Get on your bike!

In recent weeks, I have heard of continuing interest in cycling and people are requesting better facilities to encourage them to get on their bike.

As part of the council's efforts to improve our air quality, resources are being spent to improve provision for cyclists including cycle parking facilities. I have requested additional cycle parking in the Kelvinbridge area but there may be other sites that should be included. Any suggestions?

Bike parking at Hyndland Secondary

It is very enjoyable to cycle along the Forth and Clyde Canal or Kelvin Walkway. Dedicated cycling routes such as these make it easy and convenient for cyclists to travel to/from the West End to other parts of the city.

Cycle parking at Kersland Street

More resources are needed to encourage cycling for schools, universities and workplaces. I would support any initiatives that develop safer cycling and reduce bike thefts.

Useful links:-

Go Bike - http://www.gobike.org/

Health Benefits of Cycling - http://cyclehelmets.org/1015.html

Additional health benefits of cycling - https://outwittrade.com/cycling-benefits

Bike Club - www.bikeclub.org.uk

Cycling Scotland - www.cyclingscotland.org

Sustrans - www.sustrans.org.uk

CTC Scotland - www.ctcscotland.org.uk

212 Days

Within Glasgow University, a student occupation took place at the Hetherington Research Club, as part of a movement standing against the cuts across Higher Education. I have given my support to students and staff seeking to reverse the cuts. This has involved meeting with students involved in the occupation.

Window of the Hetherington Building on 31st August 2011.

The occupation ended on 31st August 2011. This was agreed after negotiations between students and senior management.

The last day was an emotional time as people waved each other goodbye never to meet at the Hetherington Club again. The door closed peaceful on the occupation about 12.30pm.

I am glad to have been able to give assistance to help stop cuts to courses at the Glasgow University.

Your home and fire safety advice

Today, during a discussion at a council meeting we shared experiences of fires in the home. 


I recalled my experience as a teenager when I got woken up in the middle of the night by my parents because our home was on fire. Thankfully, everyone was able to escape and the fire engines arrived in time to prevent major damage to our home.  However, that night will stay with me. It was very frightening and not something you want to repeat.


Now, I have fitted smoke alarms to my flat and try to keep my home safe. 


I heard about an initiative by the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service last week which offers free home fire safety visits. It is worth considering if you want advice and have still to fit smoke alarms.


Useful links:-


Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service - http://www.strathclydefire.org/your-safety/at-home/is-your-home-safe/free-home-fire-safety-visit.aspx

Visit by Faten Nastas

On Friday, I had the pleasure of attending a seminar by Faten Nastas, a Palestinian Artist based with Diyar, in Bethlehem. This was part of a series of events supported by the twinning agreement between Glasgow and Bethlehem.


The mission of Diyar is "That We Might Have Life and Have It Abundantly". 


The Diyar Consortium offers educational opportunities in visual arts, performing arts and tourism. It appears to have a vital role by supporting new job opportunities and talented people are able to develop their own livelihoods. 


Useful links:


Diyar Consortium - http://www.diyar.ps/

Plans for a bus car park

The Accord Centre is a day care facility for people with learning disabilities in the East End.  Currently, it is proposed that this Centre will be demolished and a transport hub with bus parking created on the site for the 11-day Commonwealth Games in 2014. 

View of the Accord Centre.

As part of the legacy for the Commonwealth Games, investment in new transport infrastructure seems to have been higher up the agenda than services for carers and people with learning disabilities. There is funding provided for new roads including the M74 Extension and East End Regeneration Route, and a transport hub with bus car park on the site of the Accord Centre. However, there is uncertainty over resources for day care services needed by people with learning disabilities and their families.

Banner from the demonstration to save the Accord Centre on 27th August.

I understand that there are negotiations taking place to ensure that there is a plan to accommodate the services provided by the Accord Centre. 

As a legacy of the Commonwealth Games, investment should be provided to ensure that people with learning disabilities and their families have access to dedicated day care facilities, and they should feel that they are recognised and valued members of the community within the East End. 

Capping of Kilgarth Landfill Site

There is a landfill site owned by Glasgow City Council which is located nearby Coatbridge. It has not been in the use for the last 10 years and a contract has been agreed for the capping of the site. 

View of haulage road and part of the landfill site.

The existence of this landfill site was flagged up to myself several years ago. I have taken on board the concerns of local residents who live nearby, and asked questions about the site. Thanks to assistance from council officials, I have been able to visit and gain a detailed insight in to its history.  

View of the landfill site which is currently being capped.

On Friday, I saw significant progress being made by contractors to complete the capping. In the months ahead, I will make further enquiries about tree-planting and assist in the ongoing monitoring of activities at the site.

Update on 17th June 2012:

The report with the CQA Validation Statement on the capping was finalised in April 2012.  I have viewed the report in the council offices. Trees can puncture the seal and only landscaping with grass is provided.

Entry to the Great Scottish Run 2011

My T-shirt and runner number have arrived in the post. I am going to be part of the 10K on 4th September 2011, which starts at 9.30am from George Square.

Logo on the T-shirt

The route takes in the Kingston Bridge, Scotland Street, Maxwell Drive, Pollokshaws Road and Gorbals Street. We finish at Glasgow Green. 

My runner number.

This year, the London 2012 Olympic Torch Tour will be at the race finish. In the lead up to the Olympics 2012 and Commonwealth Games 2014, there is a lot of support for anyone interested in sports or getting more active.