4.5 Trillion Cigarette Litter Problem

In recent weeks, I have been in discussions with businesses and residents living in the Kelvinbridge area about the improvements they would like to see. Everyone is really concerned about the problem of litter along the riverbank. 

A resident has taken action to discourage littering by creating an informative poster to stop people throwing away cigarette litter and this is on display at the railings next to the River Kelvin.

Cigarette Butt Litter poster at the riverbank.

It is estimated that 122 tonnes of cigarette ends are dropped everyday across the UK (that’s about 200 million of them), with an estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts dropped worldwide every year. Local authorities have highlighted that the advent of the smoking ban has seen a marked increase in the number of cigarette ends discarded on our pavements and streets.

Useful link:

To report litter / dog fouling - http://www.saferglasgow.com/what-we-do/tackling-antisocial-behaviour.aspx

Taking part in Pedal On UK

On a walk through Kelvingrove Park on Friday, I noticed a banner for a festival to celebrate the recent opening of the completed ‘Bridge to Nowhere’, organised by "Pedal on UK" taking place on 7th September. 

This event is part of promotional activity from 16 August and 7 September by Sustrans, with other partners, for the completion of 84 new walking and cycling networks extending the reach of the National Cycle Network.

 Banner for the Grand Finale Festival on 7th September, 11am - 4pm.

On the day, the Bike Station will be organising free guided bike rides from Kelvingrove Park to the new walking and cycling bridge in Anderston.

Useful link: 

Pedal on UK: Glasgow - http://www.sustrans.org.uk/events/pedal-uk-glasgow

Celebrate Woodside Library's Reopening

There is a fun day planned on Saturday 24th August 2013 from 12-4pm, in Woodside Library, at 343 St. Georges Road.  This is a free celebration of the opening of this library after closure for several months of refurbishment.There will be storytelling, book competitions, art and crafts and computer taster sessions.

Last week, I visited the library and had a sneak preview of the works completed. I meet up with the staff from Glasgow Life involved in supporting the restoration and redecoration of this A-listed Carnegie Library. The redecoration has made a huge difference to the main public area and children's space. 

Interior of the library after redecoration.

I hope that word will spread about the investment provided in our library services in the Woodside area.

Members of the Woodside Community Council have given great support for the repairs and maintenance of the library.  I will continue to work to ensure that the local community is involved in the development of the library's services.

Please note that I hold monthly surgeries in Woodside Library, on the first Friday of the month, from 2-3pm.

Useful link:

Woodside Library Reopening - http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries/your-local-library/woodside-library/Pages/home.aspx

Exhibition of inspiring landscape artist

On Friday, I made the train journey to Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery and during my visit, I enjoyed the exhibition, "A Passion for Colour: Jolomo". 

This is a retrospective of the paintings by John Lowrie Morrison who was born in Maryhill, and attended local schools in Hillhead - Dowanhill Primary, Hyndland Preparatory School, and Hyndland Secondary. This exhibition can help to give encouragement to the next generation of local artists.

 Poster for the exhibition.

 Accessible entrance to the exhibition.

I would recommend a trip to look around the series of paintings inspired by the nature of Scotland. The exhibition continues until 21st September 2013.

Useful link:

Jolomo - http://www.jolomo.com

Hiroshima: Never Again

Each year on the sixth of August, people across the world turn their thoughts to the city of Hiroshima. At an event organised by Scottish CND, today, we join with others involved in commemoration ceremonies to remember the dropping of the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and the dropping of a second bomb on the city of Nagasaki three days later.

 

Nagasaki Stone and Peace Tree, Botanic Gardens 

We remember the tens of thousands of civilians who perished and contemplate the incredible hardships endured by the survivors, their families, and the generations to follow. Whilst reflecting on a tragic past, it is important to recognize what the citizens of Hiroshima have accomplished in rebuilding their great city. They also have a wealth of wisdom to share with all nations about the vital need for nuclear disarmament. For many decades, its mayors and concerned citizens have shared their legacy and appealed for urgent measures to outlaw all nuclear weapons. 

Their message is being heard. The testimonies of many hibakusha are being translated into several languages. The United Nations has just launched a multimedia website of hibakusha telling their stories. It is very important that these words be heard and understood in all countries, especially by the younger generation. We must continue to highlight the experiences of the people living in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to young people in support of efforts for a world free of nuclear weapons. 

Let us proclaim there must never be another nuclear attack – never. The elimination of such weapons is the most effective way to prevent their future use. 

Walk between Botanic Gardens to Kelvingrove Park 

People understand that nuclear weapons cannot be used without indiscriminate impacts on people and the environment.  We welcome the report by Scottish CND called "If Britain Fired Trident" which illustrates that an attack using 40 nuclear warheads, the normal complement on a Clyde-based Trident submarine, would result in 5.4 million deaths. It explains that humanitarian and emergency agencies would be unable to provide an adequate response. 

Peace Tree at Kelvingrove Park.

Nuclear weapons have no legitimate place in our world. Their elimination is both morally right and a practical necessity in protecting humanity.

Your access to Scotland's Gardens

In the last week, I enjoyed a visit to several gardens in Fife, open to the public as part of the Scotland's Garden Scheme.

It was very interesting to hear about the history of each garden. I really enjoyed learning about the different architecture and designs which included hen runs, and a range of sculptures.

Kellie Castle Garden, Fife.

Balcaskie Estate Gardens, Fife.

The opening of these private gardens helps to fundraise for a range of charities. This scheme has gone from strength to strength since being established in 1931. 

Useful link:

Scotland's Gardens - http://www.scotlandsgardens.org/

Reporting of repairs needed to street lights

During my walkabouts, I make a note of any damaged street lights and report any repairs to the Street Lighting Team at Land and Environmental Services. 

If you are going over the River Kelvin, on Great Western Road, later in the evening, you should notice that all the lanterns are in working order. For many years, these lights have been in need of repair. In recent months, there has been significant investment by Land and Environmental Services to try to ensure all these street lights are fully operational.

This cover was repaired following my request.

If you have any street lighting repairs, please report them to Land and Environmental Services.

Useful link:

Street Lighting faults - http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3404

Sunshine on the River Kelvin

In the last few weeks, we have had some lovely sunny days and I made an effort to get outdoors. One of the best places for walking and cycling is along the banks of the River Kelvin.

Cycling and walking sign on the Kelvin Walkway

I am always on the look out for the Heron and the various birdlife which can be found on the river. Thankfully, I spotted the Heron near to the Weir on my most recent walk.

The Heron on the River Kelvin.

The need for increased resources for the maintenance of the walkway and trees on the riverbank have been raised. Of particular concern has been the littering of the riverbank under the Great Western Road. Additional resources have been requested from Cleansing and Glasgow Community Safety Services to help reduce the litter, dog dirt and anti-social behaviour problems. 

 Entrance to the Kelvin Walkway from Great Western Road.

 During recent conversations with local businesses and residents, ideas to improve the Kelvinbridge area have been discussed. A programme of community events and outdoor markets using the greenspace and pathways next to the Kelvinbridge subway station have been suggested.