Would you like your road repaired?

I've just received the following email... if you have any suggestions please get back to me and I'll add them to my list!

Dear Elected Member

Following the Council’s decision to award a further additional £8M capital to address the road condition challenge in Glasgow we are currently finalising our suggested programme for next year.

Could I, therefore, ask that you provide me with any detail based on local knowledge of locations or schemes that you would wish to have considered in the 2011/12 spend before we finalise this proposal.  Thereafter we will discuss the draft programme with Area Committees and other interested groups.

A response by Thursday 31 March 2011 would be appreciated as it would allow us to consider your priorities with those currently being developed by our Roads Investment Group.

 
Thanking you in anticipation for your assistance.

Regards.


Robert

Robert Booth
Executive Director
Glasgow City Council
Land and Environmental Services
231 George Street
GLASGOW G1 1RX

Improvements for cyclists and pedestrians

Some info on forthcoming improvements for cyclists and pedestrians in the Calton ward. 

Glasgow City Council will shortly be commencing cycling and pedestrian infrastructure enhancements on Morris Path, London Road, Claythorn Park, Stevenson Street, Crownpoint Road, Fielden Street and Camlachie Street.

The main works which have been approved following statutory consultation; are to construct a new footway shared cycle path, from Glasgow Green to Parkhead Forge utilising existing footway with improved pedestrian safety and lighting along the length of the route.

In addition the following works will also be undertaken:

Upgrades to the Pedestrian Crossings at Fielden Street / Alma Street and Crownpoint Road.

Installation of Pedestrian Crossing on London Road at Claythorn Park / Morris Path.

Lighting upgrades along the route with the installation of enhanced lighting columns.

Installation of Raised tables at Stevenson Street / Tobago Street.

Newlay Civil Engineering Ltd, 55 Glencraig Industrial Estate, Airdrie, Lanarkshire, ML6 9AS have been appointed to undertake these works and intend to start on site week commencing 21  February 2011, the duration of the whole of the works being approximately 8 weeks. 

Every effort will be made to maintain loading/ unloading facilities within the area affected, although some disruption will be inevitable and it may be necessary for local residents and businesses to liaise with the contractor regarding deliveries/ rubbish removal, etc, as work progresses.

Roadworks!

Some info on upcoming roadworks in the Calton ward area.

The main changes which have been approved following statutory consultation; are the proposals to amend the existing waiting and loading along the route in order to construct a new on carriageway segregated cycle path on London Road from Bridgeton Cross to Kirkpatrick Street and footway widening works on James Street and London Road from Kirkpatrick Street to Boden Street to provide a new 4.5m wide shared pedestrian / cycle path.

In addition, the following works will also be undertaken:

Upgrades to the Pedestrian Crossings at James Street / Arcadia Street & London Road / Dunn Street.

Bus stop upgrades along the route with the installation of High Access kerbs and enhanced bus shelters.

Newlay Civil Engineering Ltd have been appointed to undertake these works and intend to start on site week commencing 21  February 2011, the duration of the whole of the works being approximately 8 weeks. 

Every effort will be made to maintain loading/unloading facilities within the area affected, although some disruption will be inevitable and it may be necessary for local residents and businesses to liaise with the contractor regarding deliveries/ rubbish removal, etc, as work progresses.

January

I can't believe it's been more than a month now since I've posted. I've been so busy! Work is coming in steadily from constituents, I've been meeting groups, and catching up on briefings. There have been meetings of the Board of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Health and Social Care Committee, and External Governance Scrutiny. Baby Alexander is now seven months old, starting to eat a variety of food and get about more under his own steam. 

Here are a few photos to illustrate what I've been up to! 

Campaigning! With less than 100 days until the Scottish Parliament elections, I've been out working for our candidate for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason. Alexander has been helping me, and finds our materials quite tasty.

Arguably less tasty, but more nutritious, we've started weaning. I've discovered the butternut squash is hazardous to fingertips when dismembered with a sharp knife.

Committees. It's hard getting time to read the papers these days; harder still to focus and contribute at the meetings while keeping the wee guy entertained, but I think I'm managing. At Health and Social Care Labour were caught acting against the best interests of young people in our schools, undermining their own health messages by selling cakes and crisps (albeit within health guidelines) to make a profit. 

Family. I don't see them as often as I'd like, but my mum and dad did their first bit of babysitting last week. Exciting times. Alexander also attended two more football matches this month. You can tell he's impressed!

Champions! I attended the Community Champions awards, and was particularly chuffed to see the hardworking young people's group PEEK scoop up a prize. Their theatre productions are really fantastic.

Surgeries. Still doing eight a month, which is more than the Labour Councillors (details on the side bar). The one pictured is Bridgeton Library, where I get very well looked after by the wonderful staff!

Buddies. I attended two sessions at the Gorbals Leisure Centre for young people involved in the Active Kids Buddy scheme. They lead their peers in a range of activities in the playground at break time, which should lead to healthier, happier young people! St Anne's, Sacred Heart and St Michael's were all represented. I got a go on the Gladiators inflatable, and also got to play with the big ball pictured!

Burns. Much nervousness and inspiration needed for the Reply to the Toast to the Lassies last Saturday night at the Shettleston SNP Burns Supper. I'm hoping my mix of footie and politics went down ok!

Baby. He can now move from one side of the living room to get stuck under this coffee table. Eek. 

Happy Anniversary to Calton Parkhead Church!

I attended a special service at the Calton Parkhead Church on Sunday afternoon to celebrate it's 75th anniversary. It was lovely to hear a bit of the history of the Church - from the Minister who divorced his suffragette wife to the more recent fireworks at an ordination. I've since found more fascinating information here.

After the event, there was an opportunity to look through the archives - photos of smartly dressed BBs, mischievous school children, dedicated parishioners, weddings and baptisms. I would really have liked longer to pore over all those lives lived! Alexander has been quite poorly with a bad cold, so I couldn't stay long; it was weird to be there without him.

I also learned from the Headteacher at Dalmarnock Primary that, despite last week's weather, every member of her staff team had made it in to work, including a supply teacher who was only in one day. Another member of staff came in voluntarily to help 'just in case'. I don't know how the staff managed yesterday, but their efforts and dedication should certainly be commended.

Belly dancing in the Winter Gardens!

Friends of Glasgow Green have organised a display of belly dancing in the Winter Gardens in Glasgow Green this Saturday between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

I'm advised that members of the public are invited to enjoy and take part in the music and dancing, and have a coffee and a snack. It sounds like a lot of fun, and I'm sure that bellies of all shapes and sizes are most welcome!

If belly dancing isn't your scene, FoGG are also hosting a return visit by the Parkhead Salvation Army Band, who will be in the Winter Gardens on Sunday 19th of December, also between 1.30 and 2.30. Last year's event was just wonderful, a perfect oasis of joy to escape the Christmas shopping rush! It's a really lovely event, free and open to all!

We shall remember them

I was proud to be invited to attend the inaugural Bridgeton Victoria Cross Memorial Dedication and Remembrance Day service at Bridgeton Cross on the 11th of November.

When the Cross was being improved, a local history group had asked if a memorial could be laid to local servicemen Major John Simpson Knox, Piper John Clelland Richardson and Pte. Henry May who had been awarded the VC for their service in the First World War.

Charlie McDonald did a fine job of organising the event, and bringing together local politicians, school children, Priest and Ministers, and the fascinating Gordon Highlanders 1914-1918 Living History Group.

Reverend Howard Hudson, Father Stephen Dunn and Reverend Adah Younger all participated in the Ecumenical service. There was a great turnout of local people, and when the bell in the Bridgeton Umbrella struck 11, the buses coming through the Cross also stopped to mark the time.

I attended the ceremony at the Cenotaph in George Square last year, and while that had a great deal of significance, I felt that this local service made the act of remembrance a more poignant and personal one. The Umbrella and buildings around the Cross were standing when local men went off to war, never to return to their homes. It seemed quite appropriate to remember them there.

There's an excellent article covering the service in the Evening Times.


Thanks to George Parsonage for his photos of the ceremony.

Road repairs

In order to undertake carriageway repairs, Gallowgate (both sides) will be reduced to one lane 50 metres in each direction of junction with Melbourne Street.

During the works road users should expect delays. The work is weather dependent and information will be updated as required.

These works will commence on Friday 19^th November 2010 from 09-30 until 16-00. These works are expected to be complete on the same day. (16.00)

In order to undertake carriageway repairs within London Road, it will be reduced to one lane eastbound between junction with Graignestock and No.543

During the works road users should expect delays. The work is weather dependent and information will be updated as required.

These works will commence on Sunday 21^st November 2010 from 09-00 until 16-00. These works are expected to be complete on the same day. (16.00)

Battling the booze

I attended a meeting last week which was rounding off a local alcohol campaign in my ward. There was a lot of partnership working between GCSS, Strathclyde Police, Land and Environmental Services, Health and Licensing Officials and youth providers to crack down on public drinking and youth disorder. The results of the work are quite impressive.

Over the period of the initiative, from April to October, there was a reduction in anti-social behaviour by 11%, and a reduction in youth disorder by 22%. Sixty-eight drinking dens were identified and removed, and over 450 visits were made to licensed premises to ensure that under-aged and agent selling was being challenged and shop staff were aware of their responsibilities.

Most impressive of all was the haul of alcohol confiscated from people drinking in the street - a total of 467 litres! This was broken down as over 250 litres of cider, over 100 litres of beer/lager, over 90 litres of wine (of which, I understand, a particular tonic wine forms a part), and over 30 litres of spirits.

I wouldn't want to claim that my ward is representative of Scotland as a whole or al fresco drinkers as a group, but it certainly seems that of those people likely to be caught drinking outside and causing anti-social behaviour, most are drinking low cost, high volume drinks - cider and beer. These are the drinkers and the drinks that minimum pricing would target, and by this evidence rightly so. That particular wine is a problem but, in the inner East End of Glasgow, it's certainly not the problem Labour claim it is.

Partners are now discussing the actions which were taken over these past months, and what aspects they can afford to pursue. There is still much work to be done.

Public Service Announcements

The street light replacement scheme in the Calton area had reportedly ground to a halt. I investigated, and the response from LES stated that:

"while the installation phase of the project has been finished for some time, completion has not been possible due to Scottish Power not providing supplies to the new control pillars.

As of this week, these connections have now been carried out and completion of the installation can begin. I will liaise with our subcontractor and request a programme of works for these operations forthwith."


Meanwhile, in another part of the ward, the street lights on Dalmarnock Road at Dunn Street haven't been on for a few nights - I have reported this, and hope to have an answer soon!

The problem may or may not be related to the following road works in the area:

"In order to undertake carriageway repairs within Dalmarnock Road, Dalmarnock Road will be reduced to one lane at various points between No.811 and at the junction with Baltic Lane.

During the works road users should expect delays. The work is weather dependant and information will be updated as required.

These works will commence on Monday 20^th September 2010 from 09-00 until 16-00. These works are expected to be complete on Thursday 23^rd September 2010. (16.00)"

Bridgeton Cross

I attended the formal re-opening of Bridgeton Cross this lunchtime - the rain stayed off just long enough for the Lord Provost to give his speech and cut the ribbon laced around the umbrella.

The civic realm works have been done in cooperation with a group of local residents, so as to create a space the community actually want and can be proud of.

The improvement is really amazing, and very high quality. There are quotations from the works of Burns engraved in the pavements, reflecting the connection with the Bridgeton Burns Club. Young people from Dalmarnock Primary marked the occasion by signing a few of Burns' songs.

Interestingly, when the umbrella was being refurbished, the workers discovered that there was a bell up in the top of it. This has now been brought back into use, and will chime on the hour during the day.

Pipes on the Green

Friends of Glasgow Green and the Saint Francis Pipe Band teamed up again on Sunday to put on a performance next to the People's Palace on Glasgow Green. They got perfect weather and a nice gathering of locals and tourists.

Congratulations to Margaret Hattie and her fellow members for another successful event!

Calton Fun Day

The Calton Area Association put on a great fun day on Saturday - they got the sunshine, a lot of people came.

The photo is from the raffle drawn at the end of the afternoon - sadly, I didn't get a photo of the belly dancers, who were a star turn!

Betty Cosgrove and her team have really done themselves proud; there was a lovely feeling of community spirit and people told me they'd had a great day.

Litter and bugs

I went along to London Road Nursery School last week to join the children in a litter pick of the area.

Whilst there, I had the honour of hanging the sign on their new 'bug mansion', part of their eco-initiative to improve biodiversity. It's a big concept for nursery children, but they seemed to get the basics - bugs like plants and that's a good thing!

The children were very enthusiastic about the litter picking too, using the pickers provided to fill quite a few black backs. It's a shame when you have to count on nursery aged children to take a pride in the area, but I'm sure they'll be quick to tell their bigger brothers and sisters and their parents not to drop litter in future.

Thanks go to the nursery staff for having me along (and making sure I didn't leave with any bugs!), and to Colin from Local News Glasgow, who took the photograph.

Waterworks

I've receieved a notification from Scottish Water regarding works they'll be carrying out from this week. Residents should have recieved a letter, but if not, it reads as follows:

Scottish Water, in support of the Glasgow City Council East End Regeneration Route initiative, will begin water main and sewer diversions from 14th June 2010 for approximately 18 weeks. George Leslie will be carrying out this work on our behalf.

When carrying out water mains diversions there may be some disruption to your water supply, however we will give you at least 48 hours advance notification. During the works you may experience low pressure and discoloured water. Please do not use any water for washing clothes during this period. Instead, you should turn on your cold tap in the kitchen until the water runs clear.

During our sewer improvements there may be some low-level noise from our specialised equipment. It is possible that this will have to work into the night. All equipment used is silenced and falls within acceptable levels.

There will be some local disruption to traffic movements during our works. This may include temporary traffic lights or narrowing lanes. We will make every effort to minimise the impact of this disruption.

We apologise for any inconvenience that this essential work may cause. If you have any questions about Scottish Water or the project, please contact our Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855 quoting “East End Regeneration Route” and the reference at the top of this page”.

Yours faithfully

Caroline Taylor

Project Communications Adviser

The streets affected are:

Reid St

Norman St

Poplin St

Dunn St

Springfield Road

Springfield Street

Swanston Street

Barrowfield Street

Davaar St

Nuneaton St

Janefield St

Bartholomew St

Holywell St

Camlachie St

Bogside St

Arrol Place

Society Street

Baltic Lane

Coalhill St

Dunrobin St

Mordaunt St

Gallowgate

Playfair Street

Newhall Street

Main Street

Dora Street

Mordanny St

Baltic Street

Shawfield Drive

Trafalgar Street

French Street

Dalmarnock Road

Slapdash...

I noticed in the latest edition of the Re-Gen that one of my ward colleagues has made a bit of an error in the surgery ad he's submitted.

The Labour administration he's a part of closed the school he's advertising a surgery in almost a year ago... you'd think he'd have noticed!

Other errors include the names of two of the community centres.

Friends of Glasgow Green AGM

Just a wee plug for the AGM of Friends of Glasgow Green, which is next Thursday at 3pm in the People's Palace. I've written in the past about their activities, bringing the Salvation Army to play at Christmas and a Pipe Band in the summer; they are always on the look out for new ideas and new members.

FRIENDS OF GLASGOW GREEN

IS GLASGOW GREEN IMPORTANT TO YOU?

DO YOU WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN ITS PROMOTION AND ITS FUTURE?

Come and meet us at 3 pm on

THURSDAY 27^TH MAY 2010

In the WINTER GARDENS

3.00: FRIENDS OF GLASGOW GREEN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (Refreshments Available)

ALL WELCOME

Out and about

I love going out and about and meeting people in my ward - getting an insight into people's lives is one of the great privileges and pleasures of this job.

Today was particularly busy, but kicked off with me lying in bed this morning, sniffling and whimpering, waking after a poor night's sleep with a heavy cold. It was so tempting to call off the many things I had scheduled, but I hate to stand people up.

First on the agenda was a meeting of Pensioners Action Group East. I love this group - they're so committed to helping other pensioners, and society at large. Many of the members volunteer time to help with other groups and work a lot with young people. The Chair, Andy, does so much, and even found the time to do a bit of hillwalking to raise funds for PAGE. I hadn't been to see the group for a wee while, so it was good to catch up. I was really touched that they had gotten me a present for the baby. Lovely people.

Next up was a quick visit to Tots Bots. While researching real nappies online, I noticed this company were based in the East End in Carntyne. I decided to nip in, and found them very welcoming. I'm quite keen to avoid contributing to the landfill waste that disposable nappies create, and after having seen the products Tots Bots produce, I'm seriously thinking of giving them a try. It's also nice to know that the nappies are produced right here in the East End, rather than in some remote factory. I aim to go back once the baby is born - I don't have room to store things in the flat just now!

I attended the weekly maternity exercise class at the Princess Royal at lunchtime. It's reassuring to know that the exercise I'm doing is appropriate and supervised. The class is a small one, but I've enjoyed the social aspect of meeting other pregnant women. I would recommend it!

After the class, I rushed off to meet with housing, GCSS and LES officers, and my fellow ward Councillor at a site in Barrowfield. Residents have been complaining for some time about fly-tipping, which has reached epic proportions. The site is owned by a private developer, and local people cut across the site as a short cut. It's been a tricky one to resolve, but enforcement officers hope to be able to get the site cleared, and charge the owners accordingly. Owners should take responsibility for their sites, but all too often, they are left for years without any kind of maintenance. The effect of this is a blight on communities; it's completely unfair to those who take care of their properties and try to improve their area.

Attending the class and the site visit meant that I couldn't be at today's Finance and Audit Committee. I'm loathe to miss Committee meetings; over the past three years I think I've only missed one or two and only when it's been completely unavoidable. It's difficult to get so many officers together for a site visit at any one time, so this time the Committee had to take second place.

I headed over to London Road Nursery to hand in some Tesco vouchers for clubs and schools. I try to share around the vouchers I collect, and this year some have also gone to St Anne's Primary and Elba Lane Nursery. It seems to take a lot of vouchers to get anything, so I hope my wee contribution helps a bit. If you have any stashed at the bottom of your handbag, please hand them in to your local school as soon as possible! It was nice to catch up with the head teacher at the Nursery, and see what's been going on since the last time I was in. I was already aware that nusery places are still oversubscribed in this part of Glasgow - as expected, the closure of Queen Mary Street and Mile End have only made this more difficult. I'm not sure how this can be resolved; it's a serious problem for families, especially those who work.

After visiting St Anne's last week, I popped back in again to see their parent-child cookery classes in action. In this pilot programme, parents and children participate in a series of classes, run by staff at the school, which teach them about cooking and nutrition. Basic cookery might sound simple, but many people have never made a meal from scratch, and have little idea what goes into the food they eat. Roasted vegetables, macaroni cheese and muffins were all on the menu tonight; the parents were amazed at how easy, cheap and tasty the meals were, and the children really enjoyed working together with their mums and dads as well as their teachers. I heard from the parents how much they valued the experience, and the staff spoke about the changes they had seen. The course has proved to be an important step for some, and has really broken down the barriers between school and community.

I also heard about the early progress being made by the Triple P programme. It's early days, but from what was said, it sounds as if it's already making an impact on some parents.

I finished my day with a surgery at Dalmarnock Primary. It was quiet tonight, so I got a chance to catch up with emails and prepare for tomorrow. Pretty tired, but it was a really interesting day!

Babakoochi Bear

I attended the opening of the first ever Babakoocki Bear Children's Land at the Bambury yesterday.

It was a lovely event; the story of the boy who inspired the project left not a dry eye in the place. Young people involved in the CIRV project had worked to make the garden a place to be proud of, and local primary and nursery children provided us with entertainment.

As you can see from the pictures, the garden will be a great asset to the community. I'll write more about the Bear after the election, as it's a fantastic idea to bring people together.

Alcohol campaign launch