Meeting Minutes, 28 May 2024
These draft minutes will be reviewed at our next meeting on 25th June.
Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Gordon Millar, Scott Thornton; Ward Councillors Philip Braat and Angus Millar; Ian Elder, Glasgow City Council; Police Constables Stephen Clarke and Sean McFadden; TD, DF, NF, TMcK, RN; By Zoom video - Alice Cowan, AC, CD, SL, EM, SM, CS.
Apologies: Gary Atkinson, Niall McColl, Colin McKay, Rosalind Wardley-Smith; Ward Councillor Eva Bolander; Eileen Mills
MINUTES OF 30 APRIL MEETING
Adopted proposed by Tam Coyle, seconded by Gordon Millar. Approved.
POLICE ISSUES
PC McFadden (SMcF) reported indicative crime statistics as follows for the period 30 April to 28 May in the MCTCC area: 144 offences reported of which 84 were detected. These included assaults on police officers, bail breaches, threatening and abusive behaviour, and retail theft.
Police had seized six e-bikes in the city centre illegally modified to remove the speed limiter. More such seizures were expected. A total of 15 bikes were involved throughout Glasgow. Scott reported this would be on the agenda when he, Tam and Gary meet MSP Kaukab Stewart in early July.
Following a tip-off from a member of the public, police had executed a Sheriff’s warrant following seizure of illegal substances on King Street.
A police officer had been appointed to specifically target vandalism and graffiti in the city centre as this is a rising issue. Scott said he was due to meet her in the coming weeks.
There was lengthy discussion about the serious disturbances and vandalism following Celtic FC fans’ celebration of their team’s Premiership title win on 18 May, when 25,000 massed at and around Glasgow Cross.
Many attendees spoke of their anger at the damage, violence and widespread litter caused. Tam noted that Rangers fans had rampaged through the city centre, targeting Celtic fans, running past police vans.
Glasgow Council staff were commended on having cleared the area in time for the Cancer Research Race for Life the following morning.
Sympathy was expressed for police who had been left to keep some sort of order in the mayhem, albeit incurring large overtime costs paid for by the public. Tam said he, Scott and Gary had discussed the pending problems with Inspector Johnny Watters well before 18 May.
PC McFadden said police had tried to provide a ‘proportionate’ response with the main aim of keeping people safe.
Scott asked what contacts GCC had held with Celtic or Rangers FCs.
Councillor Millar said Glasgow City Council had an ‘ongoing dialogue and engagement’ with Celtic FC although neither Celtic nor Rangers had made any comment about that event or disruption in and around George Square when Rangers won this season’s League Cup or their ‘Ultras’ fans rampaging through parts of Merchant City on 18 May. He encouraged local communities to continue to agitate about the problem.
Councillor Braat said the behaviour was unacceptable. All parties had to shoulder part of the responsibility.
David Hughes said the clubs were opting out of their responsibilities. They should be made to pay for the damage and other costs incurred.
Tam said the situation was the same as the previous year when Celtic had also won the league. Lessons had not been learned.
Councillor Braat said there was a ‘spiral’ of such activity and the problem was likely to occur again next year.
Scott noted that MCTCC had issued a joint press statement with Calton Community Council, condemning the fans’ behaviour and stressing the effects on residents and businesses, and would be taking the matter further.
He quoted local residents saying police had been slow to turn up, only appearing in significant numbers after a large crowd had already gathered. The incidents had been a stain on Glasgow’s reputation; Glasgow was trying to attract tourists; this was having the opposite effect.
EM quoted a fellow resident in his block that she had been frightened that flares set off during the disturbances on 18 May could have set light to cladding.
SL asked for more CCTV cameras to be installed in the inner city. PC McFadden said public space was allocated by GCC. Councillor Millar said it cost £30,00 to install a single camera with an annual running cost of £10,000.
On another matter, the Director of the Tron Theatre had reported via email that drug peddling and use had become worse around Chisholm Street. Users were sharing entry codes for various flats. PC McFadden said he was aware of one suspected premises.
CITY CENTRE STRATEGY
Ian Elder, Project Manager, City Centre Regeneration at Glasgow City Council, gave a presentation and took questions.
The Strategy brings together Glasgow City Council (GCC) and Scottish Government plans including National Planning Framework 4 = A ‘Plan of Plans’.
Almost 50% of Scotland’s population live in or within an hour of Glasgow.
There are three pillars:
‘Magnetic Experience’ - More compelling reasons to visit, shop and enjoy the city centre. Development of the riverfront. Complete work on the quay. Recognise new patterns such as working from home. Glasgow has a fantastic cultural life which GCC needs to support.
‘Front door to innovation’ - Digital, health technology, climate science and creative industries which converge with arts, engineering and business. Glasgow manufactures more satellites than any other city in the world outside North America.
‘A place to live’ - Responsible to planet and people-inclusive. Moves to Net Zero. Double city centre population by 2035. Climate resilience, development the evening and night time economy including better transport links. ‘Connecting green places.’ Mixed localities had been shown to be more resilient post-Covid, as in New York.
Empty properties are being targeted for re-purposing. GCC is looking to use its existing powers more assertively and requesting additional powers from the Scottish Government. It is investigating more innovative ways to heat homes and office buildings.
AC said a large number of buildings in Glasgow and 20% of those in Scotland including historic buildings were off the national gas grid. How could they connect to the network? Councillor Millar replied that GCC’s strategy depended on national policy for connecting with low carbon energy sources.
Ian said GCC wanted to support communities with small scale interventions.
Tam said if it wanted to ‘green Merchant City’ why had it approved construction of 109 flats on the NCP car park in Ingram Street, a site which should become Merchant City Park (MCP)?
Almost every construction project discussed at MCTCC meetings over the past two years had been about student accommodation. MCTCC wanted more social housing.
RN asked what was happening with MCP. Scott explained that the Scottish Government Reporter gave her report to Ministers back in January and they were still considering it.
Peter said the strategy did not contain adequate provision for facilities for the elderly.
A total of 18 priority actions included the Avenues project, which would include the ‘Highlandman’s Umbrella,’ also covers George Square which Councillor Braat said should be completed in April 2027, and the stretch from Central Station along Clyde Street to the Trongate.
RN criticised that particular part of the Avenues project saying there were too many barriers to access the River Clyde and different teams were handling different segments and different remits. The strategy was not holistic. He had lodged an objection to the proposal following the recent public consultation.
Councillor Millar replied that these were covered by different funding sources.
A resident said there was a pressing need for a primary school in the MCTCC area. Councillor Millar said such funding depended on the Scottish Government.
David Hughes said more ‘swing parks’ and green spaces were needed. The situation resembled Easterhouse in the 1960s. The Plan had an absence of local leisure amenities and was flawed.
RN countered that Glasgow Green was a wonderful such amenity. Expenditure on play parks in Merchant City should not be at the expense of good quality architectural projects.
Another resident said there were many attic-type residential spaces which could be re-purposed.
Ian’s presentation slides will be sent to MCTCC and made available for all to view on the Website. ACTION: Tam
RN asked about the future of the College of Building and Printing site. Tam explained this was outside MCTCC’s area but he would liaise with Townhead Community Council. ACTION: Tam
PURPOSE-BUILT STUDENT ACCOMMODATION (PBSA)
Attendees again complained about the continuing surge in applications for Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).
Councillor Millar said GCC did not have the power to mandate certain property types. The City Council wanted a mix of residential developments. Social housing would be part of the St Enoch Centre re-development.
David Hughes said GCC’s Planning Committee has the right to grant or refuse planning permission. Townhead Community Council and other CCs were ‘disgusted and appalled’ at the high number of applications there.
Answering questions on the City Centre Strategy, Ian Elder said developers were looking for a relatively high Return on Investment of 5-6% which explained their preference for PBSAs.
RN said students were a temporary population. An indigenous population was preferable.
A resident said Glasgow City Council was focussing too much on student accommodation. IE said although students came and went there would always be students in Glasgow.
WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Councillor Millar said 3,100 parking tickets had been issued in the MCTCC area between January and April.
Scott asked if GCC was concerned at the snail’s pace progress of the Scottish Government’s Single Building Assessment Programme which is supposed to remediate dangerous cladding and timber decking to avoid another Grenfell-type disaster.
Set up in 2021, the programme had so far only completed 2 developments with work started on only 28. He had been informed that a large proportion of the buildings concerned were in Glasgow.
Councillor Braat said the problem was known at Lancefield Quay where it was causing owners problems concerning insurance and mortgaging as well as safety.
Re city centre busking Councillor Millar said GCC would publish a paper tomorrow and it would be discussed at the Council next week. Additional signage was planned to communicate the limitations. He will send the paper to MCTCC. ACTION: Councillor Millar
TD said the direction of traffic at the junction of George and Albion Streets should be changed because it was creating a hazard. This would be covered by Councillor Millar’s Walkabout with Community Councillors tomorrow.
BMcK complained about installation of air-conditioning on a building on Saltmarket which he said did not have planning permission.
NF said smells from polystyrene boxes left in pallets by a restaurant in King Street ‘resembled raw meat.’
PLANNING
Homeless Project Scotland
Councillors complained anew about the failure of Glasgow City Council officers to even respond to repeated enquiries from MCTCC about why no enforcement action had been taken on the required Change of Use application for the homeless shelter in Glassford Street. Community Councillors stressed the disturbance and annoyance to neighbouring businesses and residents including Spires Apartments and the House of Gods Hotel.
Scott quoted GCC’s policy on Planning Enforcement which the Council’s Website described as ‘high priority’ and underlined the need to ‘safeguard the amenities of neighbours.’
New applications for PBSAs
The latest such application is for 137-151 Trongate (near the British Heart Foundation charity shop).
This is for demolition of a category 'B' listed building at 137-143 Trongate and unlisted building at 145-149 Trongate and erection of a 9-storey short-stay serviced apartment building, including retention of category 'B' listed facade, ground floor retail unit and use of first and second floors of category 'B' listed building at 151 Trongate as serviced apartments
Scott noted this led through Old Wynd to two other buildings which had received planning permission for PBSAs, in effect creating a mini student campus.
Peter said the proposed tower was ‘not aesthetic.’ Since MCTCC policy is to oppose further applications for PBSA he will submit a formal objection. Closing date for objections is 7 June. ACTION: Peter
GP surgery
As part of its campaign to get the first GP surgery in Merchant City, MCTCC has submitted a Freedom of Information request to Greater Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership about the number of local residents registered with practices elsewhere, and will follow this up. ACTION: Scott
LICENSING
Peter said six applications for Short Term Lets (STL) did not seem problematic.
Scott noted that an application for an STL did not have to be refused if the apartment concerned shared a common entry. This is only one of the factors which the Licensing Committee has to consider.
MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL
To take place from 19-21 July.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Gordon reported a bank balance of £9,750.
David Hughes said he had made an application to GCC for £520 for litter pickers.
GRANT GIVING SCHEME
Scott is arranging a photoshoot for presentation of the approved £1,000 donation to Impact Arts.ACTION: Scott
Tam asked everyone for suggestions for other grants for local good causes. ACTION: ALL
FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD
Meeting to be held in City Chambers tomorrow. David Hughes said an aim was to start public tours in 2025.
SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Gary and Gordon attending this event tomorrow.
WEBSITE/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
MCTCC sub-group meeting on 10 June to create an action plan. This will include a presentation on a revamped Website.
AOCB
RN said owners in the Italian Centre had been presented with extraordinary remediation costs as it was a listed building. He asked for ideas for heritage grants. ACTION: All
He asked about the derelict site bounded by George Street, High Street and College Street. Could the owner be asked to at least tidy it up? Peter suggested the site should be protected by GCC.ACTION: Peter/Ward Councillors
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 25 June, 6.30 pm in City Chambers
NEXT MMM - Tuesday 11 June, 6 pm, iCafe
Community Council Meeting - June 2024
AGENDA
- Welcome and apologies
- Minutes Of 28 May Meeting
- Police Issues
- Presentation On Merchant City Festival
- Ward Councillors’ Reports
- Street Closures, 16 June 10k
- Planning
- Licensing
- Treasurer’s Report
- Grant Giving Scheme
- Friends Of The Ramshorn Graveyard
- Scottish Fire And Rescue Service - Public Consultation
- Website/Community Engagement
- Meeting With MSP
- Any Other Business
- Next Meetings
Joining our meeting
In person: City Chambers, Glasgow - see Meetings page for directions
Online via Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0of-2rqT0tGdZ_EYvYHVwbiefhRl5bJWSK
Meeting Minutes, 30 April 2024
Community councillors
Tam Coyle (TC), Gary Atkinson(GA), David Cowan(DC), David Hughes(DH), Ros Atkinson(RA), Colin McKay(CM), Niall McColl(NM), Alice Cowan(AC), Peter Hayman(PH)
Residents
SL, CM, EM, AC, RE,TD,DF, TM, JR,GT,RN,CS,CD,
Elected Members
Cllr Angus Millar (AM)
Ex-officio
PC Sean McFadden, Police Scotland (SF)
Apologies
Scott Thornton, Gordon Miller, Cllr Phillip Braat, Cllr Eva Bolander, EM
1. Welcome
Tam Coyle(Chair) welcomed everyone to the meeting, including several new faces.
Minutes of Meeting, 26th March 2024
The draft minutes, which had been previously circulated via email and on our website, were accepted as a true record of the meeting
Proposed by David Cowan, seconded by David Hughes.
Police Report
PC McFadden advised that indicative statistics showed there had been 53 detections in the last month, where there is sufficient evidence to report someone, and 73 ongoing inquiries.
There are ongoing issues with some licensed premises, but they are also seeing an increase in retail crime, including abusive or threatening behaviour, which is a breach of the peace. Where issues are identified with retailers, PC McFadden advised that they work with them to support them through specialist crime reduction advice, along with proactive patrolling of the affected areas, which have been identified by members of the community, residents and businesses,
The police have a patrol matrix, which is updated regularly to proactively identify places and times where they should be as there is an increased risk of crimes being committed.
CM advised that he had witnessed several drug deals in the alley between Miller St and Wilson St, and also on Miller St itself, due to the lack of camera coverage. NM also reported seeing drug taking in the Glasshouse car park stairwell on Hutcheson St. SF advised that he wouldn’t ask CM or others to collect data on the volume or timing of drug dealing; rather they should be reported to Crimestoppers or to the Police on 101.
SF advised that car parks are a continuing source of concern for them, and also demands on their time, in terms of drug use, anti-social behaviour. There have been recent meetings at a national level with the car park operators. It is a national issue, but the city centre does seem to have a high level of problems with specific car parks.
CS asked about plain clothes operations. SF advised that there is a department that covers them, in very targeted situations, where it is known that it will be effective. There is however an increased risk to the officers when they’re inplain clothes so it is not used as much.
TD asked about a resident close to him who had been removed from his property three years ago due to anti-social behaviour, but he’s now been let back into the property by the housing association. SF will raise it at the next meeting with the housing association.
DH asked if the consultation on the Stewart St closure had closed. SF advised that the consultation had closed, but they are still happy to take feedback through the community policing team, as its proposed closure is still some way off.
- GA raised the issue of the co-location of House of Gods Hotel and the Spires Aparthotel with Homeless Project Scotland on Glassford St.
Despite extensive emails to Glasgow City Council Planning Departments including the ‘Leader of the Council’ GA advised there has been no reply to his MCTCC”s emails about the planning application. Cllr Braat has advised he also asked for updates from Glasgow City Council Planning Dept, also not receiving a reply noting his regret and unsatisfactory lack of action from the Council Officers.
To our knowledge there remains no planning application lodged by the property owner, nor operator Homeless Project Scotland for change of use of the building, despite GCC advising should have been received by 31st March.
AM advised that there is still some ambiguity about the owners longer term plans for the building, but does know that the planning officers are working through the issues. GA stated that there are ongoing issues with people queuing outside the House of Gods hotel with people waiting for the soup kitchen - often extending between 20-40 person deep down Glassford St some nights. There have been confrontations with the HoG security as their patrons try to access/egress the premises.
GA received agreement from the Community Council for him to email Glasgow CEO a formal complaint from MC&T Community concerns regarding non action, lack of response and communication from Council Officers.
JR raised the issue of drug taking in the residential car park on Albion St. Despite the residents having spent thousands of pounds on security measures, they were still getting access. In addition, he’s observed people trying to steal bicycles parked in the racks on the corner of Argyle St and Glassford St. SF advised that they give as much attention to all areas as they can when they’re on patrol. Inspector Watters has recently introduced a violence reduction unit, which has been very successful, and have been deployed in the city centre.
GA raised the issue youths causing problems for passers by and rickshaw drivers around the city centre. The police are aware of the issues, and are increasing patrols around the Buchanan St and St Enoch areas.
Ward Councillors’ Reports - Angus Millar
Angus advised that Cllr Bolander is returning to full fitness and hopes to see her soon, as she is now back at work. He has made inquiries with the relevant department about the bollards on John St, as they could be used as weapons, and will respond at a future meeting. He also advised that the next date for a community councillor walkabout with the elected members is to be set - he had had a successful recent meeting with Gary the other day, and Gary thanked him for his time.
On the subject of the city centre strategy, Angus will arrange for officers to come to the May meeting to deliver a presentation on the strategy, focussing on the Merchant City and Trongate area.
Regarding busking, the city centre strategy team will bring a paper to the next available committee meeting on the outcome of the consultation, and what the next steps are. He hopes there will be a draft paper to discuss at our May meeting. Angus advised that Glasgow’s consultation was based on the approach taken by Edinburgh City Council, however Edinburgh eventually concluded that bylaws weren’t the way forward. Furthermore, the Scottish Government believe it can be addressed using existing legislation. CM will follow up, as he’s our liaison on the challenges posed by busking.
Planning
Proposal of application Notices
Reference: 24/00160/PAN Community Cnl: Merchant City & Trongate
Address: 86 - 90 Maxwell Street/40 Fox Street Glasgow
Proposal: Demolition of buildings and erection of hotel/short-stay apartments and associated ancillary development
Reference: 24/00765/PAN Community Cnl: Merchant City & Trongate
Address: Site Bounded By High Street/George Street/Nicholas Street/ Shuttle Street GlasgowProposal: Erection of purpose-built student accommodation with ground floor Class 1A with associated landscaping, amenity, access and other ancillary works.
Angus reminded us that SG10 of the city’s development plan has specific guidance on the over concentration of student accommodation, and this should always be mentioned in planning submissions.
Planning Applications 28 March to 30 April 2024
Internal alterations - 5 Bell Street Glasgow G1 1NU
Ref. No: 24/00680/LBA | Received date: Fri 08 Mar 2024 | Status: Pending - Consideration
Display of various illuminated and non-illuminated signage - Site Bounded By Trongate/ Wilson St/Brunswick St/Hutcheson Street/ Candleriggs Glasgow
Ref. No: 24/00817/ADV | Received date: Fri 22 Mar 2024 | Status: Pending - Consideration
Installation of telecommunications equipment upgrade and associated works - 30 Bell Street Glasgow
Ref. No: 24/00993/LBA | Received date: Wed 10 Apr 2024 | Status: Pending - Consideration
Display of signage. - 68 Miller Street City Centre Glasgow
Ref. No: 24/00888/ADV | Received date: Tue 02 Apr 2024 | Status: Pending - Consideration
Installation of advertising flagpoles (2no) and canopy (1no) and vinyl to front of premises. - 18 Montrose Street Glasgow G1 1RE
Ref. No: 24/00214/ADV | Received date: Tue 30 Jan 2024 | Status: Pending - Consideration
Installation of plant to roof - 208 Ingram Street Glasgow G1 1DG[ ](https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/centralDistribution.do?caseType=Application&keyVal=SBO6OLEXHUL00
Ref. No: 24/00975/FUL | Received date: Tue 09 Apr 2024 | Status: Pending - Consideration
External alterations to listed building - installation of plant - 208 Ingram Street Glasgow G1 1DG
Ref. No: 24/00976/LBA | Received date: Tue 09 Apr 2024 | Status: Pending - Consideration | Case Type: Planning Application
Questions on Planning matters
TD asked if there had been any application made relating to 103 Hutcheson St, as they are expecting to start work on the roof soon, as soon as the application is approved - there will be scaffolding on Garth St and part of Glassford St. He will follow up with the building’s factors.
RN asked about the gap site on Ingram St. Peter advised that this was the proposed site of the Merchant City Park. The planning authority had given permission for 109 flats to be built in February 2023, but the application was called in by the Scottish Government over a year ago. We are still awaiting the report from the official reporter, before deciding on the next steps. DH had written the original business plan for the MCP project, but that would need to be updated, if the application was finally rejected by the reporter.
There was some discussion about the existing noise from the Old Fruitmarket, and the consenus was that there was no way the proposed flats could be sufficiently soundproofed. CS pointed out that he can hear the bass from Brunswick St, in the form of heavy vibrations.
TM asked about planning requirements for an air conditioning unit, as one of the retail units on Saltmarket has installed one without any permission. He’s asked Cllr Braat to investigate, but Tam agreed to follow up as well. It was confirmed that planning permission is required for an air-conditioning unit.
GA raised the ongoing issues with Airbnb, and the number of short term lets being used for that purpose. It is still the case that properties in shared closes will not get planning permission, and that to use a flat as a short term let it needs a licence, which needs planning permission. GA mentioned that he’s made several objections, but has heard nothing back. Angus will confirm what the correct process is. Ultimately, those impacted need to make a planning enforcement complaint in order for the planning team to take action.
Licensing
Only item to report was the proposed conversion of what was Doner Haus/Airpostel on Bell St to a restaurant showing live sports. Mairi Miller from GCC has previously advised Tam that because there was a historic licence, the Licensing Board has no obligation to advise MCTCC of changes of venue.
Friends of Ramshorn
DH recently took part in the Necropolis tour, which is very well organised; they have health and safety briefings, the volunteers wear uniform, and so on. He is planning a meeting of Friends of Ramshorn on 29 May. DF has agreed to work on the Friends’ website.
Litter Pick
The litter pick took place on 13 April. There were 20 volunteers on the day, who between them collected 30 bags of refuse. The team were assisted by G3 Litter Free and by Glasgow City Council. DH hopes to do a litter pick quarterly, starting in late summer, but stated that this would require the purchase of our own Litter Picking equipment. GA stated that this could be done with DG Funding. It was agreed to submit a DGF application. NM suggested that we approach GCC to get a litter collecting hub in the area. Angus advised there is no specific budget, but could apply to the Community Council discretionary fund, or to the Area Partnership.
Any other Business
JR suggested that the money for the mural on the Social Hub Wall should come from the developers, rather than being supported by GCC Council Tax payers. RWS advised him, and everyone else, to make their opinions known by completing the survey.
DF raised the issue that the initial emails sent about the mural consultation events did not contain times. GA explained that this was because when the first set of leaflets were produced, they did not have the details
JR raised an issue about the poor condition of the paving stones on Candleriggs, along with the fact that some been spray painted as part of a maintenance process, making the streetscape unsightly. He also raised the issue about cars parking in the cycle lane on King Street, despite the presence of raised segregation. He suggested that the segregation should be made higher; however, Angus advised that these are a standard height, to match the kerbs elsewhere.
RN asked about the plans for the remaining blocks on Wilson St. Outline planning permission was given originally, but the market has changed since then. Drum (the developer) is currently waiting to see how the first phase settles in before making plans for the remainder of the site; however, they would need to bring forward detailed plans and get planning permission before they could proceed. EM pointed out that the Drum website still has a video showing all the proposals. Tam reiterated that the rest of the project is on hold, and when/if that changes, MCTCC will publicise it and comment in the usual way.
CM asked about blocked drains on King St, as it makes the cycle lane unusable. Angus advised that the council tend to be reactive rather than proactive, but he will follow up.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 28th May 2024 at 6.30pm
Community Council Meeting - May 2024
Agenda
- Minutes Of 30 April Meeting
- Police Report
- City Centre Strategy presentation
- Ward Councillors’ Reports
- Planning
- Licensing
- Treasurer’s Report
- Grant Giving Scheme
- White Wall Mural, Social Hub Building
- Friends Of The Ramshorn Graveyard
- Scottish Fire And Rescue Service Public Consultation
- Website/Community Engagement
Next Meeting: Tuesday 25 June, 6.30 Pm In City Chambers
Joining our meeting
In person: City Chambers, Glasgow - see Meetings page for directions
Online via Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0of-2rqT0tGdZ_EYvYHVwbiefhRl5bJWSK
Meeting Minutes, 26 March 2024
Attendees:
Community Council Members-Gary Atkinson GA, David Cowan DC, Peter Hayman PH, David Hughes DH, Gordon Millar GM, Colin McKay CMc, Rosalind Wardley-Smith RWS
.Attended Online Alice Cowan.
Residents TD, DF, TK, BL and CS.
Elected Representatives - Cllr Philip Braat and Cllr Angus Millar
Apologies: Tam Coyle, Scott Thornton, Niall McColl, Cllr Eva Bolander, PC Sean McFadden
1. Welcome by the Chair
Gary Atkinson welcomed everyone to the March meeting.
2. Minutes of the last meeting (Tuesday 27th February)
The Minutes were proposed as a true representation of the meeting by David Hughes, seconded by David Cowan. Adopted.
3. Police Report
PC Yibram Yousak and PC Angela Stephen deputised for PC Sean McFadden who provided a monthly report including statistics and update on new Scotland ‘Hate Crime & Public Order Act’ in force from 1st April
Statistics - 24th Feb–23rd Mar 2024 - A total of 124 crimes were reported, 66 detected, 58 undetected.
Increase of assaults on police officers reported in Merchant City area, and shoplifting thefts continue to be very prevalent across city and Scotland.
Training exercise 13th March - over 100 emergency personnel (Police, Ambulance, Coastguard, RNLI and Fire & Rescue) involved in a pre-planned scenario at Albert Bridge, River Clyde, Glasgow Green, to test readiness in responding to a realistic incident involving casualties.
Police Scotland continue to work with communities, people, businesses, and other partner organisations to reduce crime and anti-social behavior. Drug misuse incidents within the close of 107 Ingram Street.
Action: Police Scotland looking to complete a Crime Prevention Survey to establish what exactly can be done to prevent such issues at this address. Increased incidents reported on Ingram Street which will be targeted by ‘plain cloths’ and uniformed police activity.
Main focus on engagement to address criminality is through public health approach – 3 main strands are poverty, mental health and drug abuse.
Formal consultation on the Police Scotland Estates Strategy, involving Stewart Street Police Station now closed, comments can still be shared through community police team.
New annual 2024-25 Policing Strategy plan has been presented by new Chief Constable Jo Farrell to Scottish Police Authority on 21st March, which further strengthens Community Policing Model – link below for interested parties.
Questions from the floor
Q: DF and B shared had witnessed regular drug activity within Brunswick Street Courtyard. Reported disturbing noise at 2am each night near to Blackfriars Court. Also witnessed during a Saturday too. Other residents reported the same issue. Users braking security through underground car park. Residents have been threatened by drug users doing deals and using. May be regular dealers and users in this area.
Increased activity referenced in Glassford Street, Saltmarket area, rear of Ramshorn and High Street with reported with drug paraphernalia left lying around making areas unsafe.
Action: (Police Scotland)PC Yousak will liaise with PC McFadden with a view to increase targeted monitoring of these areas and will seek proposed additional activity to combat such increased activity.
Action: (Police Scotland) Police Scotland to review public CCTV camera located at corner of High Street for any relevant footage
Action: (GA) MCTCC to arrange separate follow meeting with PC McFadden on 9th April.
(quarterly meeting with Insp Watters scheduled for early May)
Action: (ALL) Police are actively involved and further remind residents to continue reporting calling 101
Cllr Braat – asked specifically about Glassford Street given recent Homeless facility in use.
Action: (Police Scotland) Requires focused action as received comments re increased drug needles left discarded and further reports of people being ‘unwell’ (physically vomiting next to adjacent business entrances)
Action: (Police Scotland) Police Scotland to report such actions and comment to GCC Planning Dept.
Cllr Braat asked for update on e-bike riders in City Centre. Witnessed cyclists driving/riding roads and pavements in wrong direction.
GA shared recent live example of Deliveroo driver in England assaulting a customer upon delivery resulting in customers Thumb being bitten off. No right of recompense as Deliveroo state rider is not an employee, nor does the rider herself have insurance, so left with reattached thumb, but unable to carry out his profession as a plumber.
BL shared similar incident occurred in Glasgow too.
Action: (MCTCC) to continue lobbying Local, Scottish and UK Government for a Registration Scheme with Registration number printed on each rider carry bag. Keep on ‘latent MCTCC Agenda’
Action: Cllr Miller shared concern on Glassford Street, as spoken with local businesses affected by issues on Glassford Street and the current homeless and drug activity.
GA shared recent written complaint and adverse actions from owner of Spires Apartments
Action: Complaint will be shared with Insp Watters having tabled said report at meeting.
GA & ST shared attended consultation on the proposed Collegelands development (other side of railway line/Aldi) and Police Scotland reported huge drug activity and prostitution in that area which may be encroaching on to High Street and beyond.
Homeless Project Scotland – GA advised received communication from GCC emphasizing owners have been requested to raise a retrospective planning application for change of use by end of March.
Action: (MCTCC) Cllr Miller confirmed communication and will be following update on Planning process in April and then we can assess what future actions to be taken.
RWS / Cristian - raised recent activity on corner and walkway up Glassford Street, and been approached by homeless people looking for donations.
Action: RWS to liaise with M&S to seek thoughts and their comment.
CCTV - PC Yousak advised City Centre CCTV was not manned 24hrs a day now, outside of 3pm–3am, cameras will be left recording but in fixed positions.
4. Ward Councillor Reports
Cllr Angus Millar
PC Angela Stephen raised issue of increased graffiti in the area and across the city. Cllr Miller shared discussion raised with Area Partnership Meeting previous week acknowledging the huge spike of activity since Covid reopening. Police have agreed to liaise with GCC and look to work with youth associations to focus diversion of areas, with new projects targeted areas for such creativity.
Candleriggs – installation of pavement bollards now completed. GA thanked both Councilors for their support in this action been completed along with gully cleaning and replacement of broken road setts.
Glasgow Film Office meeting – producing a ‘Code of Practice’ for filming within the city centre. GFO will be contacting Community Councils to consult for compilation of report.
Action: (MCTCC) to reach out to GFO and collaborate on said Code of Practice.
Cllr Philip Braat
Cllr Braat referenced recent communication from Police Scotland regarding Facial Recognition Cameras.
Action: MCTCC will follow up with Insp Watters
Graffiti – was raised and was a large part of the Area Partnership Meeting. Lise Fisher in attendance and explained restrictions of dealing with non-council owned properties. DF shared graffiti in his area, including rubbish bins.
Action: (ALL) – please report each incident with Council via ‘App’/Online.
DF asked if allowed to remove graffiti himself, and advised seek agreement from building owner. Cllr Braat shared example of a utility building owner not allowing GCC to clean.
GFO – Include who/how/what ‘enforcement’ would look like to ‘safeguard’ residents daily way of life.
Potential Road Closure of Brunswick Street – GA thanked Cllr Braat for his assistance in identifying who was responsible for repaving the road in conjunction of the Social Hub Hotel opening.
Quoted by Ben McLeod, GM at The Social Hub - a great positive example of community working together.
Questions from the floor
Q: GA raised concern from residents regarding GCC recent announcement of proposed new parking chargeable hours.
A: Cllr Millar shared he had raised such comments with his colleagues, advising proposals were not due to start till sometime during 2025, not as misreported April 24. Following a recent GCC meeting, it was agreed further discussion and consultation to review city-centre proposals following recent comments from business and residents. Action: (Cllr Millar/MCTCC) to keep discussion point on ‘latent MCTCC Agenda’.
Q: GA asked for update on City Centre post Covid Taskforce activity.
A: Cllr Millar shared City Centre Strategy had been adopted by GCC previous week, and available to view online. The taskforce will now have a revised structure sharing data with Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, with Cllr Millar remaining Co-Chair, with the main Taskforce including 4 Sub Groups for City Centre focusing on engagement to tackle tangible issues.
City Operations (ie cleansing, road issues etc)
Night time economy
Transport (working with transport partners re night time issues, and people’s attitudes to city centre)
Development
DH requested if possible for dedicate some time at a future Meeting for Cllr Miller to present the City Centre Strategy. Cllr Millar proposed he and I meet to review and structure such a presentation as in it’s current format would take a lot of time to present. Action: (GA) MCTCC to arrange mutually convenient date to meet Cllr Millar.
Q: CMc asked for update on Busking Code of Conduct
A: Cllr Millar confirmed ‘paper’ remained in progress but nothing to report as yet. Action:(MCTCC) to keep on ‘latent MCTCC Agenda’.
Q: Cristian raised Car Parking proposals to acknowledge ‘people’ working and attending theatre.
RWS outlined residents don’t always have parking nor parking permits. Also consideration to be given on Electric Charging Points within parking areas.
Q: Is there any Data that could be shared with MCTCC?
Action: (Cllr Millar) Cllr Millar shared GCC Planning guidance outlines new developments should market new flats/accommodation as non-car parking. Such items will be raised at further Parking discussions.
Action: Cllr Millar also agreed to share Data Deck from partner Glasgow Chamber of Commerce once revised.
Q: Tommy - Stainless steel bollards on John Street in a dangerous repair – could be used as a weapon.
A: Action: Cllr Millar agreed to take action forward
Q: GA – could planting plan include protection on corner of Ingram/High Street (Sapporo Restaurant)
A: Action: Cllr Millar to review on City Centre Greenery Location Plans.
5. Planning
Peter Hayman circulated a list of planning applications that affected the MCTCC area. Outlined concern over proposed Student Accommodation at 50 Argyle Street (old bank building which currently Café Nero occupies)
6. Licensing
GA confirmed attendance at recent Greater Glasgow Licensing Forum, raising concern of the City Centre CCTV not being manned between 3am and 3pm, especially when Licensing Terminal Hours have been extended, more so those venues within the late night economy terminal hours of 3am and 4am. Major risk of serious injury/assault not been aided by active CCTV for police usage, which also may result major reputational damage should a serious adverse incident occurs.
Cllr Millar outlined these changes occurred last year, thought CCTV was covered from 4-4, but heard it’s actually 3-3. Cllr Millar outlined shift pattern can be amended should Police Scotland request by agreement from both GCC and Police Scotland.
Action: (MCTCC) to discuss with Inspector Watters at next quarterly meeting.
7. Merchant City Park
No updates recorded, still awaiting Reporter recommendation.
8. White Wall for Street Art
GA, TC, RWS met representatives from SWG3 Street Art Team and The Social Hub to take a potential Street Art installation on the gable end wall on the new Social Hub building.
Ongoing discussions are underway to seek financial grant support from the Glasgow Mural Trail, Area Partnership budget. Agreement reached with Social Hub building owner, for a potential new mural installation. Consultation will commence in April, and fundraising is underway. SWG3 to speak with 3 potential artists for initial sketches ideas to share with the project partners.
Action: (MCTCC) Cllr Millar suggested we contact City Centre Regeneration Team for advice and support as they oversee the City Centre Mural Trail.
9. Litter Pick – Saturday 13th April
Meet at Ramshorn Graveyard.**
DH overseeing this project, MCTCC will participate in the City Annual Litter Pick, which will be on Saturday 13th April 2024. Separate details and actions will be communicated to all and wider audience to seek attendees to get involved.
10. Treasurer’s Report
GM, Treasurer reported receipt of £500 from latest film company, giving a current balance of £10,200 inclusive of £2700 community grants awaiting confirmation.
New MCTCC Bank Account with RBS has now been set up, and agreed signatures provided to the bank.
11. Grant Giving Scheme
Date agreed to meet Impact Arts on Wednesday 3rd April – (DH & GA)
12. Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard
DH met with Deputy Chair of the Glasgow Necropolis, who undertake 35 tours along with bespoke tours this year. DH would like to target a date next year for tours of Ramshorn Graveyard with much work to undertake prior to a start date. Action: DH will be preparing an Action Plan which will be presented to the Ramshorn Group.
13. Area Partnership / Website Upgrade
DH gave a short overview on Area Partnership Meeting discussion points. Also highlighted a potential Area Partnership Discretionary grant fund application for website development.
Action: Agreement granted by MCTCC for DH to progress application. Proposed by DH, seconded by DC & RWS.
14. AoCB
PH shared Cycle Route from south city way is still incomplete, so unable to update – will defer to MMM.
No other AoCB raised, therefore Chair thanked everyone for attending and meeting closed 2020hrs
Date of next meeting:
Tuesday 30th April 2024 at 6:30pm
Community Council Meeting - April 2024
Agenda
- Welcome and Apologies
- Meeting Minutes, 26 March 2024
- Police Matters
- Ward Councillors' Reports
- Planning
- Licensing
- Treasurer's Report
- Grant Giving Scheme
- Website
- Litter Pick
- Any other business
Joining our meeting
In person: City Chambers, Glasgow - see Meetings page for directions
Online via Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0of-2rqT0tGdZ_EYvYHVwbiefhRl5bJWSK
Community Council Meeting - March 2024
- Welcome and Apologies
- Minutes Of Main Meeting Held On 27 February 2024
- Police Issues
- Ward Councillors’ Reports
- Planning
- Licensing
- Drugs
- Busking
- White Wall Street Art, Social Hub building
- Litter Pick
- Treasurer’s Report
- Grant Giving Scheme
- Friends Of The Ramshorn Graveyard
- Website
- Any Other Business
Joining Instructions
In person: City Chambers, Glasgow - see Meetings page for directions
Online via Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0of-2rqT0tGdZ_EYvYHVwbiefhRl5bJWSK
Meeting Minutes, 27 February 2024
27 February 2024 in Glasgow City Chambers from 6.30 pm
Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Colin McKay, Gordon Millar, Scott Thornton, AA, BMB, TD, BL, IL, TMcK, EM, KM, CS, WW
Attended on video link: Alice Cowan, Rosalind Wardley-Smith, YE, EM
Apologies: Ward Councillors Philip Braat and Angus Millar, Gary Atkinson, PC Sean McFadden, PS, EW
1. MINUTES OF MEETING ON 30 JANUARY 2024
These had been circulated. Thanks were extended to David Cowan for taking them. Adoption proposed by Scott, seconded by David Hughes. Carried.
2. PRESENTATION BY THE SIMON COMMUNITY SCOTLAND (SCS)
Murray Easton, Head of Fundraising and Communications, gave a presentation on the Simon Community’s work with the homeless.
He explained there is a housing emergency and lack of accommodation. The organisation’s resources are stretched to the brink.
It started in Glasgow in 1966 and has supported 9,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It has a central access hub in Argyle Street.
SCS has 300 staff and volunteers with services including street teams, help lines, legal and debt advice, and health and well being services. Much of the emphasis is on homelessness prevention and it works with a variety of partner organisations.
It will soon open a dedicated centre for women in London Road near Barrowlands.
Over 700 supports a week are provided from the Argyle Street hub. Typically 40 people in Glasgow are sleeping rough each night, many. Many homeless people have complex needs. Some live in temporary accommodation for months or even years.
Glasgow has around 1,400 people living in emergency and temporary accommodation.
In answer to a question from David Hughes re funding Murray said this included a contract from Glasgow City Council. Much was donated by charities or individuals.
Scott said police had reported many rough sleepers declining the offer of accommodation. Murray said that in bad weather, such as had been experienced recently, no one chose to sleep rough.
Scott asked if a policy of concentrating homeless people in certain hotels could lead to them becoming a focal point for drug pushers. Murray said many homeless people use drugs because of traumas they had faced in their personal lives. Drugs were often a coping mechanism. SCS’s aims included harm reduction.
EM asked about partner organisations such as the Marie Trust. Murray said the Simon Community specialised in front line support, often in cases of dire emergency. Other organisations such as the Marie Trust had different specialities such as providing meals.
David Hughes asked about SCS’ ambition. Murray said it was always trying to help more people and asking itself what additional services it could introduce? An example was the new women’s hub, a safe space to be launched in May.
Murray said the Simon Community did not work with Homeless Project Scotland and was aware of the problems it caused (See below).
3. HOMELESS PROJECT SCOTLAND (HPS)
It was noted that this centre in Glassford Street was continuing to operate without appropriate authorisations.
GCC has advised MCTCC that HPS would have to submit a retrospective planning application for Change of Use for the building. Scott said there was no evidence that it intended to do so and will take this up with Ward Councillors.ACTION: Scott
4. WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Several residents had contacted MCTCC before the meeting about Glasgow City Council’s raising of parking charges and extending them to 10 pm in the city centre, asking for their complaints to be put to Ward Councillors.
However, unprecedently in recent years, no Ward Councillors were present at the meeting.
One said her theatre might find this ‘the last straw’ as audiences were mostly post-6pm. She had only heard about the move third hand.
Another local resident said the move ‘will pose a major change to the ability to park in the area after work.’
Residents in any building constructed after 2000 are not eligible for a parking permit. If the law was being changed to Mon-Sun, 8 am to 10 pm he would be unable to park anywhere in the city centre or qualify for a permit. The combination of the LEZ and increased parking charges across the city whilst simultaneously reducing public transport services would discourage people from visiting.
In the absence of Ward Councillors, Scott as MCTCC Secretary will forward to them the gist of these complaints. ACTION: Scott
Niall said parking spaces allocated to new housing developments were inadequate. The Council were trying to force car owners out of the city centre.
Gordon said changes at the junction of Stockwell Street, Briggait and Clyde were having the unintended consequence of hampering emergency services.
A local resident had contacted MCTCC before the meeting to complain about noise from metal grinding and drilling from the Graham Building site opposite her flat in Merchant City Tower in Bell Street. This started at 6 pm and could go on until 11 pm, usually Tuesday to Thursday.
Tam reported this had been referred to Ward Councillors and GCC’s noise reduction section was investigating. There should be no construction noise after 7 pm on weekdays, only between 9 and 1 on Saturdays and none at all on Sundays. Tam will follow up with Ward Councillors.
David Hughes suggested the problem may be caused by a garage in the yard. ACTION: Tam
KM raised the issue of graffiti which she said was becoming worse. Tam agreed and said this was a recurring subject at MCTCC meetings.
She added that road potholes were a disgrace. Scott noted that a recent report by Fixmystreet had led to a national newspaper describing Glasgow as ‘The pothole capital of Britain.’ The city has said to have a rut for every 100 residents. Fewer than third of potholes had been repaired.
Pete said bins in the Todd Building had eventually been emptied but had now disappeared. Tam will take this up with Peter and Councillor Braat. ACTION: Tam
Peter said he and Gary would be taking part in a consultation tomorrow on GCC’s active travel network scheme. The Council’s aim was to reduce traffic by 30%. Cars often clogged up the streets and an alternative transport strategy was needed.
Following the meeting local businessmen discussed with Tam and Scott difficulties in their attempt to expand their restaurant in Saltmarket. Scott will contact their landlord City Property Ltd in the first instance. ACTION: Scott
5. DRUGS
GCC is finalising its evaluation of the safe needle bin pilot scheme in New Wynd. During the pilot period around 5,000 needles and drug paraphernalia had been collected. Tam will follow this up with Lise Fisher. ACTION: Tam
Management of the ‘Complex Needs drop-in’ service has confirmed that its new office in Bell Street would be principally a citywide outreach service with staff (who would move from the proposed Safe Drug Consumption Centre in Hunter Street) going out to visit people where they reside.
6. PLANNING
Recent applications have been posted on the Community Council’s Website.
Community Councillors will visit the presentation tomorrow on the proposed hotel in Maxwell Street/Fox Street, now confirmed as potentially a Radisson hotel with serviced apartments.
A planning application has been submitted to amalgamate several retail units on the first floor of the St Enoch Centre to create an ‘Escape Hunt’ attraction.
A planning application for a second Purpose Built Student Accommodation building in Osborne Street, this time on the former TK Hughes site, submitted by Dominus developments, has been approved by GCC. MCTCC had objected to this on the grounds inter alia of over provision of student accommodation and lack of housing diversity.
‘White wall street art,’ Brunswick Street (proposed mural on gable of the Social Hub building) - The Area Partnership is being approached for funding (budget of £59,000). Tam said the selected project should be agreed, chosen and commissioned by MCTCC.
7. LICENSING
Around 60 applications for extensions to 1 am have been submitted by licensed premises. The market will determine how many are commercially viable.
One company has submitted four applications for secondary lettings in Albion, Maxwell and Hutcheson Streets. Scott is in touch with GCC about whether all such applications would automatically be refused if the property has a shared common entrance. ACTION: Scott
8. TREASURER’S REPORT
Gordon, as the new Treasurer, is transferring MCTCC’s account to RBS and arranging registration of cheque signatories. He reported that we currently have £9,600 in the bank. Reimbursement to Niall for annual renewal of our Zoom licence needs to be made. ACTION: Gordon
9. GRANT GIVING SCHEME
Niall and David Hughes are liaising about a meeting with Impact Arts to establish the relevance of its application for funding for those living in the MTCC area. ACTION: David Hughes/Niall
10. FILMING
Scott has met the location manager for the new Sky TV series Flight 103, starring Colin Firth, due to film in and around City Chambers and Cochrane Street at the end of February/start of March, and has requested a contribution from the film company to our Grant Giving Scheme. He will follow up.ACTION: Scott
11. WEBSITE
Possible funding from the Area Partnership?ACTION: Gary/David Hughes
Niall is checking another possible funding opportunity.ACTION: Niall
12. FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD
David Hughes, Treasurer, reported that efforts will be made to return the gates’ closure to the previous time of 8 pm. They were currently being closed at 4.30. ACTION: David Hughes
13. EARLY MORNING BIN NOISE
Scott said anyone who experienced bin lorries making an unacceptable noise before 7 am should contact him at [email protected]. However, there is apparently no law to stop this.
14. CONGRATULATIONS TO MSP KAUKAB STEWART
MCTCC has written to Kaukab, congratulating her on her appointment as Scottish Minister for Europe, Culture and International Development. It was noted that her roles as Culture Minister include responsibility for music venues such as the City Halls and Old Fruitmarket. MCTCC has argued that their future could be at risk if approval is granted to build 109 flats adjacent to the venues.
Tam noted that it was exactly a year ago since GCC’s Planning Applications Committee (on the casting vote of the Chair) approved the project but this was subsequently ‘called in’ by the Scottish Government which has appointed a Reporter to investigate and make her recommendation.
Scott and Gary are meeting Kaukab and MP Alison Thewliss on 15 March. Anyone with an issue to raise should contact our representatives in advance. ACTION: All
15. POLICE ISSUES
PC McFadden apologised for his absence but submitted a written report.
This included the following statistics for the MCTCC area for the period from 31 January to 23 February:
Crimes reported - 58
Detected - 26
Undetected - 32
It was noted that the percentage of detected crimes was markedly lower than in recent months.
Deadline for comments on the proposed closure of Stewart Street police station is 13 March. The following would be transferred to the Baird Street station: Response, community policing, divisional management team and CID.
Scott said it was odd that Stewart Street was on the list of seven police offices in Greater Glasgow earmarked for closure since front counter usage was designated as ‘High.’ However, Community Councillors realised this station was in a poor state of repair.
David Hughes said the money saved would be better spent on more police on the beat.
Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed closure can do so before the deadline via https://consult.scotland.police.uk/estates/e961dc46/
MCTCC’s Chair and the two Vice-Chairs meet senior police officers and community police every couple of months. Anyone wanting to raise issues for discussion at these meetings should contact Tam. ACTION: All
Next meeting: Tuesday 26 March, City Chambers from 6.30 pm
Meeting Minutes, 30 January 2024
Glasgow City Chambers & Online Conference*
Tuesday 30th January 2024, at 6:30pm
Community Councillors: Gary Atkinson, David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Colin McKay, Niall McColl, Scott Thornton, Rosalind Wardley-Smith
Residents: KB, DF, SH, TMcK, PS
Elected Representatives: Cllrs Philip Braat and Angus Millar
Ex-Officio: PC Sean McFadden.
Attended Online (via Zoom): Tam Coyle (Chair), Alice Cowan, EM, NM, AC and RE.
1. Welcome by the Chair - Tam welcomed everyone in person and online to our first meeting of 2024.
Apologies: Gordon Millar and Cllr Eva Bolander.
2. Minutes of the last meeting(28 November 2023)
The minutes were proposed as a true representation of the meeting by Niall McColl and seconded by David Hughes. Adopted.
3. Police Report
From 1-23 December 2023, within the MCTCC area, police recorded 143 crimes wth 116 detected and 27 undetected. For January 2024 the figures were respectively 143, 117 and 26.
(Detected means a suspect has been or will be charged; undetected means police may have a suspect but enquiries are ongoing. Police statistics are indicative only and should not be taken as an absolute measure of crime and are subject to analysis)
~Police Station Closures~
A public consultation, running to December 2024, has opened on possible closures of police stations in Scotland. PC McFadden encouraged MCTCC to submit a joint response. As Stewart Street Police station in Cowcaddens is in Tier 3 of the considered closures, it is less likely to be closed but that is not guaranteed. More information is on ~https://consult.scotland.police.uk/consultation/estates/~
~Homeless Project Scotland~ (HPS)
Shortly before Christmas HPS started operating a homeless centre and night shelter at 67 Glassford Street but has not applied for planning permission. Cllr Braat reported the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have attended several times in relation to fire safety. Cllr Millar reported that the police have been engaging with the project and that SFRS are satisfied with compliance with the regulations and not looking to intervene. It is understood there have been no structural changes to the building.
Cllr Millar understood the concern that these premises were opened without notification or due process. He explained that planning enforcement is by definition retroactive. If a breach of planning permission is suspected the first step by HPS would be to apply for a Change of Use.
Tam reported that an email from GCC arrived today declining responsibility for some safety aspects of the premises. Police have been contacted and remain in communication with the homeless centre’s management. HPS have apparently responded to fire safety protocols requested by SFRS.
~Incident responses~
A resident reported people attempted to set up a ‘squat’ in part of the square at Brunswick Street. PC McFadden advised him to call 101 in future and 999 if there was an immediate threat. This have been 3 incidents in 130 Clyde St this week. Tam advised there is also an email address and Contact Us section on Police Scotland's Website.
There have been reports of drugs misuse in the Briggait area and also at the junction of Wilson and Virginia Streets. It was reported that 3 different close doors were breached in Clyde Street in the previous weeks. Police were notified.
4. Ward Councillors’ Reports
Cllr Angus Millar -
He suggested that MCTCC might request a presentation from the Health and Social Care Partnership on the range of work they undertake with homeless organisations. They are supported by GCC and have staff and volunteers. Tam noted that the Simon Community is due to give a presentation to MCTCC next month.
A planning application is expected for a hotel on Maxwell Street. A first public consultation will be held at Granite House, Stockwell Street on Wednesday 28th February (3-7 pm).
Another walkabout survey is planned for February.
‘Active Travel’ road works are taking place in Clyde Street to extend the South Cycle Way on to King Street.
Cllr Philip Braat –
He urged people to respond individually to the Police Estate’s consultation mentioned
above. He believes people should support the continued operation of the Stewart St Police station since Glasgow is one of the busiest cities in the UK, particularly because of the frequency of major events held here.
He was contacted recently regarding a trip hazard on Candleriggs. A temporary repair is scheduled to be carried out this weekend.
The GOMA library facilities will be closed on Friday 16 February for updated library software and staff training.
He has received several reports of missed bin collections which has been a issue over the festive period. Overtime has been available to the department for domestic waste uplift.
~Questions~
A resident enquired about bin lorries parking on the pavements, thereby causing damage to the paving for pedestrians. It was discussed that they must do this to maintain traffic flow whilst emptying the bins. Locations include Ingram and Fox Streets.
TMcK reported a build-up of water in streets, possibly due to blocked drains outside The Old Ship Bank public house at 164 Saltmarket and at 52 in the Calton. Peter Hayman reported that food waste bins were not being emptied. Cllr Braat will make enquiries about this. Cllr Millar explained there was a need to clear the backlog of recycling bins and other waste first following the festive period.
A resident enquired about the replacement of the bins at South Brunswick Street that have changed from having a ‘letterbox’ type entrance to one with bottle sized circular entrances. These are not sufficient for the area as it is a busy street. There is now a build-up of rubbish. The street requires at least one normal-sized bin.
PS reported fridges and a dishwasher on a pavement in Parnie Street. Cllr Millar will follow this up but noted there is a GCC phone number and Website section to request bulk uplifts.
Scott Thornton enquired how many GCC employees were still working from home. Cllr Millar said this would vary for each department. He was aware some call centre staff are working from home but attend the office for certain matters.
David Cowan enquired if the GCC Finance office at John Street might re-open as there is real difficulty in contacting the Council Tax department. Emails take around a month to get a response.
Cllr Millar confirmed there are no plans to reopen services at the City Chambers and residents must go online. He said they can make an appointment to attend. There were two other methods available which require requesting a ‘callback’ from a member of staff, which can take 3 weeks, or emailing them which also has a response time of approximately 3 weeks.
5. Safe Needle Bin Pilot Scheme
The pilot scheme for the safe needle disposable bin in New Wynd ended on 28th November. Tam has not had a reply from an email sent in early December regarding this and will chase it up again.
6. ‘Complex Needs Drop-in Centre’ – Bell St
MCTCC spotted a planning application in December and arranged a meeting on 18 December with Jim McBride and Kelda Gaffney. They were informed the centre would be an outreach centre for staff relocated from Hunter Street. This is to make room for the planned new safe consumption room facilities, much in news headlines. Scott Thornton wrote to them two weeks ago, asking them to confirm our understanding but has not received a reply. Cllr Millar has requested a meeting with Mr McBride but has not had a response.
7. Planning and Licensing
Peter Hayman distributed the list of planning applications for our area to MCTCC members prior to the meeting. Scott has lodged the Community Council’s objection to the application for student accommodation on Osborne Street/Old Wynd Lane adjacent to the recently approved application for a similar new build for the same purpose. The objection mentioned over provision of student accommodation in the city centre and lack of housing diversity.
Dominus, the developer, said in their application that within 5 years of this building being completed it is possible that 30% of residents in the vicinity would be students.
Peter Hayman said it was ironic the application mentioned that among the reasons students were attracted to Glasgow was the city’s architectural heritage, yet proposed student accommodation buildings were uniform with little or no architectural merit.
A planning application has been submitted for an Afro-Caribbean supermarket on Howard Street in the former Corrigans’ fishmonger’s store.
~Licensing - Short term applications~
Tam forwarded all licenses applications to members for our area prior to the meeting.
The licensing department has been busy since the change of legislation last August.
Dreamworks Ltd have submitted 6 applications for two blocks of flats in Ingram Street.
Cllr Millar noted they cannot be granted planning permission if the flats share a common close.
AC noted that the majority of standard title deeds would allow for legal action against a business operating from the building. This may require locating the advert for the business or short term let.
Scott will lodge an objection on behalf of MCTCC and advised that individual objections should be made quickly.
8. Public Consultation on Busking
Tam reported a particularly loud busker playing at 9.30am last Monday outside the defunct Debenhams shop. He was asked to reduce the volume but did so only temporarily.
Cllr Millar read out the feedback from last year's Consultation. There is no decision on the next steps.
Over 2,700 responses were received and were still being analysed. Initial findings are that most of the responses expressed the view that the public enjoy the entertainment and find it contributes positively to the vibrancy in the city centre.
However, a significant number noted that the high volume was distracting or a nuisance. They believed the busking code of conduct should be enforced more, especially at certain locations and times, day and night.
Edinburgh City Council are also undergoing a consultation on busking which may lead to a request to transfer powers of enforcement of regulations.
9. White Wall for Street Art
Gary Atkinson and Tam Coyle met representatives from SWG3 Street Art Team and The Social Hub to create a potential Street Art installation on the gable end wall on the new Social Hub building.
Discussions are underway to seek financial grant support from the Glasgow Mural Trail, Area Partnership budget. There is an agreement between the Social Hub building owner to use his wall for a new mural. Fundraising is underway for this start-up project to allow SWG3 to speak with 3 potential artists for initial sketch ideas to share with project partners.
10. Trongate/Glasgow Cross Central Reservation Paving
Many months on from when the problem was reported GCC are still awaiting slabs that have been ordered. Cllrs Millar and Braat will look into this.
11. Early Morning Noise from Bin Lorries
Scott reported he had been awoken by recycling bin lorries as early as 5.45 am. There is apparently no law regarding what time bin lorries can collect domestic waste.
12. Merchant City Park
David Hughes confirmed that the Community Council continues to await the decision of the Scottish Government Minister on the Ingram Street planning application once he receives the Reporter’s findings.
13. MCTCC Website Upgrade
Niall McColl has researched grants to improve our website to allow for audio and video but no suitable funding is currently available. The estimated cost of £3,000 might be outside our current budget since the Impact Arts application (See 16 below) is still pending.
14. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Gordon Millar reported that MCTCC has a bank balance of £9,827.62
15. Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard
Davd Hughes reported that this charity was formed last Summer and had received a donation of £1,000 from MCTCC under its grant-giving scheme. The need to appoint a chairperson has been holding up progress.
16. MCTCC’s Grant Giving Scheme
Niall McColl, one the three members of MCTCC’s sub-committee, will be arranging a meeting with Impact Arts to discuss possible award of a grant.
It was discussed if the TRSMT music festival should be approached for a donation due to the large number of fans who travel through our area to and from Glasgow Green.
Community Councillors will formally present a defibrillator to Project Ability at 103 Trongate next week, bought with an £800 grant from the Community Council.
17. AoCB
AC explained how GCC had issued an advisory notice for changing non-historic windows in buildings. It detailed that they will not accept any change to UPVC frames and that aluminium should be used. However, this is not a thermal insulator. UPVC is also cheaper to install - in his case it would cost £20,000 for aluminium and £7,000 for UPVC.
Cllr Braat believed UPVC was not allowed in Conservation areas but was sympathetic. Many buildings had already fitted UPVC window frames before their home area became included in a conservation area.
The Chair thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.
Date of next meeting:
Tuesday 27 February at 6:30pm
Meeting Minutes, 28 November 2023
Community Councillors: Tam Coyle (Chair), Niall McColl, Peter Hayman, Scott Thornton, David Hughes, David Cowan, Gary Atkinson, Ros Wardley-Smith,
Residents: EM, P&DW .
Elected Representatives: Cllr Philip Braat, Cllr Eva Bolander and Cllr Angus Millar.
Ex-Officio: PC Sean McFadden and Fiona Campbell – NRS, Golden Z.
Attended Online (via Zoom): EM, NM, JR, AC and RE.
1. Welcome by the Chair
The Chair welcomed everyone in person and online to last full meeting we will be holding in 2023. There will not be a meeting in December.
Apologies: GW, AC, CA, and Colin McKay
2. Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes were proposed as a true representation of the meeting by David Cowan and seconded by Tam Coyle.
3. Police Report
PC Sean McFadden issued a report for last month’s meeting covering a range of police activities over the last month.
PC Wilson is now a Sergeant and has moved to Maryhill Police Station. As such, PC Clarke will now work with PC McFadden in the city centre.
A City Centre Marches
Each weekend there have been impromptu demonstration marches in response to the situation in the Middle East. The marches in the city centre have included George Square, George Street, Buchanan Street and Glasgow Green. There has been little impact on public safety, nonetheless these events are closely monitored.
The police priority during any protest taking place is to keep everyone safe, and to ensure that a sense of normality returns afterwards. Several march bands will be present in Glasgow city centre on Saturday 9th of December, as per licencing notices.
B New Parking Regulations
Cllr Millar noted that from 1st January 2024 national parking regulations will come into force on pavement parking. Edinburgh are implementing this from the 11th of December, 2023.
PC McFadden said the police will only intervene if a parked vehicle is causing danger to the public, or traffic, not if there’s just a possibility it might pose a risk sometime in the future. Candleriggs is covered by regulated parking. Members and residents discussed if 2 wheels on the kerbside of parked vehicle, or 4, would constitute an offence.
Mr Thornton enquired if there had been any update on the e-bike issues, and how they interact with pedestrians. PC McFadden reported there had been at least one project which saw 12 ebikes riders issued with a fine. The legality of certain types of e-bikes was questioned and if they are allowed to have a throttle accelerator on the handlebar. Cllr Bolander understood fewer problems are being reported.
C Homelessness
PC McFadden gave an update on police aspects of the homelessness and recognised Glasgow has a real pressure on resources to help. He and colleagues have much experience of working with the less fortunate and help direct them where to find assistance.
Those who present themselves as homeless may be given shelter in a hotel, if there is room for them. Some have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and so are harder to assist. Glasgow now has number of organisations in the city centre which help those most in need. The homeless will have 24 hours access to services. A recently opened Marie Curie Albion St centre provides a range of facilities and advice.
4. Presentation by Fiona Campbell, GCC NRS Planning
Fiona Campbell’s presentation was an exploration of the Glasgow Golden Z Summary 2023 document, which can be accessed from:
There were many stakeholder engagement meeting to create this 400 page document (including Appendixes 100 pages in themself). Ms Campbell noted recommend reading the Case Study of the Merchant City and the other chapters. There are also good comparisons to other European cities.
The ‘Z’ relates to Sauchiehall St, down Buchanan St and along Argyle to Trongate. It was commissioned to understand the current situation in the city centre and look at what the retail, and other, opportunities may be possible going forward.
Glasgow had a large number of department stores which, under pressure from changing trends and the pandemic, saw them closing down. These included BHS, TJ Hughes. Watt Bros and Debenhams, There has also been fire damage to several blocks of buildings and closure of the ABC concert hall. However, there is still many positive aspects still going on such as the Avenue projects and the redevelopment of Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre offer opportunities going forward.
The document is segmented into the following categories:-
- Balanced – Repurposing large single use assets, Transform the urban environment, opportunities for more residential living.
- Legible – “Safe walking and cycle routes along with a good public transport will better connect the wider community to the centre with environmentally friendly public transport.”
- Living – “This would generally be mixed-use solutions with active ground floors and a variety of tenures (private for sale, affordable, student, elderly/ supported/ sheltered).”
- Working – “The hybrid working model across office, home and ‘third’ spaces is loosening the relationship between office occupancy and productivity and for many, the workplace is becoming more about ‘collaboration’ and less about ‘processing’."
- Vibrant – “A successful city centre needs to be vibrant and safe providing culture, music, bars and restaurants and underpinning the city’s economy (and tourism) particularly at weekends and evenings.”
- Responsible – “Alongside the city core has a role to play in responding to the climate change challenge by delivering on the various strategies, increasing density and making the best use of what we have already. The city centre benefits from a legacy of quality historic buildings and some less loved but robust vacant and underused structures.”
MCTCC commended this report for adding to our knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing our community and the business sector. A proactive approach to solving the identified challenges is required by GCC. One of the concerns raised was how the architectural heritage of Glasgow’s buildings have been neglected. They are, often as not, sold to the private sector to demolish or renovate extensively. This is also the case very few remaining green spaces in the city centre, contrary to numerous reports we receive lauding the value of green space on peoples’ wellbeing.
Empty Properties
Eileen Mills asked about the property register and if this was up to date such that proper maintenance costs could be allocated. Fiona Campbell confirmed that GCC inventory of owners is partly out of date, so much so that GCC are working on setting-up a new database of owners. Before this can be done a reliable process has of how to track who the current, or last known, owners.
Cllr Bolander confirmed there was a recent workshop on empty homes and how to get them keep up with maintenance and other matters. They are looking at Compulsory Sales Orders (as opposed to purchase orders) to tackle this matter. Cllr Bolander is happy to distribute the information from this workshop upon request to Eileen Mills and others.
5. Planning:- St Enoch Centre, King Street Car Park, Cycle Lanes and Student Accommodation
We are awaiting more details with the developers for this large developments. See
6. Ward Councillors’ Reports
Cllr Eva Bolander
The Planning Committee had a long meeting to talk about two planning applications for student accommodation new builds. The first was the Osborne Street/Old Wynd planning application by Nova Osborne Ltd. The second application was for the vacant Marks and Spencer building in Sauchiehall Street. Tam noted this was outwith the Merchant City, however it was agreed it was relevant to the pressures of planning and community development, in Ward 10, Townhead and East of the High Street for example.
Central Living Strategy feeds into the Living Strategy and the changing make up of a more residential demographic in the city centre. As discussed with Fiona Campbell, GCC are in the process of renewing the City Development Plan. As such, supplementary guidance has been requested regarding the large number of students who are more transient due to leaving after completing their studies.
Cllr Angus Millar
Cllr Millar reminded everyone they could respond to the City Development Plan 2 (CDP2) by the 3rd of December. Peter Hayman, who circulated the details of this to members the previous day, would respond on behalf of MCTCC.
Cllr Millar gave an update on Candleriggs. He is going to attend an event about electric car charging. At this time there is no update on the traffic island repair in the central paving in Trongate raised by Eileen Mills previously.
Cllr Philip Braat
Cllr Braat gave a brief update on the ebike situation. There have been fewer complaints following work by police. One of the problems they faced was how to identify individual ebikes, which are shared with by several delivery riders.
7. Drugs – ‘Safe Needle Bin’ pilot scheme
Tam informed the meeting that MCTCC are awaiting the findings of the safe needle bin at New Wynd near Parnie Street.
8. Buskers
MCTCC are awaiting the conclusions for a GCC Consultation on this issue. A “Busking Engagement” initiative continues with dates scheduled.
Officers from Glasgow City Centre Community Police regularly patrol the ‘Golden Z’ engaging with buskers and ensuring they are aware of GCC Buskers Code of Conduct”.
9. Early morning bin collection noise
Scott Thornton would like to clarify what time were bins lorries permitted to begin morning work. Cllr Eva Bolander has sent an enquiry for this matter but, as yet, has had no reply.
10. Complex Needs Drop-in Centre - Bell Street
Chair Tam Coyle has received emails regarding a very recent planning application at in Bell Street with the above title. It is unknown to everyone at this time what would the premises be used for. However, it was notable the application does not contain a ‘change of use’ element to application.
It has been in the news recently that a same place for intravenous drug use will be set up in Hunter Street in Carlton in dedicated premises away from main thoroughfares.
As we have no meeting in December, and the latest date for objections is understood to be the 15th December, a vote may have to take place tonight, or soon afterwards. It was agreed to wait for more information on what purpose the application was for before a vote should be taken
11. Planning and Licensing, including Der Berliner/Murphy’s Bar
Peter Hayman circulated by email yesterday to members the list of planning applications for October and November that relate to our area.
He and Gary Atkinson attended a introductory meeting today in the City Chambers about the City Development Plan 2 (CDP2). This is a four-year process, the Scottish Government asked local authorities to engage with community councils. Mr Atkinson was given an A2 sized information poster regarding this.
George Square consultation: 20th of December is deadline for submissions.
12. Meeting with MP/MSP
A meeting with Kaukab Stewart on Monday 4th of December has been arranged which Tam Coyle, Gary Atkinson and Scott Thornton will attend. Tam asked members to send any questions for Kauka to him within the next few days.
13. GP surgery in Merchant City
Scott Thornton has been in contact with the HSCP. Part of the process of establishing a new GP surgery requires that a ‘Situation Background Assessment’ is carried out. This will require funding from the Scottish Government. This will take time to be applied for and received.
Tam understands the forthcoming King Street car park development will allocate space therein for a new doctor’s surgery, as this was part of the planning application.
14. Treasurer’s Report
There is no Treasurer’s Report this month as Gordon was not able to attend. Niall McColl noted that the independently audited accounts need to be with GCC by 31st of December.
15. Area Partnership representation
Gary Atkinson attended the NW Area Partnership yesterday which was chaired by Cllr Bolander.
16. MCTCC Grant Giving Scheme
Impact Arts, an organisation that works with youths, will have a meeting with the MCTCC in January regarding a possible award of £2500.
17. AoCB
David Hughes is shortly to arrange a meeting the Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard.
The MCTCC Christmas Meal will on Tuesday 12th December.
The Briggait are having an event to celebrate the 150th anniversary on the 7th of December.
The Chair thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting:
Date of next meeting:
Tuesday 30th January 2023 at 6:30pm