31-Mar-2011

Posted by : admin

Comments: (0)

Plaque to commemorate forgotten war hero unveiled in North Kelvinside

Category : Update

The forgotten bravery of a World War II hero has been honoured by his home city of Glasgow almost 67 years to the day of his death.

On 30 March, the Lord Provost of Glasgow Bob Winter unveiled a granite plaque at 7 Jedburgh Gardens, the former home of Lieutenant John Young, who died aged 24, ahead of the 1944 Battle of Kohima.

Glasgow decided to honour the fallen war hero after his story was brought to the attention of the Council by local businessman, Roy McCallum, who had come across the amazing story of Lt Young when he was researching his own family’s military service.

He was deeply moved by Lt Young’s story which culminated in the young soldier’s death on 31 March, 1944, covering the safe withdraw of his men in the face of massive Japanese invasion of India.

The delaying tactics of the Lt Young, his men and other comrades in the Assam Regiment, allowed the soldiers in the garrison town of Kohima to prepare themselves for the ensuing 64 day battle which ultimately led to the withdrawal of the Japanese and the cancelling of their plans to invade India.

But when Mr McCallum delved deeper he was shocked to find that the bravery of Lt Young had never been officially recognised. He contacted Glasgow City Council who felt it was fitting that Lt Young’s home town should recognise his heroism.

The Lord Provost of Glasgow said: “I am honoured to be able to pay tribute to a forgotten Glasgow hero who was one of many exceptional people whose sacrifice ensured that lives were saved and the Second World War was won by the allied forces.

“Lt Young’s story is one of amazing courage, care for those under his command and bravery. Seeing that his men were going to be wiped out by the larger Japanese force, Lt Young sent them to safety knowing that he would give his life and thereby fulfilled his orders to fight to the last man.

“His bravery and that of the other men of the Assam Regiment, allowed the garrison town of Kohima to get ready for the Japanese advance into India. The Battle of Kohima, was a turning point in the war in the Far East and stopped the Japanese invasion of India.

“The epitaph to the fallen soldiers of Kohima reads: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for their tomorrow, we gave our today”. If ever a person epitomised this sacrifice it would be John Young. I am humble in the face of such bravery. ”

It is hoped that the commemorative plaque will become part of the City’s Heritage Trail

Continue Reading

16-Mar-2011

Posted by : admin

Comment: (1)

Minutes – 16 March 2011

Category : Minutes

North Kelvin Community Council Minutes

16 March 2011 at 6:30pm
St Charles School

Present: Ken Andrew (KA chairing), Kate Wooding (KW), Douglas Peacock (DP), Jane Morgan (JM), Janet Andrews (JA), Peter Blackshaw (PB), Councillor Jim Mackechnie (JMacK).

Apologies: Susie Hallas, Dave Beavan, Kirsty Davidson, Gordon Barnes.

1.         The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as a correct record (KW proposed and DP seconded).  It was agreed as a matter arising that KW would finalise the letter to the licensing board for discussion at the next meeting

2.         A police report was not presented.

3.         JMacK gave his report.

Flooding had occurred in the area of QM Drive, Kelbourne St and Oban Drive.  This appeared to have been caused by work on Oban Drive and to be sewer related and thus a matter for Scottish Water.  PB noted that gulleys had not been cleaned. J MacK reported that he would go to Scottish Water’s “surgery” at the Council Chambers.

A planning application has been made for flats on Maryhill Rd, opposite Braeside Street and on the same side as Braeside Street before the fire station.  JM noted that she had requested the application from the Council.

A memorial plaque to John Young would soon be unveiled but the engraving was not satisfactory and would need further work.

4.         Those present discussed the meeting about the proposed development on the “Meadow” and subsequent e-mailing between members about the content of a press release issued by the Meadow campaign. Some members considered that the press release could have more accurately reflected the nature of the motion passed at the meeting while others felt it was appropriate.  It was decided that JM should approach the Council asking for attendance at the next meeting to (a) set out the processes and decision leading up to the design competition and sale subject to planning permission, and (b) inform members, in relation to all planning applications, of procedures and what are material issues for consideration.

5.         JM reported that, as planning officer, she had requested 2 planning application including that previously mentioned at 613/620 Maryhill Road.  She would chase these but it was likely that comments would need to be submitted before the next meeting and that this would need handled by e-mail.

6.         As GB could not attend there was no web report.

7.         KW, as Treasurer, reported a balance of £1,300.

8.         PB reported on correspondence.

In response to an invitation, PB will attend the unveiling of the John Young plaque on behalf of the CC.

Application for renewal of HMO licences had been submitted to the Council for 8 Caithness St, 124 Raeberry St and 291b Wilton St.

GCC had reminded CCs of their political neutrality.

9.         Under AOB, 3 matters were raised:

A controlled parking zone was about to commence in Napiershall Street.

JA circulated a draft letter to GCC about the lack of need for a 24/7 bus lane on QM Drive.  It was agreed that JA should send this on behalf of the CC after some redrafting.

KW had prepared a paper on carrying out more routine CC business by e-mail.  It was agreed that she would circulate this for discussion at the next meeting.

10.       It was noted that the next meeting would be on 20 April.

Continue Reading

14-Mar-2011

Posted by : admin

Comments: (0)

Report on North Kelvin Meadow Development

Category : Report

North Kelvin Community Council meeting held on
Monday 28 February 2011 at 6:30pm
St. Charles School

 

Presentation of North Kelvin Meadow development

New City Vision’s Planning Consultant explained the main differences between the original 2008 plans and the revised plans are the increase in open space. However, as a result, the block on Sanda Street/Kelbourne Street is one storey higher.

Jane Morgan asked why New City Vision had not considered undercroft or first floor parking instead of street parking. New City Vision’s Planning Consultant explained that there is undercroft parking on Sanda Street. New City Vision’s Planning Consultant said the marked visitor parking bays had been included in the plans, as this was suggested by the Roads Department.

New City Vision’s Planning Consultant confirmed, as required by Glasgow City Council (GCC), that there are 1.25 parking spaces allocated per flat/house. The Community Council requests that New City Vision review the provision of parking. Parking is already problematic in the area and the visitor parking bays will only make the situation worse.

Councillor MacKechnie suggested that the Community Council might want to ask GCC to make it a condition of planning consent that the development of the green space takes place before the first houses are occupied. The Community Council requests that New City Vision reconsider the phasing that they have set out.

The Community Council raised the issue of the height of the proposed flats on Sanda Street, which are one storey higher than original proposed. The flats across from the site are three storeys high, as opposed to the six storeys of the proposed new flats. The Community Council asks that New City Vision revisit the height of the proposed flats on Sanda Street.

The Community Council commented on the architectural style of the townhouses, Georgian rather than Victorian. The Community Council asks that New City Vision reconsider this decision, as a Victorian style would be more in keeping with the area.

Concern was raised about the semi-private open space behind the flats on Sanda Street. The Community Council asks that New City Vision reconsider this open space and considers ways to integrate the space with the rest of the open space in the centre of the development.

Concern was also raised about the management of the open space. The Community Council asks that New City Vision consider a mechanism for dealing with the management of the open space.

The Community Council also raised the issue of preserving the lime trees on Clouston Street. The Community Council is aware that the line trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders, but is concerned that by building so close to the trees there will be damage to their root structures or to the trees themselves. The Community Council asks New City Vision for assurances that the building work will not pose a threat to the lime trees.

Continue Reading

Page 3 of 2112345...1020...Last »