Sunday 28 January 2024

Yellow lines at Maryhill Fire Station

Thankfully, there have been yellow zig zags and keep clear road markings installed outside the entrance to Maryhill Fire Station.

These road markings have been requested as they are vital to prevent parked cars obstructing access to and from the Fire Station.


Tenement repairs in Woodlands

This week, I noticed that the refurbishment works at 192 West Princes Street have been completed. The scaffolding has been removed after extensive repairs and maintenance of this important tenement on a main thoroughfare in the neighbourhood.

View of the refurbishment at 192 West Princes Street

This is a major boost to the regeneration within the Woodlands Conservation Area. There are many pre-1919 tenements in need of repairs and maintenance across the area. Further capital funding is required to provide resources to address the level of need.

Damage by Storm Jocelyn on Kelvin Walkway

Yesterday on a walkabout along the Kelvin Walkway, I noticed the effects of recent storms. It seems that Storm Jocelyn has resulted in extensive damage of the fencing and riverbank near the historic Old Mill. 

Temporary heras fencing has been installed along the area of damaged riverbank.

In addition, there are tree branches damaged by the strong winds on the path under the bridge at Queen Margaret Drive. There is a section of pathway closed off on a temporary basis. Further assessment of the damage and a programme of repair work will have to be undertaken.

Call for Divestment from Arms and Fossil Fuels

On 24th January, I gave my support to student calls for Divestment from Arms Companies by University of Glasgow. I attended a rally in support of an occupation at 11 University Gardens by students from Glasgow Against Arms and Fossil Fuels (GAAF).


 Rally to support the occupation at 11 University Gardens.

This occupation is calling for the University of Glasgow to fully divest from arms and fossil fuels. Also, it seeks the implementation of an accessible, mandatory and empowering climate course. Finally, there is a demand for an ethical careers policy which would ban oil, gas, coal, mining and arms companies from recruiting at the University of Glasgow.

  Notice of GAAF occupation at 11 University Gardens.

Members and supporters of GAAF gathered at main buildings of the University

I will continue to give support for the occupation and its calls for full divest from arms and fossil fuels by the senior management of the University of Glasgow.

Friday 22 December 2023

Civic space at Vinicombe Street

 As I reflect on the last year, I have to appreciate that the civic space at Vinicombe Street has been retained for community use and public events. It was designed as a vital meeting space for wider community benefit. 


View of civic space within Vinicombe Street

Public spaces such as Vinicombe Street are necessary for the wellbeing of the local area. This enhanced streetscape has also helped to encourage more people to walk around in the area. This is where people can gather to celebrate, and also, meet up with friends and family to socialise at community events, festivals and charity fundraisers. 

Painting of Stair Street

Recently, on a visit to Maryhill Burgh Hall, I found a painting of Stair Street on display. The title is "Mrs Hendry Goes To Work" by Peter Haughton.

View of the painting at Maryhill Burgh Hall

Stair Street is a special street within the Hillhead Ward and I am glad that it has been captured in a painting at a public exhibition.

Sunday 3 December 2023

The importance of a local police response

We can welcome the agreements between COSLA, Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority to work together on four key priority areas including local scrutiny and accountability to strengthen collaboration between Local Government and policing.

From my experience as a local councillor, I am aware of how important our local police officers are. Recently, when I found a man in need of medical attention on the street, it was the local police response that ensured he was taken to A&E.

The roll out of school streets to encourage walking and cycling is not possible without the support of police officers carrying out enforcement.

The partnership between police officers and trading standards officers to shut out scammers is hugely welcomed.

However, we need to ensure every citizen can easily access an efficient complaints procedure. We can support Dame Elish Angiolini’s proposal for an improved police complaints system, and welcome a much enhanced role in complaints for the independent Police Investigations and Review Commissioner. 

We can support the work of the Greater Glasgow Police Team on dealing with sexism and misogyny within all levels of policing  There is vital work needed to build the confidence of women and girls in local policing across Glasgow.

Through support for COSLA and the Safe Glasgow partnership, there can be a review of local accountability and scrutiny of policing. This work can consider and support the facilitation of people’s rights to protest.