Wednesday 19 December 2012

Best wishes for the festive season and 2013

May Peace, Joy, Hope and Happiness be yours during this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year.


We can look forward to Year of Natural Scotland 2013. You can get outdoors and enjoy wildlife, events, festivals, walks and train journeys.


Fruit trees for schools

Today, I helped with the distribution of fruit trees to schools and nurseries from the Children's Garden at the Botanic Gardens.







The trees were provided free of charge as part of the Commonwealth Orchard Project. 

Volunteers from the Hilton Foundation helped decorate the garden and offered refreshments to visitors.

Useful link:

Commonwealth Orchard - http://www.commonwealthorchard.com/commonwealth/Welcome.html

Hilton in the Community Foundation - http://www.hilton-foundation.org.uk/about%20us.htm

Sunday 16 December 2012

Support for alcohol awareness campaign

On Thursday 13th December at the Full Council Meeting, I proposed a motion in support of the Violence Reduction Unit's Christmas Alcohol Awareness Campaign. The following text was agreed unanimously by councillors from all political parties.

"Council welcomes the launch of the Violence Reduction Unit's Christmas Alcohol Awareness Campaign.

Council agrees to support this campaign by encouraging parents and carers to think about their drinking behaviour and to be positive role models for their children by drinking responsibly during the festive season.


Working with other agencies, businesses and the voluntary sector, the Council will continue to seek to change our heavy drinking culture. The Council will develop projects for all primary schools to educate children and young people about the dangers of underage drinking."

This motion is seeking support for an alcohol awareness campaign to bring about a change in attitudes and reduction in the harm caused by alcohol misuse.

Drinking alcohol is seen as an important part of Glasgow culture. Socialising with friends work colleagues and family, with alcoholic beverages in hand, is a key part of the festive celebrations. This should be a memorable and enjoyable time. However, there is a tendency for people in Glasgow to drink more heavily than people living in other parts of the UK. Getting drunk can bring about serious problems for individuals themselves but creates wider negative consequences for the city.

Binge drinking has many dangers including alcoholism, symptoms of depression and increased risk of committing suicide. Not being able to perform well at work cost businesses through lost productivity and sick days. Heavy drinking can lead to serious health consequences. It damages almost every organ in the body. It is not necessary for the individual to be a full-blown alcoholic in order to develop serious problems. For example, one episode of binge drinking could be enough for someone to develop liver disease. When people drink a large amount in a short period of time, it means they become more prone to accidents.

Getting drunk can put people more at risk of being involved in anti-social behaviour, assaults, domestic violence, family breakdown, child abuse and child neglect. Half the prisoners in Scotland’s jails were drunk at the time of their offence.

Glasgow City Council is involved in taking joint action with other agencies and communities to tackle our city's drink problems.Giving support to the Violence Reduction Unit's Christmas Campaign takes forward our efforts to support parents and carers and helps in protecting children from the negative effects of alcohol consumption.

As councillors, we can assist in work to address binge drinking generally, but support specific resources needed to offer learning activities about alcohol for children and young people.

More children and young people than ever are drinking alcohol, and they are also drinking larger quantities than in the past. This is worrying news because the younger people are when they begin drinking the more likely they are to become alcoholics later on. Underage drinking also interferes with normal adolescent development, and it prevents young people from performing well at school.

We have to support efforts to bring about sustainable reductions in violence within Glasgow. A key aspect of this work is sharing expertise with the Violence Reduction Unit and developing educational opportunities for children and young people about the dangers of underage and binge drinking. 

Useful link
 
Violence Reduction Unit -  http://www.actiononviolence.co.uk/

Swimming pool leaks at Leisure Centre

Over the last 6 months, I have been seeking updates on the refurbishment of North Woodside Leisure Centre. The roof of the Centre's swimming pool was damaged by the stormy weather in January 2012 and this has led to additional repairs being required. 

 

On a tour of the Leisure Centre on Wednesday 12th December, I was very impressed by the refurbishment undertaken. The historic design and special features of the swimming pool have been restored with care and attention to detail. 

 

The works have transformed the facilities of the swimming pool and health suite. Now, they provide a well equipped space to take part in sport and leisure activities.

View of the refurbished swimming pool.

It had been anticipated that the swimming pool and health suite would open by the end of October but the swimming pool has been leaking. 

During my tour, I heard about the process to identify where the leaks are located. This is a tricky situation to deal with and requires specialist assessment of the pool. The results of the investigations should be known by the middle of January 2013.

Thankfully, it has been agreed that the health suite with new sauna and steam room will open at the start of the New Year.

I will continue to offer support to assist the completion of refurbishment works and opening of the swimming pool, which are a much appreciated investment in the Woodside area.

Sunday 9 December 2012

Children's exhibition on Migration

There is a Children's exhibition on migration called "At Home Abroad" from 1st December 2012 to 3rd February 2013, 11am to 5pm, at Scotland Street School Museum.





This exhibition focuses on the life experiences of Eastern European migrant children in Scotland.

Useful link:

Information about"At Home Abroad"-  http://www.migrationscotland.org.uk/sime-et-al-2010-home-abroad-life-experiences-eastern-european-migrant-children-scotland

Local Development Plan for Glasgow Update

As part of the process to develop the Local Development Plan for Glasgow, there has been a consultation on the Main Issues Report for additional sites. This ended on 7th December 2012.

I wrote to object to the additional sites being redesignated from DEV11 Greenspace or DEV12 Greenbelt to Residential or Residential and Supporting Uses. 

These twelve site are listed as follows:-

Ref: Prop0030
Address: Crookston Site D
Proposer: Miller Homes
Proposal: Residential
Exist DPP: DEV9 Civic, Hospital and Tertiary Education/DEV12 Greenbelt

Reasons for Objection: This site is within greenbelt and part of the curtilage to a Site of Nature Conservation, and a Green Corridor. It is a Site of Special Landscape Importance and a flood plain. There are tree protected by TPOs on this site. It is part of the core paths network and promotes access to walking and cycling activity. Building on this site would destroy a significant area of land required to support biodiversity, flora and fauna. There would be a risk of flooding for any housing built on this site. It is in the public interest for this land to be preserved as greenbelt and protected as a wildlife habitat.


Ref: Prop0031
Address: Crookston Site F
Proposer: Miller Homes
Proposal: Residential
Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Reasons for the objection: This site is within greenbelt and an ancient long established or semi natural woodland. There are tree protected by TPOs on this site. It is part of the core paths network and promotes access to walking and cycling activity. Building on this site would destroy a significant area of ancient woodland required to support biodiversity, flora and fauna. It is in the public interest for this land to be preserved as woodland and protected as a wildlife habitat.


Ref: Prop0033
Address: Temple Road
Proposer: Network Rail
Proposal: Residential
Exist DPP: DEV11 Greenspace

Reason for my objection: This site is greenspace and part of a local nature reserve, a Green Corridor, and Site of Nature Conservation. It is part of the Forth and Clyde Canal which is a scheduled ancient monument. As part of the core paths network and promotes access to walking and cycling activity. Building on this site would destroy a significant area of land required to support biodiversity, flora and fauna. There is a risk of flooding on this site as it is located next to the canal. It is in the public interest for this land to be preserved as greenspace and protected as a cultural asset and wildlife habitat.


Ref: Prop0034
Address: Damshot Crescent
Proposer: Pollok/Corrour
Proposal: Residential/Supporting Uses
Exist DPP: DEV11 Greenspace

Reason for my objection: This site is greenspace, greenbelt and part of a Green Corridor, a Site of Nature Conservation and site of special landscape importance. As part of the core paths network and promotes access to walking and cycling activity. It is located within the curtilage of a conservation area and designed landscape of Pollok Park. Building on this site would destroy a significant area of land required to support biodiversity, flora and fauna. There is a risk of flooding on this site. It is in the public interest for this land to be preserved as greenspace and protected as a cultural asset and wildlife habitat.


Ref: Prop0035
Address: Mid Netherton, Carmunnock
Proposer: Comstock
Proposal: Residential
Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Reason for my objection: This site is greenbelt, and next to a local nature reserve, a Site of Nature Conservation and site of special landscape importance. As part of the core paths network linking Cathkin Braes to Linn Park and promotes access to walking and cycling activity. Building on this site could jeopardise the future of Mid Netheron Farm, a significant listed building and important part of the area's heritage. This redesignation would lead to the loss of a significant area of hedgerows required to support biodiversity, flora and fauna. It is in the public interest for this land to be preserved as greenspace and protected as a cultural asset and wildlife habitat.

Ref: Prop0047
Address: Auchairn Road
Proposer: Taylor Wimpey
Proposal: Residential
Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Reason for my objection: This site is greenbelt, and next to a Site of Nature Conservation and site of special landscape importance. Building on this site would jeopardise the future of protected species on the site including water voles, and otters. This redesignation would isolate a significant area of wetland and grassland (Wester Lumlach, Auchinleck Meadow) which are required to support biodiversity, flora and fauna. It is in the public interest for this land to be preserved as greenspace and protected as a cultural asset next to the Wallace Monument.

Ref: Prop0048
Address: South of Cardowan
Proposer: AWG Property Ltd
Proposal: Residential
Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Reason for my objection: This site is greenbelt, an area of ancient and natural woodland, a local nature reserve, a Site of Nature Conservation and site of local landscape importance. Building on this site could jeopardise the future of Gartloch Hospital Woodland, Gartloch Pools, Garnkirk Moss,Bishop Loch, Craigend Moss and Peatland. This redesignation would lead to the loss of a internationally significant area of woodland, wetland, raised bog and open water which supports biodiversity, flora and fauna. It is in the public interest for this land to be preserved as greenbelt and protected as a wildlife habitat for wintering greylag geese in particular. This site of peatland must be conserved as part of the Council's Climate Change Strategy.

Ref: Prop0050
Address: Baillieston/Broomhouse/Carmyle CGA
Proposer: Elphinstone Estates Ltd
Proposal: Residential
Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Reason for my objection: This site is greenbelt, greenspace, and next to a green corridor. As part of the core paths network, it promotes access to walking and cycling activity. Building on this site would lead to the loss of a significant area of hedgerows required to support biodiversity, flora and fauna. It is in the public interest for this land to be preserved as greenspace and protected as a wildlife habitat.

Ref: Prop0051
Address: Baillieston/Broomhouse/Carmyle CGA
Proposer: Elphinstone Estates Ltd
Proposal: Residential
Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Reason for my objection: This site is greenbelt, and next to a Site of Nature Conservation and green corridors. It is a site of ancient and natural woodland. Building on this site could jeopardise the future of protected species including water voles, otters, greylag geese, black-headed gull, and Gadwall. This redesignation would lead to the loss of a significant area of trees required to support biodiversity, flora and fauna including badgers and bats. It is in the public interest for this land to be preserved as greenspace and protected as a woodland/wildlife habitat.

Ref: Prop0052
Address: Summerston
Proposer: Caledonian Properties
Proposal: Residential and Community Facilities
Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Reason for my objection: This site is greenbelt, and next to a Site of Nature Conservation, a green corridor, a site of special scientific importance. It is a site of ancient and natural woodland. Building on this site next to the River Kelvin and the proposal would jeopardise the future of protected species including water voles, otters, bats, greylag geese, pink footed geese, and farmland birds. This redesignation would lead to the loss of a significant area of farmland, and hedgerows required to support biodiversity, flora and fauna. As part of the core paths network linking with the West Highland Way and promotes access to walking and cycling activity. It is in the public interest for this land to be preserved as greenbelt and protected as a woodland/wildlife habitat.


Ref: Prop0054
Address: Cathkin Road, Carmunnock
Proposer: Stewart Milne Homes
Proposal: Residential
Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Reason for my objection: This site is greenbelt, and next to a Site of Nature Conservation and gsite of special landscape importance. Building on this site could jeopardise access Cathkin Braes Country Park and the visual amenity of Carmunnock, a conservation village. This redesignation would lead to the loss of a significant area of trees required to support biodiversity, flora and fauna including skylark, tree sparrow, badgers and bats. It is in the public interest for this land to be preserved as greenbelt and protected as a woodland/wildlife habitat.

Ref: Prop0055
Address: Kennishead Farm
Proposer: Pollok & Corrour
Proposal: Residential/Greenspace
Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Reason for my objection: This site is greenbelt, and a site of ancient and natural woodland. Building on this site could jeopardise the agreement made when it was gifted to the Council in the 1960s that the land be protected as greenspace. This redesignation would lead to the loss of a significant area of garden/designed landscape. It is in the public interest for this land to be preserved as greenbelt and protected as part of the Pollok Park Conservation Area.

Additional recycling facilities for Woodlands

Further to discussions with residents and council staff, additional recycling bins for paper, plastics and cans have been introduced in West Princes Street, Woodlands.

 
Blue street recycling bin in Woodlands Drive

Efforts are continuing to improve the environment of Woodlands. Many residents are supporting the improvement to back lanes and taking part in clean ups.  I will continue to support plans to remove the mud from the back lanes and make it easier for households to recycle their rubbish.

Festive Winter Warmer in Woodlands.

This afternoon, there was a Winter Warmer Festive Event at Woodlands Community Garden. Choir singing by lantern light and hot food from the clay oven provided a boost for everyone. 

Three paper lanterns decorate the garden.

Children took part in a Mexican Pinata game. Pinatas come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and are found at almost every Mexican celebration.

The Pinata hung up in the garden.

Some festive treats including cards and badges were available with all proceeds going to support the work of Woodlands Community Garden.

Useful link:

Mexican Pinata Game - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi%C3%B1ata

Woodlands Community Garden - http://www.woodlandscommunitygarden.org.uk/ 

Sunshine for the Glasgow Santa Dash 2012

This morning, I joined over 2000 adults and children in the Santa Dash through the city centre streets of Glasgow. It was sunny, dry weather which was great for jogging.


This is the second year that I have taken part and it was great fun. I am helping to raise funds for Glasgow Women's Aid and appreciated meeting up with other fundraisers. We were featured in coverage of the Santa Dash by STV Local.

Useful link: 

Interview for Glasgow Women's Aid Fundraisers on STV - http://m.local.stv.tv/glasgow/news/204947-thousands-flock-to-george-square-for-annual-glasgow-santa-dash/