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Meeting Minutes, 29 April 2025

Meeting Minutes, 29 April 2025

Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Gary Atkinson, Rosalind Atkinson, David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Gordon Millar, Ross Naismith, Scott Thornton; Ward Councillors Eva Bolander and Angus Millar; Police Constables Gentian Rapi and Teigan McLeod; Alasdair McDougall representing Kaukab Stewart MSP, Gregor McIntyre representing John Grady MP; RA, MC, DF, KF, MG, TMcK, EM, PP, CS, DMcS.

By Zoom video: Alice Cowan, EM, NM, RMcL, JR

APOLOGIES
John Grady MP, PC Nathan Baxter, Colin McKay

DRAFT MINUTES OF 25 MARCH MAIN MEETING

Adoption proposed by David Cowan, seconded by Tam Coyle. Approved.

POLICE REPORT

The Secretary read PC Baxter’s monthly report for the MCTCC area.

• During the period 1-17 April a total of 106 crimes were reported of which 56 had been detected.
• The Community Policing team had continued to conduct local days of action in response to complaints of illegally modified e-bikes and e-scooters in the city centre. These had led to a number of seizures and reports to the Procurator Fiscal. Local deployments would continue.
• The team had continued to engage with buskers and information about their Code of Conduct had been provided.
• Priority locations included Virginia Street/Glassford Street to deter ani-social behaviour and drug misuse, New Wynd/Old Wynd re drug misuse, and The Trongate, especially around the night time economy area. Patrols had been in inform, on cycles and in plain clothes.
• In response to a question from DF, PC Rapi said police needed a reason to search anyone stopped in relation to an illegally modified bike or scooter.
• In response to a question from Tam he said eight people had been arrested in the St Enoch Centre following assaults. A report had been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
• RA said drug users were continuing to use a lane around Virginia Court. Gates which had been locked to prevent access had not been fixed for three years. PC Rapi said all owners of the affected residential block needed to agree on such repairs but Councillor Bolander said permission could be granted by only 50% of the owners. She will contact RA. ACTION: RA/Councillor Bolander
• Gary Atkinson raised the issue of policing of the anticipated celebrations by Celtic football fans of their team’s latest Premiership League victory, expected to take place on 17 May.
• He and Scott Thornton had represented MCTCC at a top level meeting at Hampden on 28 March convened by MSP Kaukab Stewart and attended by, among others, the Chief Executive and Operations Director of the Scottish Premier Football League and senior representatives of Celtic, the Scottish Government  and Glasgow City Council as well as representative of Celtic and Rangers’ fans.
• There had been a genuine common desire to come up with a solution but it had proved a missed opportunity to halt the probability of further serious civil disorder in mid-May.
• Scott reported that MCTCC and neighbouring Calton Community Council had written to the Chief Executive of Celtic FC on 22 April, asking the Club to publicly call on their supporters to refrain from anti-social behaviour. They had suggested that Celtic organises its own celebration in Parkhead stadium, across the road at The Emirates or at a venue of its choice. However, they had not yet received a reply.
• The Club was not legally bound to control its supporters outside Parkhead stadium.
• MSP Kaukab Stewart had achieved success by getting so many senior figures round the table but the Hampden ‘summit’ had heard reasons from all sides as to why nothing practical could be done at this time.
• Alasdair McDougall said the MSP’s aim had always been to achieve a long term solution to the problem.
• Councillor Millar said Glasgow City Council had continued to put pressure on Celtic management to stop their fans misbehaving.
• In response to comments from the floor about the cost of policing Gary said Celtic could be made to pay for this if they asked for it, but it would not do so. Celtic FC should pay for any clean-up and damage caused.
• Tam will ask Inspector Watters about the actual policing cost when he, Gary and Scott meet him on 2 May, and report back to the Mid-Monthly Meeting.. ACTION: Tam
• RA asked if individuals could be charged for offences or the club fined by the SPFL.  Scott said deduction of points by the SPFL could be an effective deterrent but the football authorities apparently had no intention of doing so.
• Councillor Millar said GCC had no powers to fine the club.

ELECTED MEMBERS’ REPORTS

• Councillor Millar  said GCC’s communications strategy concerning re-development of George Square had been improved and there would now be updates at least monthly.
• The contract for ground works would be discussed in the relevant GCC Committee later this week.
• Quoting the recent announcement that George Square would no longer have a water feature, Ross said this was disappointing.  Councillor Millar said this would have cost £6m and was unaffordable. The decision to axe the water feature had been taken several months earlier but had not been publicly communicated until last week.
• Gary added this showed a serious lack of ambition on the part of GCC. Other Avenues projects could have been delayed to pay for such a feature. George Square was being re-created now; other projects could wait a few years. This would be a missed ‘once in a generation’ opportunity. ACTION: Councillors Bolander and Millar.
• Councillor Millar replied it was a tricky balance but other streets, including those around the Square, could not be left in their current states. There could not be a “red line around George Square where everything is bright and shiny” with other streets in the vicinity in a poor state.
• In answer to a question from RA he said some contracts concerning The Avenues had yet to be allocated.
• EM told the meeting that local residents had expressed their desire to have a water feature. If the City Council had been minded to ditch it surely they should have local residents for their views?
• Ross said it was disturbing that the decision had been taken without contact with the public. Ward Councillors should make sure that residents’ views in the current situation were put firmly to this week’s Committee meeting. ACTION: Councillors Bolander and Millar.
• RA complained about rough sleepers in front of the bus stop near Tesco in The Trongate, blocking access to pedestrians and prams. This and beggars outside Queen Street station gave visitors a very negative impression of Glasgow.
• Councillor Miller said police and street teams regularly spoke with rough sleepers to ensure they had access to social services.
• Councillor Millar said enforcement action was being progressed against the owners of the derelict site at Dixon Street/Clyde Street.
• Some 3,000 job applications had been received in response to GCC’s announcement that it was hiring several hundred new cleansing operatives, parking attendants and community enforcement officers.
• Scott asked Ward Councillors for an update on the consultation on public toilets. MCTCC had received no information since submitting its comments on 15 January. ACTION: Councillors Bolander and Millar.
• He also asked when GCC was going to review its Busking Code. ACTION: Councillors Bolander and Millar.

LOCAL PLACE PLAN

Scott said an MCTCC sub-group is drafting this in connection with local residents’ proposals and aspirations for better use of land and property. This would include use of derelict sites and empty properties.
MCTCC would be pro-active in putting the LPP to local residents who would be asked for their own views on what further improvements they would like to see.
ACTION: Scott/David Hughes/Ross

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

City Centre Improvement Grants – Gordon had attended a meeting which was largely about use of vacant properties.

Trees – Ross is liaising with Ward Councillors on a possible GCC budget. ACTION: Ross/Ward Councillors

David Hughes said of the 7 trees in Ingram Street which would be left after those in the ‘Merchant City Park’ site had been felled to make way for 109 apartments, 3 were dead.

LEZ Community Fund – Scott has asked to be notified when the next bids can be submitted. ACTION: Scott

BBC TV drama  series ‘Minted’ – Scott has met the film company’s location manager and expressed concern about extensive late night filming in and around Wilson Street, especially until dawn on Friday and Saturday 2 and 3 May. Interior filming in a penthouse at 28 Wilson Street would take place on Wednesday and Thursday 7 and 8 May from the early afternoon to 1 am and 12.30 am respectively, and exterior filming would be on Tuesday 6 May from 3 pm to 1 am.
Communication with residents had appeared haphazard. He has been liaising with GCC’s Film Office and will write again to the production company. ACTION: Scott

AREA PARTNERSHIP

David Hughes will represent MCTCC at the next meeting on 1 May. ACTION: David Hughes

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

Niall (project manager/Webmaster), David Cowan and Scott have been trained on the new Website which will be totally under MCTCC’s control when it goes live. The session was recorded so all Community Councillors can view it.
In a later phase local businesses will be invited to advertise on it.
Niall is arranging repair of a broken notice board including new locks.
ACTION: Niall

PLANNING

• Ross summarised priority developments.
• Old Wynd (West) (student accommodation) –  Planning approval had been granted, and developers were now ‘on site’. He was happy with the architecture.
• EE reiterated she had objected to the original application which was for a 98 unit residential scheme and remained in contact with GCC Planning on the issue.
• Old Wynd/ Osborne (East) (student accommodation) –  Planning approval had been granted, subject to conditions. He had attended a meeting of the Planning Applications Committee (PAC) on 22 April and spoken about the over-saturation of student accommodation in the area and the need for flexibility to take account of future market changes.
• EE said it was unrealistic to expect that applications for student flats would be converted to those for residential accommodation.
• Ross was concerned about the massing and height – 14 storeys including a power plant on the top level – and the materials used. Both the above developments would be red brick.
• Conditions imposed also concerned environmental improvements.
• Tam said the area was indeed being over-saturated with student accommodation but there had been no mention of badly needed social housing.
• Gary said developers of the King Street car park might regard such a building height as having set a precedent.
• Councillor Bolander said she had stipulated at the PAC meeting that there should be a fixed percentage of student/residential accommodation. This percentage tended to vary case by case.
• Submitted on my own behalf, I herewith object to Planning Application 23/01027/FUL on the grounds that it does not comply with the allocated designation as a Consented Housing Site within the local Development Plan with an indicative capacity of 98 units.
• Granite House, Stockwell Street – Planning permission has been granted, subject to conditions which Ross said he had not seen but was less worried about that.
• He had met Councillor Millar about vehicle access and other alterations at Candleriggs, and the High Street and Clyde Avenues projects.
• EM said the initial planning application for the East side of Osborne Street was for residential apartments, not student housing.
• David Hughes said the issue of student accommodation was relevant to the proposed Local Place Plan since this gave MCTCC an opportunity to exert influence through its Policy Statements.
• Peter reminded the meeting he had raised a personal objection to noisy air-conditioning fans installed on top of the City Halls without planning permission.
• EM said it was astonishing that Glasgow Life was unable to say who owned City Halls and was therefore liable for the fans.

LICENSING

Tam reminded the meeting that a public consultation on whether the current provision of taxis in Glasgow was adequate is due to finish on 28 May. Details are on the MCTCC and GCC Websites. The issue will be on the agenda for the Community Council’s next internal mid-monthly meeting.

FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD (FORG)

• David Hughes reported bookings were going well. He had also received an enquiry about a group visit by 20 disabled people which might need to be run as split events.
• Posters had been printed and flyers distributed.
• Free tours would take place every Wednesday in June, July and August.
• New benches had proved popular and more would be appreciated.
• David asked Councillor Bolander about a notice on opening times outside the Ramshorn Graveyard. A GCC officer had said the City Council was no longer responsible for  this because MCCTC was now involved through its setting up of FORG. Would planning permission be required? ACTION: Councillor Bolander/David Hughes
•  Tam said he was mystified as to why recycling bins had been removed.
•  Niall will create a facebook Page for FORG. ACTION: Niall

RECYCLING FACILITIES

• Ex-MCTCC Chair Duncan McLaren has complained about the absence of recycling bins in Montrose Street. They had been moved under a nearby railway bridge.
• Glass recycling bins on King Street have been removed as has one in Metropole Lane off Howard Street, the latter on the instructions of a business which said it owned the lane. Scott said he understood the lane was jointly owned, adding that GCC should actively be providing more recycling facilities.
• Peter said a priority was food recycling bins which should be maintained and cleaned by Glasgow City Council.
•  Gordon asked if GCC had a list of recycling facilities. Councillor Bolander will report back. ACTION: Councillor Bolander

THISTLE FORUM  (Hunter Street safe drugs injection facility)

Gary and Tam attended the latest meeting on 1 April. Some 250 drug users had made 1,600 visits in the past month. The Social Hub and Tron Theatre had also been involved. The next meeting is on 11 June.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Gordon reported a current cash balance £5,607.25.
The second half of payment for the Website (£1,590) has been paid.
Thanks to Gary we have received our annual administration grant from GCC.

INTERIM ELECTION OF COMMUNITY COUNCILLOR

An interim election is being held to fill one vacancy on MCTCC. Completed Nomination Forms should be returned by the closing date of 6 May. Details are on the MCTCC Website and have been posted on three sites within the MCTCC area.
So far there has been one nomination.  If there is more than one nomination a secret ballot will be held at our meeting on 27 May. If not, the nominee will be elected unopposed. Qualifying residents whose name and address appear on the Electoral Register within the Community Council boundary will be entitled to cast one vote during the ballot opening hours. ACTION: Scott

PARADES

Ross said the Community Council should object to a procession on 7 June marking the relief of Derry. It was a religion-based provocative hate crime which would  impair residents’ quiet enjoyment of their city.
Tam noted that he and Ross had met GCC’s Parades Officer and been told banning such parades would be contrary to freedom of speech and opinion.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK

Scott noted this was taking place between 2-8 June and honoured the work done by volunteers such as those on Community Council. He urged the public to join in MCTCC’s efforts to improve the area.

NEXT MEETING

Tuesday 27 May, 6.30-8.30, City Chambers

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Meeting Minutes, 25 March 2025

Meeting of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council held in Glasgow City Chambers on 25 March 2025

Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Gary Atkinson, Rosalind Atkinson, David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Gordon Millar, Niall McColl, Ross Naismith, Scott Thornton; Ward Councillors Eva Bolander and Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns, Police Constables Nathan Baxter and Lewis Moore, RA, SD, DF, GF, MG, KMcN,  GMcI, NM, PP, JR, CS, TMcK

By Zoom Video: Ward Councillor Angus Millar, Alice Cowan

 

MINUTES OF FEBRUARY MEETING

These had been published on the Community Council’s Website.,

Adoption proposed by Tam Coyle, seconded by Niall McColl. Carried.

 

POLICE REPORT

PC Baxter said statistics for the MCTCC area between 1-15 March indicated a total of 102 crimes of which 61 had so far been detected. Common crimes included theft (especially from retail premises), possession of controlled substances, disorder and road traffic offences.

The Community policing team had continued to conduct local days of action in response to complaints regarding e-bike use within the city centre. These had continued to result in a number of illegal e-bikes seized by police and offenders reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Proactive policing deployments would continue to be conducted into the month of April, including a city-wide day of action supported by local policing  and specialist officers.

In March officers from the city centre community policing team assisted in a road safety day of action conducted across Greater Glasgow.

The team had continued to deploy as part of their local busking action plan within the city centre alongside Glasgow City Council (GCC) Community Enforcement Officers, engaging with street performers and providing information regarding the Busking Code of Conduct.

Priority locations included the Ramshorn Graveyard and the New/Old Wynds to deter drug misuse and Trongate,  in particular around night-time venues.

TD said drug addicts were ‘shooting up bold as brass’ around Virginia Street. Niall said the problem was prevalent by the fire exit around the Old Sheriff Court in Brunswick Street.

Tam said he and Gary had represented MCTCC at meetings of the multi-agency Thistle Forum on the Safe Drugs Injection Facility in Hunter Street.

Gary said retail theft remained a problem at Sainsbury’s, Ingram Street. PC Baxter said another Day of Action was planned for May. Any incidents should be reported immediately via 999.

Baillie Mearns asked if children were being coerced into drug dealing.

 

ELECTED MEMBERS’ REPORTS

Councillor Bolander said she was keen to get MCTCC represented on the High Street Reference Group which she chairs.

She was looking at improving the lighting in Miller Street.

Tam said traffic wardens were not charging offenders double parking or on yellow lines. These needed to be repainted urgently.

SD subsequently gave Councillor Bolander details of graffiti on Miller Street.

Gary added that the street had changed dramatically in recent years, having become a successful restaurant area. Could the Avenues project not be extended to Miller Street? It was located on a route through to the waterfront. Councillor Bolander replied that Avenues funding was ring fenced.

After the subject was raised by Baillie Mearns Tam noted that Glasgow City Council had installed airconditioning fans on top of the City Halls without planning permission. This was a separate issue to the planning application for construction of 109 flats in the NCP car park on Ingram Street. Tam said “these fans should be off the roof. End of story.”

Councillor Bolander said there did not appear to be a funding source to repair broken lighting on the South Portland Suspension Bridge.

Re Miller Street Councillor Millar said the aspiration was still to have public realm improvements but it was not in the ‘funding envelope.’

There had been a £20m increase in the City Council budget for roads and lighting and Miller Street would be a priority though in the next financial year since the budget for the current year was exhausted.

He had met the Head of Planning to discuss the ‘eyesore’ site at Dixon Street.

MG complained about late night noise from behind restaurants on Ingram Street with glass being dumped. Councillor Bolander provided a contact at Environmental Health.

Gary raised the subject of the 24 hour cafe/night shelter being run by Homeless Project Scotland on Glassford Street. Food was being served without the requisite certification. MCTCC was not against homeless people but hospitality businesses would not be allowed to get away with this.

TD said the premises were underneath flats. The law was changing on 31 March so having a kitchen under residential accommodation would be illegal.

Scott said a statement from GCC Planning to MCTCC a week ago said it was unlikely any such application for change of use would be granted. No such application had been lodged. MCTCC had been asking Planning for a long time for updates on HPS’ other application for change of use for the adjacent premises but kept hitting a brick wall.

The Community Council’s questions to GCC and Food Safety Scotland (the latter for more than a year) about food certification had gone unanswered.

TD said the Planning Department was less important in this case than Building Control. HPS needed a Building Warrant.

(Sound went out again for 2 minutes)

Councillor Millar said he had today requested an update on when the application for change of use from offices to the night shelter (not the 24 hour food service for which no application has been lodged) would be determined.

GCC has launched a major recruitment drive for more cleansing and enforcement staff.

Re the Portland Bridge Gordon asked which part of GCC was responsible for maintenance? This was a ‘feature bridge’ and a core asset and there should be a maintenance plan for it.  Councillor Millar said that the lighting was classified as ‘feature’ and therefore given lower priority. A whole replacement system was needed. He had requested an update.

Gary said the hoardings around George Square had been expected to be put up in January. The GCC Project Manager had agreed to deliver a presentation at tonight’s meeting but it had been postponed because the hoarding would not be erected until late April or early May with other work starting only in July or August.

There was sand on the lawns and for six months of Glasgow’s 850th anniversary no progress would be made. The City Council had not learned the lessons of the problems of the Avenues project on Sauchiehall Street.

Councillor Millar said he had not been informed of tonight’s presentation postponement. GCC’s communications needed to improve. It should not issue inaccurate information. There should be a ‘single point of truth.’

Different contracts were being negotiated: the statues’ restoration, the hoardings and public realm works. He understood the hoardings would be in place around the end of April. He had a meeting with the project team tomorrow. Delays to the hoardings’ erection would not affect completion of the works (Autumn 2026).

Gary said it appeared the contracts had not even been signed. Councillor Millar said the Council was in the final stages of procurement and this had to come to the relevant Committee for approval.

Scott said the Community Council was disappointed its application for funding (for tree planting) under the LEZ (Low Emission Zone) Community Scheme had been declined. Could Ward Councillors cast light on why?

Ross said MCTCC only found out about the fund through the Internet and felt the submission was as robust as any of those whose bids had been accepted. However, he believed another submission might be successful.

Baillie Mearns suggested MCTCC should ask the LEZ Fund for feedback.

Councillor Millar said the Fund had been heavily oversubscribed. The issue was due to be discussed in Committee later this week.

Scott read out extracts from an email from a resident of the GPO Building in South Frederick Street complaining about the re-siting from George Square of a 24 hour taxi rank outside a listed building for which double glazing is not permitted. Retail units had also been impacted.

 

PLANNING ISSUES

Ross summarised latest developments.

The planning submission for redevelopment of the King Street car park is delayed by at least a month.

MCTCC was generally supportive of the Maxwell Street development (Radisson hotel and served apartments) subject to various conditions.  He would be happy to attend a workshop on this.

A Planning Application Committee hearing on Dominus’ application for student accommodation in Osborne Street had been due earlier today but was postponed because of more pressing Committee business.

He had not been surprised that the latest proposals on the Custom House Quay/Clyde Street Avenues project had been delayed because of additional environmental considerations.

MCTCC has objected two two planning applications for the Clutha/Stockwell Street/Clyde Street corner – for a giant media wall and seating areas/pergolas on the pavement.

The Community Council had been approached by a resident specialising in such matters about redevelopment of the Virginia Street/Court area and Ross is discussing this with him.

He and Peter would attend a GCC briefing session on Planning this weekend.

Ross added that he and David Hughes were drafting policy statements in

connection with the Community Council’s formulation of its first Local Place Plan (LPP).

Gordon said the area outside Carrick Quay and the Metropole Building was a mess   due to construction/investigation work. It was a well used leisure and relaxation  area.

Taking forward the LPP issue, David Hughes said this gave MCTCC the opportunity to influence the next City Development Plan in terms of the use of land and property.

 

AREA PARTNERSHIP

In David Hughes’ absence Gary will represent MCTCC at the next meeting.

 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

Scott reported the group met last night. A survey would be carried out to seek residents’ views on MCTCC’s proposals for a LPP), the Community Council’s most significant medium term project, led by David Hughes with valuable assistance from Ross. It was important MCTCC was seen to be proactive. As part of the survey residents  would also be asked for their prioritised suggestions for further improvements in the area.

Thanks in particular to Ros Atkinson and Niall McColl, good progress was being made on MCTCC’s new Website.

To raise funds, including for Website enhancements, the group had agreed on the principle of seeking advertisements and contributions from local businesses and other organisations. Although MCTCC is a residents’ forum and not a business one, funds would be raised for the benefit of local residents by keeping them better informed of the Community Council’s work and what is happening in their area.

The aim is to to have the Website plan approved, and if so launched, at the public meeting on 29 April.

The group is also investigating repair, replacement or scrapping of the Community Council’s two public notice boards.

 

LICENSING

Tam noted the proposal for a market outside the St Enoch Centre in Osborne Street on the second and last Fridays of the month. Gary said previous such markets had been under cover against the St Enoch Centre wall.

 

PARADES

Tam said he and Ross had met GCC’s Parades Officer and suggested these should take place on Glasgow Green rather than having processions through the city centre.

 

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

Scott noted that the public consultation on the proposed Visitor Levy will run until 5 May and the consultation on taxis’ availability until 28 May. Information is on the Glasgow City Council’s Website.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Gordon reported a bank balance of £6,728.51,  with forthcoming expenses including some £1,600 for the remainder of the Website development.

 

INTERIM ELECTION

The meeting agreed to hold an interim election in liaison with Glasgow City Council  with the aim of elevating Associate Community Councillor Ross to full Community Councillor status. Scott will make the necessary arrangements.

 

'RUBBISH FORCE' LITTER PICK

Gordon introduced KMcN who is running a litter pick (‘Rubbish Force’) on the South Side of the river on 5 April (10 am to 2 pm). Volunteers are welcome and can meet up in Carlton Place.

 

FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD (FORG)

David Hughes, Chair, said free public tours of the graveyard would take place every Wednesday in June, July and August between 11 am and noon.

Tam said the Merchant City Festival (MCF. July 18-20) would include an event in the graveyard. Ideas for any other events in the MCF would be welcome.

 

COMMUNITY COUNCILS' ADVISORY GROUP - 'GLASGOW 850'

Peter will represent MCTCC

CLYDE MARINE PARTNERSHIP

Several other Community Councils are on this group. Peter will ask the organisers to add MCTCC, via Scott, to its newsletter database.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 29 April, 6.30-8.30 pm in City Chambers

 

 

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Meeting Minutes, 27 August 2024

These draft minutes will be presented at our meeting on 24th September for approval

Meeting of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council held on  27 August 2024 in City Chambers, from 6.30 pm

Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Gary Atkinson, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Gordon Millar, Ross Naismith, Scott Thornton, Rosalind Wardley-Smith, Ward Councillors Baillie Christy Mearns and Angus Millar, PC Sean McFadden, RA, CD, ND, MD, DF, AM, AMcD, AMcD, HMcD, TMcK, KL, MR, NM, PP.

By Zoom video: Alice Cowan, David Cowan, AC, SL, EM, JR

Apologies: Councillor Eva Bolander, Peter Hayman, Colin McKay, PS

MINUTES OF 30 JULY MEETING

Proposed by Tam Coyle, seconded by Niall McColl. Approved. 

POLICE ISSUES

PC McFadden (SMcF) reported that in the period 30 July to 27 Aug in the MCTCC area (for police purposes this excludes the St Enoch Centre) there were a total of 160 reported crimes, 52 of which were detected - i.e. someone was apprehended or the perpetrator known. These figures are indicative. Crimes included assault, bail offences and retail thefts. 

Tam asked about a recent instance of a vehicle being driven the wrong way way up Candleriggs and noted that the southern part of that street is signposted pedestrian-only. He quoted residents as saying there were not enough police officers visible on the street but noted that often they were in plain clothes and not in uniform.

SMcF said the Ramshorn graveyard had become a hot spot for drugs misuse and was receiving a lot of police attention. Arrests had been made, partly after alerts from the public. Police were also liaising with Glasgow City Council about clearing up needles. David Hughes thanked police for their interventions.

Police had a contingency plan to cope with a possible demonstration in George Square on 7 September by supporters and opponents of the Far Right.

Police had taken action against illegal e-bikes which were sometimes being ridden at excessive speeds.

In response to a point by a resident about slow police response times Tam said the issue was on the agenda for MCTCC officials’ regular meetings with the city centre Police Inspector.

DISTURBANCES BY FOOTBALL FANS

Scott reported that earlier today he and Gary met MSP Kaukab Stewart (who kindly hosted the meeting) and representatives of Celtic and Rangers football clubs to discuss ways of avoiding repetitions of the anti-social behaviour experienced in May 2023 and May 2024. 

WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Baillie Mearns, catching up on issues following her maternity leave, said she was pleased with various aspects of the refreshed pending planning application for development of the King Street car park.

She was also pleased budget funding had been approved for the ‘Trees for Streets’ project. The Council is now looking at possible sites.

Baillie Mearns expressed thanks to MCTCC for its donation to Impact Arts which recently celebrated its 30th birthday.

Councillor Millar said there would be another community walkabout with Ward Councillors on 17 September (1-2.30 pm). Scott to advise details and meeting point. ACTION: Scott 

The ‘direction of travel’ for development of the waterfront between Custom Quay and Stockwell Street was on a smaller scale with greater emphasis on stabilising the quay wall and improving the public realm.

There would be a consultation on Tuesday 3 September (12–3 pm) on the High Street Avenues project. Venue: 231 George Street.

DF asked about the lack of trees around new housing developments.

He went on to complain about the standard of street cleansing and lack of Glasgow City Council (GCC) resources. Was GCC relying overly on volunteers doing litter picks? Money was being spent on ‘pointless’ projects such as painting bins (often covered with graffiti) rather than on such a basic requirement.  

RN said he, Gary and Scott had a constructive meeting with developers of the King Street car park on site yesterday and were assured their comments were being taken on board. Their attitude on a connection between Trongate and The Briggait mirrored ours. The developers also agreed planning would be flexible to meet changing demands of the marketplace. 

Scott said this showed the benefits of early consultation with residents. Thanks in large measure to Ross’ experience and expertise we had been able to perhaps influence the plans.

Noting that the plan included more student accommodation, he repeated MCTCC’s plea to GCC to get a grip on the issue. The Community Council had complained time after time about over-concentration of Purpose Built Student Accommodation yet applications were continuing to be approved. The inclusion of ‘Co-Living’ in the King Street plan was student accommodation by another name.

Ross said he was underwhelmed by the first two presentations he had attended on the Avenues project. The Custom Quay-Stockwell project did not address residential requirements. 

In response to a complaint from RA about fouling by pigeons and seagulls, Councillor Millar said signage could be improved to ask the public not to feed birds. Commercial waste was a particular problem. GCC had set times for this and perhaps enforcement on businesses which did not adhere to this should be stepped up. 

ND said a smoking area behind Pipeworks “gentlemen’s sauna’ in Metropole Lane was not only causing a fire risk because it is in an enclosed space but also creating noise into the wee small hours right outside her flat. ACTION: Angus 

Another resident complained about regular parking on double yellow lines by contractors working on the new Afro-Caribbean supermarket being built on the former Corrigans fishmongers’ site on Howard Street.

Angus said he would look into a problem  reported by BR about water ingress into flats in Montrose Street. ACTION: Angus

KL brought up the issue of a taxi rank set up without due notice outside the GPO Building in Ingram Street. This had been raised with Councillor Braat two meetings ago. Scott said he had received no reply from GCC to his query asking when the re-siting of the rank from George Square had been advised to local residents. Tam will discuss with Councillor Braat. ACTION: Tam

HOMELESS PROJECT SCOTLAND

Earlier in the meeting TD had raised problems arising from Homeless Project Scotland (HPS). 

Tam summarised that this opened in Glassford Street last December as a homeless shelter and was serving food. 

GCC had ordered the owner and occupier to apply for planning permission (change of use from offices) by 31 March but no such application had been lodged. 

Scott said meetings had been held with senior GCC officers including the Head of Planning in early June and a letter sent to the Chief Executive, Council Leader and Scottish Government. Meetings had been held with MSP Kaukab Stewart, all to no avail. 

However, he had been assured at a meeting with a senior GCC officer last week that a Planning Enforcement Notice would be served to the owner and occupier at the end of August.

It was disappointing that no reply had been received from Food Standards Scotland six weeks after MCTCC asked it to advise whether HPS had the relevant licence. 

Gary added that lack of action by Glasgow City Council was continuing to deprive local residents of the opportunity to comment on an application. 

Tam said it was the most frustrating case he had encountered in his 18 years on the Community Council. Sleeping accommodation was provided but there was only one fire escape. 

Councillor Millar said he shared Tam’s frustration. Intensive efforts had been made to find an alternative site.

Gordon said it was clear the site had not been zoned for that activity so why was it being asked to apply for planning consent for a purpose to which it was not entitled? What was the point of zoning in the first place?

LICENSING

An application had been lodged for an ‘Escape Room’ in the St Enoch Centre. Tam said MCTCC had no objection.

Gary explained that permission for bars or restaurants to provide pavement tables was covered by their overall licence based on the space allowed. They did not need a separate licence.

PLANNING

Tam said Ross was now assisting Peter Hayman with planning issues.

Ross had responded to GCC’s consultation on tall buildings on a personal basis but the Community Council now had to respond on its own behalf. All comments should be passed to the Secretary by 13 September, after which he will draft a response in conjunction with the Chair and co-Vice Chairs.

Scott said he and Gary met with senior GCC planners to discuss the George Square development and Avenues project between Custom Quay and Stockwell Street. We were keen to avoid problems encountered with the Sauchiehall Street works and requested residents’ representation, as an observer, on a monitoring body for George Square redevelopment. 

We were offered a 1-1 update each month and a presentation at our October meeting. Scott will arrange this. ACTION: Scott

Scott added that a presentation on the Custom Quay-Stockwell Street project may be delivered to an MCTCC meeting early in the New Year. 

George St/High Street derelict site - Scott has asked Ward Councillors to advise the status of this eyesore. Tam said the developer had run out of money. Angus is following up. ACTION: Angus 

Second stage of Candleriggs Square - Tam, Gary and Scott have met the developer to discuss this, with building due to start early next year. Tam said designs for a new mural would be presented to the Community Council when available. 

RA asked about the Pride pavement in Wilson Street. Tam said the first MCTCC knew about it was when it was finished. it was uneven and created a trip hazard. 

David Hughes said Local Development Plans fed into city development plans so it was important for MCTCC to comment on LDPs on issues such as student accommodation.

Pride Mural on AXM building, Glassford Street - Tam said the telephone number he’d been given does not accept messages. It was noted this 12 x 7 metres mural will dominate a large part of conservation area and will include advertising. ACTION: Tam

TD said AXM did not own the building.

LITTER PICK

David Hughes said this would take place on Saturday 21 September, from 10.30-1pm, meeting at the Ramshorn graveyard gate. MCTCC has received grant funding from Glasgow City Council for equipment which will be provided to volunteers. ACTION: David Hughes 

GRANT GIVING SCHEME

Niall said there was currently £6,500 in the fund and summarised the criteria. Further applications are welcome. Applicants do not have to be a registered charity. ACTION: All

FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD

Free public tours will be organised next year, tour guides trained and story boards created. The next meeting will be held from 6.30-8.30 pm on 4 September with a specialist speaker. More members are welcome. 

WEBSITE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Niall said an outline of MCTCC’s new Website should be ready by mid-September.

He will draft a short questionnaire to be completed by all Community Councillors as a mini-biog.ACTION: Niall 

TREASURER’S REPORT 

Gordon reported a bank balance £6,573 once outstanding cheques had been cleared. A GCC grant of £700 is expected around November. MCTCC’s accounting year end is end-August.

David Hughes said £367,000 remained in the Area Partnership fund. MCTCC should submit applications for suitable projects, otherwise other Community Councils would spend it. The Merchant City Handbook includes many good ideas and could be used as a source document. Tam said one  project could be installation of a CCTV camera around Parnie Street. ACTION: All

PUBLIC TOILETS

GCC is developing a strategy and actions around public toilets and inviting representations. There are no public toilets in Merchant City/Trongate or on Glasgow Green following closure of the People’s Palace. Scott is liaising with GCC on our response. All comments are welcome. ACTION: Scott/ALL 

NEXT PUBLIC MEETING

Tuesday 24 September, 6.30 pm, City Chambers

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Meeting Minutes, 30 July 2024

Meeting of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council held in City Chambers on 30 July 2024.

Attended by: Scott Thornton (Chair), Gary Atkinson, Rosalind Wardley-Smith, Niall McColl,  Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Gordon Millar;  Glasgow Merchant City Festival representatives; Police Constable Sean McFadden (SMcF); EM, RM, KL, TD, SM, CS, BF, CD, RF,  PS, TMcK, RN 

MSP Kaukab Stewart : Glasgow City Council - Lise Fisher and David MacDonald, Rowan Evenstar - Blythswood & Broomhill CC

By Zoom video - Alice Cowan, David Cowan, MS, SL, AC, EM

Apologies: Tam Coyle, Peter Hayman, Ward Councillors Philip Braat and Eva Bolander

MINUTES OF 25 JUNE MEETING

Adoption proposed by Gordon Millar, seconded by Gary Atkinson. Approved.

POLICE ISSUES

PC McFadden (SMcF) reported indicative crime statistics as follows for the period 25 June to 25 July in the MCTCC area: 203 offences reported of which 107 were detected. These included assaults on police officers, street drinking, possession of controlled substances, threatening and abusive behaviour, and retail theft. Main involvement related to licensed premises.

Priority locations have been a focus of attention, working from local feedback.

A number of major events, including The Open Golf, TRNSMT, General Election, Pride and marching season have taken up more resources than usual.

Day of action on Illegal e- bikes - 4 July- 11 bikes confiscated that were not road- legal. Further enforcement action is expected as well as continuing engagement.

MSP KS asked about police action in the Trongate area. SMcF reported there were regular high visibility patrols, supplemented by additional resources when available. In response to a further query on whether anti-social activity was growing, SMcF anecdotally viewed more activity, particularly when the weather is better.

There were several concerns raised around drug dealing & needles in the Ramshorn graveyard and associated shoplifting from the local Sainsbury’s.

Concerns were raised on the perceived increase of tents appearing in different parts of the city centre. Police and GCC were aware and work with third sector services to support those individuals to limit the number of tents.

The area around the Portland Street suspension bridge was raised by RN given the, at times, intimidating atmosphere. RW-S raised the change in demographics in the MCTCC area and associated impacts and asked if any data was available?

Issues were discussed around accessing flats’ communal areas in Ingram street being used for drug dealing/taking and rough sleeping. Police will engage with factors involved to ensure all security measures are being implemented.

GA emphasised that reporting of incidents is helpful to police as it provides data.

Presentation from Glasgow City Council on Safe Needle Bins trial

Lise Fisher (Neighbourhood Liaison Manager Ward 10) presented feedback from the trial (May 2023 for 6 months):

Accessible Sharps disposal bin located in New Wynd Lane, Trongate (No. 1 location historically for needles) to address the concerns of local people given the number of items discarded.

Trial collected around 5,000 items in the period including needles and associated paraphernalia. This was during a period where there was an increase in drug usage in the area.

The bin is still in use and being monitored and utilised.

In future other areas such as car parks may also have “sharps” bins where regular use is reported. These areas are monitored to see if an additional bin would be effective.

Reporting of sharps items helps GCC assess resource priorities. Best way is via the MyGlasgow app which has a map locator for reporting and identifies clusters of discarded needles. The reporting options will be added to the MCTCC website ACTION: Niall

There was a query about whether personal data from the MyGlasgow App would be used (not believed to be the case).

DM noted that there were approximately 8,500 regular users in Glasgow and 400-500 in the city centre. There is a voluntary system of care and treatment to help control addiction, though it is felt Glasgow draws users from around the country.

The Hunter Street health facility is now close to completion, with staff recruited. This will provide more support for the more serious drugs. GCC/HSCP are awaiting a Letter of Comfort from the Lord Advocate. Recently there has been an application for a “drug checking” facility at Hunter street to increase intelligence on street drug chemistry.

MSP KS indicated that Christina McKelvie (Scottish Minister for Drugs and Alcohol) is actively involved in these issues.

GA highlighted the potential risks of some new student planning applications close to McDonalds in Argyle Street that may add to the existing volume of users. 

Lise Fisher updated the meeting on the Street Art on Custom Quay - a “Legal Wall” six month pilot which will allow officially sanctioned art in the area. The main issue is that there are now less resources allocated to graffiti cleaning by GCC. DH flagged that some of the artists involved in the Custom Quay project are also covering private buildings. 

MSP’s Report - Kaukab Stewart

Issues raised with our MSP include cladding remediation, which has been a major point. KS clarified that wooden decking is included within the Single Building Assessment (SBA) programme.

The Merchant City car park planning application decision was discussed.

Homeless Project Scotland (HPS) - GCC Planning have confirmed no application has been received, in addition to issues raised on safeguarding of occupants and fire safety (no breaches reported). A Planning Enforcement notice will now be issued by GCC (date awaited for issue). KS will follow up. ACTION: KS

Elaine Bennet of Spires Apartments said the building was sold to Quintessential for retail/offices. There had been lots of complaints from Spires’ guests about anti-social behaviour from soup kitchen users and Spires had lost business. She quoted HPS as saying it had agreed a 15 year lease to move the soup kitchen to the ground floor and the accomodation to the basement. This would double kitchen capacity.

Ros mentioned that the management of Social Hub had raised concerns about Brunswick Lane and thereabouts being used for drugs and other antisocial behaviour

Kaukab said the student accommodation issue attracted lobbying from all sites. There needed to be a sustainable solution that met the requirements of all parties.

MCTCC is progressing a request to put a student accommodation moratorium in place for the Merchant City and will discuss with our Ward Councillors at the next meeting.

GM asked about the Single Building Assessment. Had the associated building regulations from the Scottish Government been finalised for cladding remediation buildings?  ACTION: KS

The Pride rainbow pavement at the Merchant City Festival - feedback on several issues in terms of cost, safety for mobility users and if there was any local public consultation. ACTION: Lise Fisher 

Other Matters

Public Consultation on high rise buildings - encourage all to take part and make your views known. MCTCC to discuss if they should submit a formal response - ACTION Scott

George Square - request for local input into the redevelopment submitted. Awaiting a response. ACTION: Scott

TREASURER’S REPORT

Gordon reported a bank balance of £9,722.13 at 30 July.

Discretionary grant funding has been applied for which will followed up by the Treasurer. ACTION: Gordon to discuss with Gerald Tonner @ GCC.

The Annual Administration Fee has also to be confirmed: ACTION: Gordon 

WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 No Councillors were in attendance.

In Brief

Website Update - Being re-designed as a ‘Go To’ Hub for local information.

Ramshorn graveyard - “Puddle” being investigated - GCC has been informed.

College of Printing and Building (Met Tower - 'People Make Glasgow’ building): RN subsequently reported this is up for sale.

Boundary changes impact on MCTCC area query - Now Glasgow East rather than Glasgow Central. 

Planning - Candleriggs development - EM asked if there was any progress as he had noted water pressure issues in his property. ACTION: Gary

NEXT MEETING

Tuesday 27 August, 6.30 pm in City Chambers

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