Xmas Lights Switch On at Byres Road.

Yesterday, I joined crowds in Vinicombe Street to watch the Xmas Lights switch on by Bella Beatson. There was uplifting entertainment from choirs and jokes from children in the audience. Local cobbled lanes were closed to traffic to make way for festive activities.

Bella Beatson on stage at Vinicombe Street.

Xmas Tree on Vinicombe Street

Xmas lights on Ashton Road Car Park.

There is further information about the businesses in Byres Road and surrounding lanes at: https://www.visitwestend.com/

Support for Anti-racism march and rally

On Saturday, 25th November, I joined the march and rally from Glasgow Green to Adelaide's on Bath Street to support anti racism work and help to make Scotland a home for refugees and migrant workers. 

View of the march and rally through George Square.

Due to rise in hate crimes, we need to confront racism and celebrate diversity in our communities. The clear message of the rally was to educate, agitate and organise anti-racism campaigning in our workplaces and across our neighbourhoods.

Useful links:

United Glasgow F.C. - https://unitedglasgowfc.org.uk/

Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial - https://mandelascottishmemorial.org/

Creative pathways on the Canal

On Thursday, 23rd November, I went to the Whisky Bond to attend the exhibition of sculptures by a group of 16 and 17 years olds on a "Creative Pathways Our Bright Future" programme at Impact Arts. This programme was partly funded by Scottish Canals and provided an opportunity to develop a series of works for the Clay Pits, a nature reserve on the Forth and Clyde Canal.

View of "You Are Here" which is a map of the Forth and Clyde Canal 

that goes through the Clay Pits.

This is known as "Four Shadows" and is influenced by 

four high rise flats at Westercommon.

The "Ways of Seeing" sculpture using steel and coloured Perspex has a minimal impact on the city skyline and aims to complement the wonderful view of the west end.

It was an impressive showcase providing young people with an amazing opportunity to develop their creative skills and help them move on to employment or further studies. More information available at: https://www.impactarts.co.uk/news/blog/young-people-unveil-series-of-magnificent-sculptures-for-the-canalside/

Leaves and flooding on College Cycle Route

In the last week, there have been problems with leaves and flooding on the cycling route along New City Road. The route has been dangerous for cyclists, as well as pedestrians, due to the slippy surfaces.

View of underpass at New City Road

There is an ongoing requirement for street cleansing on this cycle lane to prevent accidents and encourage more people to cycle to and from the city centre. The ongoing efforts of street sweepers to clean our streets and improve safety are very much appreciated.

Walking and cycling on Queen Margaret Drive

Until 15th December, you can submit comments on proposals for cycling lanes and improvements to support walking in the Queen Margaret Drive area. In the last 6 months, I have helped to ensure Council officials have prepared draft plans in consultation with local businesses. There is a commitment to create cycle lanes and provide better public realm.

Views of Queen Margaret Drive

Your comments will help inform the final design and support a bid to Sustrans to fund improvements to make it easier to walk and cycle in the area. 

Please go to the web page at: https://glasgowgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=2b2409bdfa834bb587f0035aaae0a209

Gathering for MacMillan Cancer Support

Last Saturday, I supported a coffee morning to raise funds for the Macmillan Cancer Support Service. This was organised by women from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Glasgow.

View of posters and balloons at the coffee morning

This was a very enjoyable event which brought together women of all ages to socialise and help vital support services. An information display shared resources about the 200 different types of cancer.

 Macmillan Cancer Information Service at: 
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/index.html

Sounds at Bandstand

Last Saturday, as I walked along Kelvin Way, I was delighted to find a Sonica festival event at the Kelvingrove Bandstand. There were large megaphones for people to try. 

 View of the megaphone project at the Bandstand

Further information is available at: http://sonic-a.co.uk/portfolio/the-megaphone-project/

Halloween celebrations in Wilton Street

This year, I supported Halloween celebrations at Wilton Street's Community Garden on Saturday 28th October. Volunteers cleared up leaves within the garden area.

 View of decorations

Leaves being cleared up and put in bags for composting.

This is a beautiful community garden offering a social space for residents of all ages to meet and enjoy the outdoors.

Litter from single use cups

On 25th October, I attended an exhibition organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful in the Gallery of Modern Art which showcased the litter and waste associated with single use drinks containers. 

This highlighted the artwork promoting recycling from local schools supported by environmental artist Julia Barton. There were information displays outlining the impact of single cup use and ideas to encourage recycle and a reduction in litter.

Information on what happens to cups, bottles and cans.

Zero Waste Scotland estimates that 208 million single use 

cups are thrown away in Scotland every year 

Info about pledge4plastics

I heard about the practical action to tackle the negative impact that single use drinks cups have on the environment. The coffee cup supply businesses are actively supporting the Square Mile Challenge, which launched in London’s Square Mile on 3 April 2017. Can we develop a similar recycling project in Glasgow?

More information on reusable coffee cups at: 
http://sourced.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2017/10/17/how-i-kickstarted-the-reuseable-coffee-cup-revolution/

New health centre takes shape

There is a new health and social care centre being constructed on Doncaster Street. It will replace the Woodside Health Centre on Barr Street and provide access to GP surgeries, dental services, physiotherapy, older people day services, district nursing, and the older people’s team. Patients and staff are encouraged to use public transport, cycle and walk to the new facilities. 

View of the new centre under construction.

Car parking is included in the design but there will be limited spaces available. Proposals for a new restricted parking zone offering pay and display marked bays for parking in the area are under consideration. Any proposals are subject to public consultation.

The latest newsletter is available at: 
https://glasgowcity.hscp.scot/sites/default/files/newsletter/Woodside%20News%20July%202017_1.pdf

Further information available at: http://www.nhsggc.org.uk/media/242118/nhsggc_fbc_woodside.pdf

Rodney Street Open Space

On a walkabout of the area at the beginning of October, I noticed that the open space at Rodney Street was neglected. In the last month, I have made enquiries about plans for the site.

Views of Rodney Street from footpath near the canal.

Various local groups along with representatives from the Council and Scottish Canals are working to create food growing raised beds and a natural play area for the benefit of the local community. I am giving my support to efforts to enhance the availability of outdoor play facilities and gardening activities in the area.

Further information available at: https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/placemaking/glasgow-canal-project/