Holding corporations to account

The autumn edition of the Citizen magazine published by Unlock Democracy features an article by Anthony Barnet who co-founded Charter 88 and founded Open Democracy. He refers to the underlying crisis of democracy and the need to challenge economic privilege.

There is recognition of the requirement for a new movement to create inspiration to develop the public's interest in democractic renewal and to set out the reforms needed to challenge the executive and corporate power in Westminster, Whitehall and the City of London.

There is a campaign to introduce transparency in the dealings of corporations with politicians and officials. The aim is to establish a statutory register of lobbyists. This is led by an Alliance of Lobbying Transparency which involves Unlock Democracy. It is worth finding out more about this work to curtail the power of corporations.

Useful links:-

Information available at: http://www.lobbyingtransparency.org/

Democratic Audit at: http://www.democraticaudit.com/corporate-and-financial-dominance-in-britains-democracy

Graffiti reporting

During my walkabouts of the west end, I take my digital camera and record any graffiti. My photos are sent on to Glasgow Community Safety Services who arrange for graffiti removal.

Graffiti in Ashton Lane, on 9th November 2011

There is a team of people who remove graffiti across the city and they provide a very responsive service. The majority of streets in the west end are located within a conservation area and graffiti has to be cleared up to ensure that the area's heritage is preserved.

Useful link:-

Glasgow Community Safety Services - http://www.saferglasgow.com/

Overflowing waste continues to spoil our lane.

In the past week, I have heard from residents of their upset at seeing the rubbish dumped in the Burgh Lane, which is located at the rear of Hillhead Library. It is a beautiful cobbled lane and the location of bins for various commercial premises.

Overflowing commercial bins on 5th November 2011.

I have been following up complaints received about the mess in the lane and have asked for council staff to speak to businesses involved to seek improvement.

Fly tipped rubbish at rear entrance to Hillhead Library.

It is hoped that everyone who has access to the lane for their bin storage will take extra care to keep it tidy. Ideally, businesses would be able to organise bin storage in a secure area away from the lane.  Flytipping problems are being cleared up by the council staff.

Support to retain Bellahouston Park's Plant Nursery

This week, I visited the council's plant nursery within Bellahouston Park.This provided an opportunity to view the site and receive further information on the impact a proposed hospice would have.

Polytunnels which would have to make way for the new hospice.

The current proposal for the hospice would build on the nursery site which is designated greenspace and therefore, in principle, I have been unable to support this new build project.

I think the plant nursery requires to be preserved and additional growing spaces for the wider community to meet demand from residents should be the priority for the site.

I believe there are brownfield locations on the southside which could be regenerated as part of the hospice development.

Protesters move to Kelvin Way

There are continuing efforts to challenge the banking systems and create a fairer financial system through protest across the world. Glasgow's protest camp moved from George Square to Kelvin Way in the last two days. 

Tents set up at new site on Kelvin Way.

In the last three weeks, I have supported negotiations between protesters and council officials to ensure that an amicable agreement could be reached. Protesters can seek to campaign for change from the secure base in Kelvin Way and the various activities can go ahead as planned in George Square. 

The charm of Cresswell Lane

Yesterday, I enjoyed a walkabout in the sunshine amongst the gift shops of the Byres Road area. A destination for many people is De Courcy's Arcade, on Cresswell Lane.

Cobbled lane with a variety of shops to choose from.

I had a look around the many speciality shops seeking crafts and jewellery in this lane. It is a thriving space from which artists and designers can sell their products.

Iron railings and grills for the windows on the lane

There are tenements with a backcourt featuring iron railings and hanging baskets which adds to the charm of the area. This is a unique place which is well worth a visit.

Hillhead By-election on 17th November 2011

Due to the death of George Roberts, a councillor for the Hillhead Ward since May 2007, a by-election has been called on 17th November 2011.

Stuart Leckie and myself at the air quality monitoring station on Byres Road, on 5th November.

Stuart Leckie is the Scottish Green Party's candidate. He lives in Kelvinbridge and has a strong commitment to addressing housing concerns, particularly the management of houses of multiple occupancy, in the ward.