Plastic bottles at Forth & Clyde Canal

Earlier this month, I went on a walk along the Forth & Clyde Canal and discovered plastic bottles littering the canal's icy surface.

View of plastic bottles and litter on the canal

There is a continuing need to highlight the problem of litter being washed in to the canal. Plastic bottles are polluting our rivers and canals. We need to continue to reduce plastic items dumped along the canal to protect wildlife habitats and using a reusable water bottle is a good way to support nature conservation.

Support for the YouthStrike4Climate

On Friday 15th February, children and young people gathered in George Square to join in an international strike for climate justice. I attended to show solidarity and hear the concerns of people taking part in the protest. Various banners highlighted the key issues if we are to stop climate breakdown.

System change... 

No more pollution

Can we change?

Crowds gather next to the Cenotaph.

There are a series of protests planned to highlight the climate crisis and the next YouthStrike4Climate takes place on 15th March.

Revised plans for Otago Lane

Last week, I was notified that the developer had consent to cut down trees at the open space next to Otago Lane as they had met the conditions of the current planning consent.

It was very distressing to hear the tree cutting and removal of some trees from the site on Thursday 14th February. Whilst, planning conditions allow this tree work to take place, it is not in anyone's interested for this site of outstanding beauty and area of significant wildlife habitat to be destroyed. 

View of riverbank area where trees removed.

View of the riverbank after tree felling at Otago Lane.

This evening, I attended a display of new plans by the developer of Otago Lane which amend the existing design of the buildings and their layout at the site. I am seeking to ensure that the new designs give protection to the Green Wildlife Corridor on the riverbank area as shown in the Open Space Map PAN 65 and also, safeguard the future of existing business and residents at Otago Lane.

Improved cycle route at Kelvinside Avenue.

During a walkabout, I noticed that works have been completed to open the fence at Kelvinside Avenue to enable a cycle route to be provided directly to/from Maryhill Road.

 View of route through the fence at Kelvinside Avenue

  View at Kelvinside Avenue

View of route through the fence at Kelvinside Avenue

This new route will enhance safety for people cycling between Murano Student Village, the Forth & Clyde Canal and the North Kelvin area.

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.