Civic space at Vinicombe Street

 As I reflect on the last year, I have to appreciate that the civic space at Vinicombe Street has been retained for community use and public events. It was designed as a vital meeting space for wider community benefit. 

View of civic space within Vinicombe Street

Public spaces such as Vinicombe Street are necessary for the wellbeing of the local area. This enhanced streetscape has also helped to encourage more people to walk around in the area. This is where people can gather to celebrate, and also, meet up with friends and family to socialise at community events, festivals and charity fundraisers. 

Painting of Stair Street

Recently, on a visit to Maryhill Burgh Hall, I found a painting of Stair Street on display. The title is "Mrs Hendry Goes To Work" by Peter Haughton.

View of the painting at Maryhill Burgh Hall

Stair Street is a special street within the Hillhead Ward and I am glad that it has been captured in a painting at a public exhibition.

The importance of a local police response

We can welcome the agreements between COSLA, Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority to work together on four key priority areas including local scrutiny and accountability to strengthen collaboration between Local Government and policing.

From my experience as a local councillor, I am aware of how important our local police officers are. Recently, when I found a man in need of medical attention on the street, it was the local police response that ensured he was taken to A&E.

The roll out of school streets to encourage walking and cycling is not possible without the support of police officers carrying out enforcement.

The partnership between police officers and trading standards officers to shut out scammers is hugely welcomed.

However, we need to ensure every citizen can easily access an efficient complaints procedure. We can support Dame Elish Angiolini’s proposal for an improved police complaints system, and welcome a much enhanced role in complaints for the independent Police Investigations and Review Commissioner. 

We can support the work of the Greater Glasgow Police Team on dealing with sexism and misogyny within all levels of policing  There is vital work needed to build the confidence of women and girls in local policing across Glasgow.

Through support for COSLA and the Safe Glasgow partnership, there can be a review of local accountability and scrutiny of policing. This work can consider and support the facilitation of people’s rights to protest.

Investment zone’s support for a fair, just transition

We know that reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is critical to our net zero future. We need to support a Just Transition for Glasgow which implements decarbonisation that meets our climate ambitions. This is more urgent than ever.

We can and must do more locally to provide a greener, fairer future. The new investment zone can deliver on our commitment to set out an ambitious, net zero transition plan and lay the foundation for a just and prosperous future, in which no one is left behind.

In the autumn of 2022, the Glasgow City Council established a cross party Just Transition Working Group and this working group has drawn on a wide range of people’s knowledge and experience to help shape our city’s future as we move from a post-industrial to a post-carbon city.

The Just Transition Working Group report and its 18 recommendations have been published. 

This report provides a focus on four areas including the Just Transition approaches adopted by Scottish Government, as well as the preparations by the private sector. The key role of communities, trade unions and citizens is also detailed in the report. In addition, the Council’s actions to enable a just transition to take place are outlined.

In the coming weeks, there will be an opportunity to engage in discussions on the 18 recommendations and their implementation through a new investment zone. This work can support green skills and jobs, including apprenticeships and retraining programmes to retain the local skilled workforce for the rollout of net-zero projects such as local heat networks and the renewables supply chain.

We have to follow a Just Transition process with workers and the businesses at the forefront.

The investment zone’s support for a fair and just transition is an environmental necessity and is absolutely key to our city’s security.

Resurfacing of roadway at Great Western Road

There have been roadworks to resurface Great Western Road between St. Georges Cross and Napiershall Street. This is very welcome to address concerns about potholes on this busy section of roadway.

View of Great Western Road towards M8

Views of Great Western Road towards Napiershall Street

We are awaiting the completion of the road lining works. In addition, the resurfacing of the pavement has been agreed as a local priority.

New Mural at St. Georges Road

The new mural of young women has improved the environment at St. Georges Road. The area is busy with traffic and is a major thoroughfare for pedestrians walking to/from the city centre.

 

The local community's quality of daily life is enhanced by the work of the mural artist.