Minutes 9 February 2005

1. Welcome and Registration, SP expressed thanks to all people working on council. a. Present: A L, D G (Vice Chair), S P (Chair), J A (Councillor), M T (Councillor), R N (Information), B G (Minutes); D F-F (River Watch), J Mack (City Council), S Mackie (Maryhill Community Police) b. Apologies – H Malik, K Mosson, R, D, D K

2. Minutes of Previous Meetings and Matters Arising a. JM proposed the following amendments: p2 para D JM said the main public issues are availability of beat police and response times, 4a Gap site JM’s objections included car parking in the street, car deck at back and the overshadowing of neighbouring properties, looking for conformity of existing built form in the area, the second submission was improved from first submission. b. Action: In future people are to reply to draft minutes in advance of the meeting.Proposed MT, second RN

3. Police Report by S Mackie, a. Inspector Ross has acted on our concerns about graffiti and now confirms that the cleansing department will respond faster to notices of vandalism. b. Crime figures of the area were reviewed and car crimes highlighted as problematic in the area. People are reminded to leave belongings out of sight in locked cars. SM gave crime prevention tips to Robina for website. One individual was caught buying alcohol for a minor in the area. To help prevent disorder, we should let police know where people are hanging out. Further to a request by SP, SM will ask Saracen police to come to meeting or get information on the area including Firhill and Murano Village. Further to concerns about traffic congestion on Maryhill Road around 4.30 pm each day and about private cars using the bus lane. SM will investigate. Regarding a car parked outside the Strathmore Bar, SM informed us that the police no longer have powers to give tickets. Economically traffic wardens who now give tickets will be working where there are more cars.

4. Councillor Reports from Jim Mackechnie a. On the Kelvin Walkway, discussions are ongoing about whether to repair or replace QMRoad hand rail. Replacement seems better. b. The walkway near Belmont street bridge is sometimes flooded where the Kelbourne is supposed to be channelled under the roadway. Some drainage work was done a few years ago but water still comes out of the embankment on the righthand side. Additional work will be carried out in the next few months. c. The Wilton Street gap site has received planning consent by 10 votes to 8. JM informed them of the issues that are causing concern but the majority approved the plans. d. The Boundary of two wards between JM and John Gray passes through the centre of the old iron works site on Panmuir Street. At this point planning permission has been applied for regarding constructing 170 units restricted to 4 floors and including balconies. The Westminster constituency boundary runs through the site also The development may look more like the Murano Village than traditional flats.. JA asked how close this is to the temporary buildings going up for canal activities and expressed concern that canal activity would be restricted due to the residential development. A public footpath is planned for the north side of the canal. Mike has sent comments. JM is not expecting a lot of objections. e. JM received a complaint about lighting at the Belmont shop. This was held to be inappropriate for that location. The proprietor has been told to change it. f. There has been lots of activity on secondary school site: walls facing inside were covered in graffiti but were painted out quickly last week. JM also actioned a clear up of the site. Some builders’ rubbish left behind the Crosslands Pub by poor quality contractors will take more time to remove. g. The gate next to fire station has been forced opened and any locks and chains removed. JM has pressed for action on that. It should have been secured by Tuesday night. Anyone parked inside has a phone number to call to be let out. People in Oban Drive don’t want to look on a car park, flytippers or dumpers. AL thinks the parking is mostly from the builders at the flats. h. Lastly tomorrow [10 February] is Council Budget Day; the recommended 2.4% could be lowest in Scotland. Glasgow has been trying to get tax level down to Scottish average. However our social work needs are so great. Note that the water rates will also be going up their own amount, so the final combined figure may seem more than the set amount. i. Janet received permission to write to Kirsteen Mosson about the playpark. The same graffiti has been on the seats for last 3-4 months. SP suggests developing this opportunity to engage with local residents .Action: JA to write to Councillor Mosson

5. Treasurer’s Report a. The Air Cadets on Shakespeare Street have approached the NKCC for a grant. This request was declined as our present funds are low and are only for administrative costs. b. MT proposed creating a ‘Community Chest’ similar to one in Clackmannanshire. This would be a co-funded account with commercial partners which sets transparent criteria for award, disperses money on a quarterly basis and ensures that the beneficiaries are primarily from this council area. Such a fund helps the NKCC develop and active profile in the community. c. This suggestion met with approval but we currently have insufficient capacity to bring this forward. SP suggests drawing up a list of ideas for developing such a fund consideration and discussing it after the October election.

6. Planning, Licensing & Northwest Area report by MT a. The Panmuir Street development is consistent with the city plan and is modern in design. MT’s main concerns were the public footpath – how public would it be? road safety and car reliance, brown field site problems and possibilities of flooding. These have been acknowledged. b. Constructive suggestions for softening visual impact of Tesco on Maryhill Road (trees) and reducing the impact on Shakespeare street of 24/7 operation and congestion have not been acknowledged. c. The community plan: the 1 February deadline was extended. We have no problems with strategic level. The plan is weak on inclusion and dealing with poverty. The engagement agenda seems to be a separate part of the plan, but the engagement is lagging behind plan development. The community must be at the heart of planning. There are no measures of success – MT sees too much emphasis on meeting nationally set goals, rather than locally agreed goals. It needs more continuous consultation. d. We need to think about the implications of population trends and economic focus for the City Plan, the planning framework of which is starting to be reviewed. MT will draft some suggestions which we can discuss at the 9 March meeting. e. NW Area committee meeting was useful. f. The Compendium Trust – the SportScotland application is to be in by 1 March. Total guaranteed budget of £650,000. Another £200,000 extra money will be needed. g. JA mentioned that money once available for SIPS will be moved and spread to greater level and available by theme so we may have greater access to funding in the future.

7. Information – Website and Library a. The police did not consider that putting the crime statistics on the website would be a good idea. Someone enquired about the availability community halls (JA answered). Someone else asked about an unsafe disused shop on Dunard Street. There was no response from Councillor Malik (she’s away for 5 weeks). SP says when enquiries come in, give them details of their local councillor. b. 38 people attended the Neighbourhood Watch meeting for the river, 10 on official business, 4 people offered to come on committee and a few more are needed. The first meeting will be next Monday. There has been an increase in website hits due to the Kelvin Watch. c. Newsletter – R thinks it’s a good idea. SP said we should time the newsletter with our public meetings in Aril and October. MT thinks a newsletter is a good idea, but warns that either the job becomes too big or energy and ideas run out. RN suggests double-sided A4 if everyone will help out. JM says each grant application must go before DRS committee as a separate agenda item. Timing is crucial – think of DRS committee meetings. J suggests lodging the application as soon as possible but need to decide what everyone is going to contribute. SP still recommends it for further discussion at the next meeting. d. SP proposed adding suicide prevention assistance info to website and newsletter. SM said police have some information to share on this.

8. Health a. Three items have been received, all of which invite responses in the near future. i. The Sandyford Initiative for providing and developing family planning, sexual health and emotional health services is planning to improve the use of local clinics by creating local hubs in more accessible locations. When the plan is approved the first hubs will be in Govanhill and Castlemilk Health Centres. Over the next 5 years other hubs will be developed. For our area this will open at Woodside Health Centre. Consultation papers may be obtained at www.nhsgg.org.uk or by phoning 0141 211 8151. There is also a card on which comments may be made. All comments should be received by 11 February. ii. The Involving People Committee is holding another ‘Our Health’ event at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 24 February, 9.30 for 10.00. This is a facilitated consultation exercise involving as many interested people as possible. The topic will be the development of the CHPs and their relationship to the Public Partnership Forums and the LHCCs. A registration form is available as is a summary report of the previous ‘Our Health’ event. iii. Finally, the Partnership for Care – Next Steps sends its proposed structures for implementing the new directives of increasing consistency and efficiency of service provision and devolved decision-making. The attached documents outlines in more detail their efforts to ensure these goals are realised. Comments are requested by 14 February. The documents can be viewed on www.nhsgg.org.uk/reorganisation. b. In addition, Beverly has had another go at getting the address changed for health documents.

9. Youth Sub-Committee, CCH, Scottish Civic Forum a. Donny is enthusiastic about working with Ian Ross. SP will replace Linda and do minutes for these meetings. SP will arrange meeting.[Note: this took place on Monday 14 February.]

10. Communications - These included items on licensing, the dog-fouling act, Aye Write Festival, a summary report of the air quality plan, the physical activity strategy requesting comments by April 16., an enquiry into boundaries from Scottish Civic Forum, [there was a public meeting 8 February about co-terminosity of Westminster and Scots parliament boundaries] and printed booklets of the parades policy. SP provided an updated contact list.

11. Correspondence see item 10

12. Organisational Matters The Community Council’s are reviewing insurance. We should have special meeting of office bearers but SP will read and respond and update us at next meeting.

13. AOCB/ Late Issues

14. Open Forum (Public Contributions)

15. Next Meetings 9 March, 13 April, 11 May, 8 June (no meeting in July)

Minutes 8 December 2004

Welcome, Registration a. Present: SP, Chair, D G, Vice-Chair, B G, Minute Secretary, Coucillors A L, R N. City Councillor J Mack. b. In attendance: D F-F and R S c. Observing, PC S Mackie and C Addison of Maryhill Community Police c. d. Apologies: R, D K, M T ,J A

2. Minutes of Previous Meetings and Matters Arising The draft minutes of 10 November were approved. SP suggested making the page wider for easier formatting and adding a development slot for other associations to the agenda. Action: BG to add this to the minutes. Proposed by AL, Seconded by DG

3. Police Report: a. The Council welcomed S. Mackie and C. Addison who work in our area. They cover their beat by walking, driving and cycling. They offered to report by email if we want. PC Mackie then gave a detailed report of crimes in our area for the period of 1-30 November. Overall there were 59 crimes and 33 were detected. There were no drug-related or sexual offences in the period. These figures were said to be quite low. It is expected that the figures may rise and will certainly vary from month to month. A number of questions arose: Can individuals clean graffiti? Check with Queens Cross for cleaning materials. One way to stop graffiti is to keep the kids moving. Groups tend to hang about the same places. Phone Maryhill Police Station, say we were told to phone and report the location of a group of kids. Help the police to locate them. Say that Pc Mackie asked to be informed before they do something serious. The Council liked that idea and suggested notifying neighbours to let them know how to help with this. b. Regarding the Kelvin Walkway, RN reports that a neighbourhood watch along River Kelvin has been proposed. Diana suggested using camera flash to scare people away. Police were said to be not answering calls. Diana also says dog walkers report to police, but when witnesses approached the police, neither mugging was reported. Heather reported car break-in on Belmont St and there was no police report. Pc Mackie recommended calling 532 3754 Community Policing. Ask the officer’s name and ask to be phoned back with report reference number and if this doesn’t happen, contact again (maybe 24 – 48 hours) Get details from office.

4. Councillor Reports a. Neither Councillors Mosson or Malik were in attendance or offered apologies. b. Jim MacKechnie reported that little had been happening lately. c. Walkway meeting: reviewed options including lighting which is not on the agenda now and police thought it would create more problems than it would solve -too many areas of extreme darkness. Lighting needs to be too strong. Idea of neighbourhood watch for walkway has been progressed with provisional date to be confirmed. d. 60 Steps Trust was successfully launched and some money raised through sale of cards. There was a good presentation from relevant parties and positive outcome. About 60 people attended e. planning permission for new tenement – An increased number of objections 3 weeks ago leaded to further discussions with planning officers, basically going back to the developer about bay windows and front gardens. The City Council owns part of the site and there can be an issue over whether the Council can grant itself permission or gain planning consent. If there is a substantial number of objections the matter can be referred to Scottish Executive but JM is seeking legal definition of ‘substantial number’ of objections.

5. Treasurer’s Report no report

6. Planning, Licensing & Northwest Area Committee - no report

7. Information - a. Website and Library The website fully is now up to date with original template. Robina would like to keep the diary up to date and expand on the contacts list. Library. SP proposes vote of thanks for RN’s work in making a catalogue and sorting the materials. b. Kelvin Walkway: RN asked if we want to pursue this if infrastructure for a help line could go in. R went to Fork meeting and set provisional date for 29 Dec at Ha’penny House 12 noon (tbc) for an open meeting to start a neighbourhood watch. FORK feels they are adequate representatives of people near the walkway but Ms Flynn was concerned that FORK are too exclusive. Most crimes seem to come during the day rather than at night. FORK objects to buying bike for the police. Could we do a fund-raiser? Perhaps the neighbourhood watch could organise funding.

8. Health

9. Youth Sub-Committee, CCH, Scottish Civic Forum No Report

10. Communications No Report

11. Current Issues No Report

12. Correspondence a. In future we will put Correspondence before Current issues. DG gets lots of information from Friends of the Earth and John Muir Awards, schools, compost corner, beautiful Scotland in bloom. RNis to share with Dorothy on that. Pat Ferguson’s newsletters, Scottish Civic Forum about new information commissioner, Maryhill Integration network leaflets. Need a place for left-over leaflets. Only other correspondence is working group minutes (CC development issue) minutes don’t say much but we are going to get help with our elections for next year, including a returning officer – various types of training, changes in boundaries at east end. Discussion of insurance arrangements which we pay out of our grant but council’s insurance broker might change the amount of payment for new revised policy. We can write to them if there is something we want to bring forward.

13. AOCB/ Late Issues a. DG found someone who might help with delivering leaflets. She delivers the Glasgwegian. b. The recycle bins opposite Bellhaven nursery don’t seem to be emptied often enough. RN finds there is a lot of overflow. A second plastics bin is needed. ACTION: JM to look into it. c. There was some discussion of postal services not being able to enter tenement blocks and deliver mail, largely due to the change to one delivery per day. Sometimes it is possible for a block to change the security setting so that the postman can press service and get in. The Postie is limited in that he cannot ring bell for someone who is in but for whom there is no letter.

14. Open Forum (Public Contributions) a. Ms Statt, a resident from Clouston Street, with questions and concerns about the Compendium Trust: As Mr McChesney did not arrive, SP and JM attempted to answer some of the questions. The Compendium Trust is working with the City Council and if any houses are built then sports facilities must also be built. There is outline planning permission for a sports facility and houses and sports are to be completed at the same time. NKCC has a delegate space on the board level of CT so we aren’t on the inside at the moment. As the situation is so fluid at the moment, the CT has not felt able to hold another public meeting yet.

15. Next Meeting :12 January 2005

Minutes 10 November 2004
1. Welcome, Registration, Apologies
a. Present: S P (Chair), D G (Vice-Chair), A L, M T, J A,R C, BG and J Mack (City Councillor)
b. Apologies from R N, D K, D N
2. Minutes of Previous Meetings and Matters Arising
a. Minutes approved. Proposed: S P, seconded: M T
3. Police Report No officer being present, there was no report. Despite having been sent reminders of the meeting, no apologies were presented.

4. Councillor Reports:
a. Neither Councillor Malik or Mosson were in attendance. Jim MacKechnie made the following report:

b. 60 Steps Trust: Monday15 November is expected to be the formal launch of the 60 Steps Trust (this needs to be confirmed). Trust has been formed and is holding a public meeting to attract support and to solicit contributions to get things going. First they will need to commission a feasibility study. There are plenty of choices for getting this funded. The problem may be determining what will happen to the wall and steps once they are restored – where will ownership lie? Who will pay to keep steps maintained?

c. St Charles PS should be the next for mandatory 20 mph speed limit. Parents and School Board approached him to get St Charles in next tranche of funding from Land Services from January. JA asked how far the limits will extend? Could it be extended to Fergus Drive? JM thought the limits were statutory. Looking for appropriate parking regulations will be beneficial. A discussion arose regarding difficulty of traffic access on Wilton Street and it was considered insoluble.

d. Planning permission for new-build tenement on gap site, 259-275 Wilton Street [case 03/033389]. Objections had been lodged last year and the builder submitted new plans to take account of these. Developer has proposed off-street parking (undercroft and backcourt). Planning officers are minded to support this. But valid objections still include access to undercroft parking – possible loss of 4 parking spaces on the street in order for a ramp to be safe. One of the flats should be car-free but that would be impossible to guarantee. JM has been pursuing loss of car parking with Land Services. SP asked if it has been resubmitted. There has been a second round of neighbour notification on revised application on 4th October. Should we submit some comments? Mike to do this with reference to parking. Is there going to be front garden like the others? Where is the amenity space? What about the front elevation? Janet asks about delivery of goods for the building? Building will be further back than existing line of buildings and will overshadow the gardens of existing buildings. Check with City Plan. Does this meet the criteria or not? Loss of daylight is grounds to object but loss of sunlight is not. Developer has agreed to use natural facing stone on front, but back will be brick. Thinks it will look silly – non-use of traditional materials in back of building. Original drawings had oriel windows which would look better. This is in a conservation area. Developer works with planning office before putting in application. Doesn’t think the Firemasters’ objections would have been disregarded. Some objections were raised about back lane.

e. Compendium Park there was little news. Chair is coming to report to us next meeting. Appeal is being lodged against SportScotland. The appeal will be to use money now obtained to create running track as separate proposal before the rest is in place.

f. Kelvin Walkway Meeting: 26 November Mr McKecknie will attend this meeting in city chambers 2 pm along with RN and others.

5. Treasurer’s Report – None made.

6. Planning, Licensing & Northwest Area Committee: Mike Thomson had nothing to report apart from what Jim had said about Wilton Street. MT will look at the drawings for Wilton Street on Monday. There are lots of proposals for HMOs – almost 10 or 12 recently. Is it an issue in the area? Hillhead CC is working with Executive on this. SP has still been receiving licensing information and some HMO stuff. Parks: Will attend Northwest Area Committee on Monday – just revised development framework was approved. Pushing to ensure there is some social housing in the new development at the Ruchill hospital site. MT to report to group on how park money will be spent. Janet said that when Ruchill was being demolished, residents were regularly involved and are still told how it will be. Ruchill CC put up strong show. Housing was promising to keep track of where residents went to so they could come back. Hospital site was lost despite promises. SP asked if MT could send formal letter to check Ruchill Community Plan to Jim or in support of his meeting. Will Maryhill Park be developed? Parts seem about to be taken off. JA says check city Plan. Action: check if there is any truth in the rumour that it will be reduced. MTto reply to Planning Department with objections to Wilton Street development.

7. Information – Website and Library: Robina was not here to report.

8. Health
No new material has come in since the last meeting.

The Greater Glasgow Health Council is due to be dissolved in March 2005, with its work being taken up by other organisations. It’s annual report ‘Representing patients and the public in the NHS’ gives a thorough report on all its activities from 1991 to the present. This group will be replaced by a national organisation, the Scottish Health Council as part of the NHS Quality Improvement Scotland. One of the primary losses in the new system will be formal representation of patients and individuals by the board. While Ministers state that the new boards will in some way take up arms on behalf of patients, the methods and effectiveness of doing so are less clear than via the local councils.

The last newsletter ‘Greater Glasgow Health Matters’ number 67 requests nominations for outstanding members of the Glasgow NHS. This award has been run for 13 years and can reward individuals, teams or departments. Nominations must be in by 12 November. Anyone can make a nomination.

The newsletter ‘Partnership for Health’ from the Glasgow Healthy City Partnership contains a myriad of reports on wide-ranging initiatives throughout the city to promote good health.. Woodside Health Centre – McLean Currie – ask to be included on Woodside-Maryhill are launching something tomorrow at Avenuepark Street in the community centre. Would like to be on mailing list. Susan has received a few items. ACTION: BG has contacted McLean Currie and asked to be included in the mailing list.

9. Youth Sub-Committee, CCH, Scottish Civic Forum: Donnie was not present to report.

10. Press (RC reports): There was a suicide recently on the Kelvin walkway. Not reported in the papers.

11. Correspondence - Correspondence Secretary
a. Fundraiser for Central Halls on 19 November. (send info to Robina)
b. St Mungo Museum exhibition on sectarianism.
c. Pat Ferguson’s latest report.
d. One newsletter from Anne McKechin.
e. Glasgow Community Safety partnership DVD on fireworks. (in our library)
f. Reminder to Seminar on 20 November the annual seminar for cc’s effective communication with public agencies.
g. Guide to tackling anti-social behaviour.
h. Hillhead Community Council meeting starts at 7.30 not 7 pm on Thursday 11 November. Not HMO update.
i. Heritage Lottery Fund report.

12. Current Issues: None

13. AOCB/ Late Issues: None

14. Open Forum (Public Contributions) none

15. Next Meetings:8 December 2004, 12 January 2005, 9 February 2005.

16. Training Session: Ian Law of the Community Councils Support Group – Many thanks to Ian for coming out and making this most helpful presentation.