Calls for better parental leave

This month, I provided support for the calls to establish a better parental leave system for parents by the UK Government. There is a petition gathering supporters of 6 weeks paternity leave paid at 90% of salary for all and more flexible working as default.

View of banners at the demonstration held by parents on 27th August.

More information is available from campaigners involved in the current movement known as the Parent Strike including @mother_pukka, @dadshiftuk and @pregnant_then_screwed.

 

Repair of historic railings at busy junction

The repairs undertaken to the railings at the junction of Queen Margaret Drive and Great Western Road have been greatly welcomed. These railings had been damaged and they had been a cause of concern from residents for many months.

View of replacement railings

These new railings have enhanced the appearance of this area and they promote the historic character of this junction next to the entrance of the Botanic Gardens. 

Thanks to everyone who has highlighted the importance of these railings as a local feature but also, their role for improving safety of people using this junction to get around.

Maintenance work at Wilton Street Garden

This month, there has been maintenance work carried out by council services at Wilton Street Community Garden. This has been a huge boost for local residents.

View of entrance gate with improved accessibility

                                            Hedging has been trimmed at the paths.

                                            Central area  as a meeting place within the community garden

Thanks to the support from residents and council officers who were involved in the improvements to the community garden. There is needed to ensure that this greenspace is well maintained for community use and further investment is needed for its annual upkeep.

Viewpoint at the River Kelvin

I enjoyed a walkabout at the Viewpoint, this week. This community garden is providing a peaceful location to sit, relax and spend time being outdoors in Hillhead.

View of benches 

The Viewpoint is offering a beautiful space for residents to meet up and get involved in gardening. This is a unique greenspace beside the River Kelvin. It is successfully promoting the health and wellbeing of local residents. There are a selection of benches to encourage people to sit together, meet their neighbours, reduce isolation and support the development of new friendships.

Ramps installed to support disabled people

This month, I have received enquiries from residents about the lack of ramps at the section of pavement on Great Western Road that is closed due to safety concerns.

View of closed off pavements and ramps installed after enquiries

Residents in wheelchairs or mobility scooters as well as people with prams have been experiencing problems getting around the area as ramps were missing.  Thankfully there are two ramps available to use, now. This heras fencing is expected to continue to be placed across the pavement until repairs and maintenance work to the tenement housing is undertaken.

Access to Kelvinbridge Subway

This week, I was glad to find that both escalators at Kelvinbridge Subway Station were operational as this is essential for people gaining access to and from Great Western Road.

View of the entrance and exit to Kelvinbridge Subway Station 

at Great Western Road

Many residents are very grateful that the repairs to the escalators are completed. The access to/from Great Western Road has been difficult without both of these escalators.

Further investment to improve accessibility of the subway network for disabled people is being called for. Thanks to SPT's staff for all of the ongoing repairs and maintenance work at Glasgow's Subway.

Get involved in the Reading Challenge

This month, I noticed posters in Glasgow Libraries to encourage adults to get involved in reading books and perhaps, joining a book group.

I hope that if you are not borrowing books from your local library, you will consider dropping in to find out about this reading challenge.