported  the location of this CCTV camera on St. Georges Road.

Update on Cycle Lane, St. Georges Road

This month, there has been further work on the installation of a new cycle lane along St. Georges Road between St Georges Cross and Glenfarg Street.

New public realm improvements at St Georges Place and Clarendon Place

New pedestrian crossing on St Georges Road

New cycle lane on St Georges Road

New cycle lane on St Georges Road

New cycle lane on St Georges Road

                    New cycle lane on St Georges Road outside Woodside Library

There is ongoing progress in creating the cycle lane along St Georges Road. Local businesses and Woodside Library on St. Georges Road continue to be open during the works.