Repairs at Woodside Library

Currently, there is refurbishment activity being carried out at Woodside Library on St. Georges Road, by City Building on behalf of Glasgow Life. The repairs include work on the dome, chandelier and cowal.

View of covered scaffolding on roof of Woodside Library.

The scaffolding will be in place to help support the extensive repairs during 2019. It is anticipated that the library will continue to be open as part of the refurbishment. 

Support provided for Otago Lane

I am involved in supporting residents and businesses at the Otago Lane in Hillhead. This is a unique, historic cobbled lane in the Glasgow West Conservation Area. There is a tea shop, a music shop, a clock maker and a second-hand bookshop which are established in the lane. 

Some trees were cut down on 14th & 15th January.

Planning permission has been given to build a controversial residential development on the open space next to Otago Lane but there are series of conditions to be met before any work can start. 

View of stop notice on the railings at Otago Lane.

On 16th January, planning enforcement officials issued a stop notice on tree cutting and any other works on the site. We await the outcome of their investigations in to the plans.

Time for litter clean up

There are regular community clean ups in the Hillhead and Woodlands area. Residents are involved in clearing litter and flytipping from streets and open spaces. On Saturday 12th January, I helped to remove dumped items in the Kelvinbridge area.

Area next to River Kelvin at Inn Deep was cleared of litter.

Items gathered at the clean up on Bank Street.

There are various residents groups who coordinate clean up in partnership with local businesses and council services. They make a significant contribution in helping bring about improvements to the local area's environment. These activities are also reducing the amount of plastic, bottles and cans which end up polluting our rivers and seas.

Support for topping up Child Benefit

At a debate on Child Poverty in the City Chambers on 14th December, I spoke in support of the topping up of Child Benefit to reduce poverty. This is possible by using the devolved welfare powers to help children and families out of poverty.

Between 2010 and 2020, there are changes to the UK Government policies which mean that Child Benefit is projected to lose 28% of its value and so, it is essential we make use of devolved powers to counter act this.

Almost one in four of Scotland's children are officially recognised as living in poverty. This is higher than in many other European countries. We must act to reduce the number of our children for whom poverty is destroying their childhood and stifling their future.

A coalition of third sector groups are advocating that all families in receipt of Child Benefit should receive a £5 top up per child to their weekly payment. Introducing a single rate top up to Child Benefit would be the simplest and most effective way to boost family incomes. Most families receive Child Benefit. It is easy to claim because it is not means tested and is not part of Universal Credit, nor is it affected by sanctions.  Child Benefit supports families in and out of work, creating no administrative issues, when parents take up work or increase their hours.

The additional £5 a week to Child Benefit would be spent on clothes/shoes, food, a child's education or other costs associated with bringing up a child.

There is a need to take in to account the impact of child poverty including poorer children's reduced productivity, lower educational attainment, and poorer physical and mental health. We must develop plans to top up Child Benefit to ensure that our children grow up in families with the resources needed to give them the best possible start in life.

Clearing of site next to 213A New City Road

This month, the car park and woodland area at the site next to 213A New City Road has been cleared to build student accommodation with associated landscaping.

View of the site on New City Road.

There is planning consent for 12 floor levels of student accommodation on the site, with external or internal communal amenity spaces.

The people occupying the new building will be full-time students of institutions of Higher Education or Further Education.

Humpback Bridge repairs completed

This year, there has been significant investment in bridges over the River Kelvin. The substantial repairs to preserve the Humpback Bridge have been completed. This has transformed the appearance of the ironwork at the bridge and enhanced the views along the Kelvin Walkway.

This bridge is a vital link between North Kelvinside and the Botanic Gardens for pedestrians. I hope the improvements to the bridge will encourage more people to take part in health walks and reduce barriers to access the area along the Kelvin Walkway by foot.

Road safety issues at Gibson Street

This month, there has been ongoing concerns about the safety of pedestrians within Kelvin Way and Gibson Street area. There are a high number of people at the pedestrian crossings making their way to/from the primary school and early years centre in this location. 

Concern to improve safety at a shared space for cyclists 

and pedestrians outside the entrance to the early years centre on Kelvin Way. 

Damaged road barrier at Gibson Street

The new barrier at a junction on Gibson Street was hit by a vehicle within a few weeks of being installed. Further to a walkabout, a request was made for this barrier to be replaced.