Consultation about local school and nursery provision

There is a proposal by Glasgow City Council's Education Services to change the catchment areas for Hillhead Primary School, Oakgrove Primary School, Anderston Primary School, Garnetbank Primary School, Hyndland Primary School and Thornwood Primary School.

There is also a non-statutory proposal regarding the future provision of early years learning and childcare in the area. The consultation details plans to increase teaching areas and provide future General Purpose areas within Hillhead Primary School. It is proposed that Kelvin Park Early Years Centre closes. 

It is proposed to provide additional Early Years places at Oakgrove Primary School, Woodside Nursery, Belhaven Nursery, Cowcaddens Day Nursery, Novar Nursery, Cranstonhill Nursery and also via partnership nurseries in the locality.

The end of the Public Consultation period is 29 September 2014. I will be meeting with parents and other groups to hear views on the proposal over the next 3 months.

Please refer to the webpages at: www.glasgow.gov.uk/schoolconsultation

Access to Football Training Facilities.

Support is needed to develop home grown talent to increase the chances of Scotland competing for the next World Football Cup. I am aware of local football pitches being neglected and resources are needed for their upgrade.

In the last few months, I have been in discussions with residents concerned about access to football training facilities within the Woodside area. 

View of a red blaes pitch

Currently, there are two red blaes pitches within the Braid Square area which are used by children and young people to play football. However, there is a desire for a synthetic pitch to be installed as this is provided in other neighbourhoods in the city.

Working in partnership with local agencies and residents, plans will be developed for improved football facilities for the Woodside area.

Celebrate Fair Deal's 25 Years

Today, I joined in the celebrations for 25 years of Fair Deal, which provides support for people with learning disabilities to live a meaningful life. There was a garden party held in the Hidden Gardens, at the Tramway which included live music from service users.

Display for Fair Deal at the Hiddens Gardens.

I gave a donations towards to Fundraising Appeal which is underway to secure £25,000 for respite care and support for volunteers. Fair Deal has developed a range of services for people with learning disabilities and was recognised as Jobs and Business Glasgow Social Enterprise of the Year 2013.

Useful link:

Fair Deal - www.fair-deal.org

Air quality monitoring on Great Western Road

Whilst walking along the pavement of Great Western Road, I noticed a green cabinet being installed at the junction of Cromwell Street and Great Western Road.

Staff at Land and Environmental Services have confirmed that the cabinet highlighted is an air quality monitoring station for NO2. The station will form part of the UK Automatic Urban Network of monitoring stations and the data will be available on both the Scottish Air Quality website and the UK-air website. The installation of this new air quality monitoring station will provide data to assist in identifying high levels of air pollution within the area. This does not provide a solution to the problem but provides useful information.

This week, research published by Reuters detailed the impact of particulates from vehicle exhaust on older people's health. Co-author of the report, Jennifer Ailshire indicates that “The emerging evidence showing a link between air pollution and cognitive function suggests air pollution may harm the brain as well as the heart and lungs." 

It appears that there is an urgent need for partnership working between all levels of government and the NHS to develop a programme of activity to reduce the traffic on main streets, such as the Great Western Road, to protect the health of an ageing population.

Useful link:

Scottish Air Quality website - http://www.scottishairquality.co.uk/latest/?la=city-of-glasgow

Air pollution linked to cognitive decline in later years - http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/06/18/us-pollution-aging-cognitive-function-idUKKBN0ET1NM20140618

What Future for Vulnerable People under Independence?

This month, Green MSPs have welcomed the findings of the Expert Working Group on Welfare. The group makes recommendations for an independent Scotland with control over welfare and this includes re-establishing the link between benefits and the cost of living, scrapping the welfare cap, increasing the carer's allowance and ensuring women are not disadvantaged.

Welfare cuts are having creating misery and hardship for the most vulnerable. The expert group recommendations are in stark contrast to the Coalition's cruel, wrong-headed policies. The social security system shouldn't just be viewed as a safety net but as a way of improving everyone's quality of life.

Under Scottish Independence, Greens would pursue ideas for removing the stigma associated with benefits, and support the development of an independent Scottish social security system that could lift people into better paid, more secure jobs and also, recognise the important unpaid work carried out by carers.

We want a Citizens Basic Income to be considered under Independence, as it would allow everyone to take a fuller and more effective part in the community and the local economy. It could provide a guaranteed, non means-tested, basic income granted to every adult citizen, regardless of whether they are working or not working.

With the introduction of a Citizens Income, the aim would be to remove the ‘poverty trap’ so that people would not end up poorer or no better off in work than out. In addition, we could see an increase in overall employment as part-time jobs that were previously not an option could now be taken on.

A Citizens Income could improve public health, through the stress relief that it would bring. Experience of anxiety and depression, from being on and off benefits, can be addressed. It could lift a damaging level of stress from our society. It’s far more affordable than it sounds as well, as the Citizen’s Income Trust have demonstrated, the cost would work out at roughly the same as the current welfare bill.

Scottish Independence is a means to strengthen Local Democracy. Very clearly there is an urgent need to begin to decentralise power from Edinburgh to communities across Scotland, and many gains to be made in terms of bringing power closer to people so that decisions are made better. Greens are calling for a move towards much smaller units of government that would be able to raise the majority of their funding locally. The aim is to emulate the kind of stronger democracy other European countries such as Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands take for granted.

The discussion comes at a crucial time for Scotland’s communities. Local services are being cut because of reduced central funding and the economic crisis. Council tax has been frozen, disempowering councils from raising revenue. Community councils have little power or funding and coverage is patchy. Participation in local government elections is extremely low.

Scottish Independence can Close the Wealth Gap. The UK has seen a dramatic drift toward a low-tax, low-wage, low-investment economy. It serves only the interests of the wealthiest, and it would be mistake for Scotland to follow this path.

We have to reverse the trend toward ever-lower corporation tax, in the knowledge that most businesses care more about decent infrastructure and a healthy, educated workforce than they do about the more marginal issue of tax levels. We can commit to fairer property and income taxes to end the scandal which sees low earners paying a bigger proportion of their income across the range of taxes than some of the wealthiest.

Fair taxation is only one of the tools we need to build a better society and close the obscene gap between the rich and the rest. Fairer pay is also crucial. Pay ratios of 10:1 would be one way of ensuring that the highest paid don’t lift their own incomes without lifting their colleagues’ at the same time. With a Living Wage guaranteed for all, and an end to the scandal of publicly subsidised poverty pay, we’d start to reverse the years of growing inequality.

As part of Scottish Referendum discourse, there has been healthy debate about the prospect of a written constitution to protect and realise human rights in an independent Scotland. We can seek to ensure there is a collaboratively designed constitution which places equalities issues and the needs of the most vulnerable at the centre of the Scottish Parliament's mandate to govern.

Constitutional processes can lead to progressive provisions for equalities specifically women's rights, as well as the rights of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. The creation of new institutions, provide the opportunity to embed equalities within our national structures and decision-making processes.

The constitutional debate provides a platform for discussion about social issues and space for equalities organisations to reflect on the possibilities for change that do exist. It is vital that social justice is prioritised and is delivered for marginalised groups as part of the 
constitution. We have to continue to tackle the causes of inequality and discrimination, and seek to achieve a truly just and welcoming Scotland. Greens will make the case that a more equal society is in everyone’s interests, and would make Scotland healthier, happier and safer.

Useful links:  

Scottish Independence Bill: A consultation on an interim constitution for Scotland - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/06/7881

Citizens' Income Trust - http://www.citizensincome.org/

Trades House Craftex Exhibition, 5-7 June

Today, I looked around the showcase of works completed by students from Further Education Colleges at the Crafttex Exibition in Glasgow's Trades Hall.

View of the Trades Hall.

There was an impressive range of designs and artworks including furniture, stain glass, jewellery, product design and fashion. 

Poster for the exhibition

This exhibition opened my eyes to the activities of talented young people attended Glasgow's Further Education Colleges. It takes place on an annual basis and is an excellent way to support emerging artists and designers.

Advert for the fashion show.

A fashion show involving students is taking place on 15th June. This will be a chance to appreciate the latest fashion designs created in Glasgow.

Re-opening of Kelvingrove Bandstand & Amphitheatre

The re-opening of the unique bandstand and amphitheatre of Kelvingrove Park took place on Thursday 29th May.  

This significant Glasgow landmark has a very special place in my heart. Having been involved in the campaign to save the bandstand established in 1992 and subsequently, involved in the Friends of Kelvingrove Park, I will cherish the re-opening event.

This re-opening is possible thanks to the generous support of the bandstand and amphitheatre restoration by various funders including the Heritage Lottery and Glasgow City Council. 

It has also been possible due to the dedication of staff from Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, Glasgow Life, Land and Environmental Services and the contractors.  

I am really looking forward to many more memorable concerts and community events at this amazing outdoor venue.

Local Development Plan Consultation

In 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. 

This month, I asked for an update on the future of each of these twelve sites are listed:-

Ref: Prop0030

Address: Crookston Site D

Proposer: Miller Homes

Proposal: Residential

Exist DPP: DEV9 Civic, Hospital and Tertiary Education/DEV12 Greenbelt

Not taken forward as proposal in the Plan. 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. 

Ref: Prop0031

Address: Crookston Site F

Proposer: Miller Homes

Proposal: Residential

Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Not taken forward as proposal in the Plan. 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.

Ref: Prop0033

Address: Temple Road

Proposer: Network Rail

Proposal: Residential

Exist DPP: DEV11 Greenspace

Not taken forward as proposal in the Plan.  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. 

Ref: Prop0034

Address: Damshot Crescent

Proposer: Pollok/Corrour

Proposal: Residential/Supporting Uses

Exist DPP: DEV11 Greenspace

Considered to have limited potential for housing development within scope of the greenspace and other environmental designations. 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. 

Ref: Prop0035

Address: Mid Netherton, Carmunnock

Proposer: Comstock

Proposal: Residential

Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Not taken forward as proposal in the Plan. 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. 

Ref: Prop0047

Address: Auchairn Road

Proposer: Taylor Wimpey

Proposal: Residential

Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Part is shown as housing proposal in the Plan - City Development Plan references H111, H113, and H114 respectively. This site is greenbelt, and next to a Site of Nature Conservation and site of special landscape importance. 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

Not taken forward as proposal in the Plan. 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. 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

Already identified as proposals within the Baillieston/Broomhouse/Carmyle Community growth Areas in City Plan 2 - no change required.

Ref: Prop0051

Address: Baillieston/Broomhouse/Carmyle CGA

Proposer: Elphinstone Estates Ltd

Proposal: Residential

Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Already identified as proposals within the Baillieston/Broomhouse/Carmyle Community growth Areas in City Plan 2 - no change required.

Ref: Prop0052

Address: Summerston

Proposer: Caledonian Properties

Proposal: Residential and Community Facilities

Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Shown as housing proposal in the Plan - City Development Plan references H111, H113, and H114 respectively. 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. 

Ref: Prop0054

Address: Cathkin Road, Carmunnock

Proposer: Stewart Milne Homes

Proposal: Residential

Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Part shown as housing proposal in the Plan - City Development Plan references H111, H113, and H114 respectively. 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. 

Ref: Prop0055

Address: Kennishead Farm

Proposer: Pollok & Corrour

Proposal: Residential/Greenspace

Exist DPP: DEV12 Greenbelt

Not taken forward as proposal in the Plan. 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.

The Local Development Plan has just been finalised and is now out for public consultation for 8 weeks, from 1st May - 27 June 2014. A representation form must be used. Go to weblink at: www.glasgow.gov.uk