Your Community Council, at the Heart of Glasgow

Meeting Minutes, 27 June 2023

18/07/2023Meetings,Minutes

27 June 2023, from 6.30 in City Chambers

Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Carla Arrighi, Gary Atkinson, David Cowan, Mark Dougan, Peter Hayman, Niall McColl, Colin McKay, Eileen Mills, Scott Thornton, Ros Wardley-Smith; Ward Councillors Eva Bolander, Philip Braat and Angus Millar; Police - PCs Sean McFadden and colleagues Stephen DF, DH, TMcK, GM, JR; by video - EM and BZ

1. Welcome and apologies

Apologies received from PC Rob Wilson.

Tam welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Minutes of Previous meeting on 30 May 2023

Approved.

3. Police Report

PC McFadden reported engagements had been undertaken with more than a score of buskers, some of them more than once, and they had been made aware of the Code of Practice.  A further 8 engagements would be undertaken in July and August to help ensure their compliance, with times carefully selected in advance to achieve maximum reach.

Tam reported that he and Scott had met Lise Fisher, John Campbell and Campbell Bern from the street drugs unit along with Judith Bowers from The Panopticon and the needles bin was being moved further down New Wynd at the junction with Parnie Street. This is to limit disruption and risk to Panopticon staff and visitors. The six month pilot scheme is due to end in November.

Scott noted that plans to install gates at either side of the L-shaped lane around the Panopticon could be delayed because the approval of local premises’ owners were needed. Judith had reported several recent overdoses in the vicinity. Although the number of needles left on streets had diminished he doubted whether the overall situation would have improved by the end of the needle bin trial. 

Eileen said MCTCC had not yet received details from Lise Fisher about other areas in which the needle bin trial had been held. Tam will remind Lise.

PC McFadden said there would be a substantial and proportionate police presence at the TRANSMT pop festival (7-9 July), inside and outside Glasgow Green and in the city centre.

Gary said there was a need for crime and offender (such as parking fines) statistics in the MCTCC area. The Community Council had been asking for these for some time. 

Councillor Braat said he had accompanied officers and noticed illegal activities taking place along the Clyde and behind the Cathedral. The busking situation seemed to have improved. 

Mark asked for the criteria for dialling 999 or 101. PC McFadden said 999 should be used if a crime was ongoing, 101 if the matter could be picked up later.

Mark said he had been amazed not to have seen any police on foot when he had an extensive walkabout in a very busy city centre last Saturday. Could we get an idea of police capabilities in that respect? PC McFadden said there was a comprehensive city centre resourcing plan. 

Mark said there was evidence of pairs of cyclists delivering drugs to young people in plain sight in daytime and with impunity from Glassford Street to Wilson and Virginia Streets where there were no CCTC cameras and dealers could spend 5 minutes or more with ‘clients’.  DF said drug pushers could be using hire bikes.

DF said he had seen graffiti indicating that drug ‘cultures’ were communicating to warn others off their ‘patch.’ PC McFadden said if there was any sectarian, racist or homophobic reference in graffiti it should be reported. 

4. Elected Members’ reports

Angus told the meeting Councillors had discussed strengthening GCC’s attitude to buskers using amplification. Edinburgh was planning a survey of residents and Glasgow might do the same with a possibility of introducing a bye-law.

He was going to ask police for statistics on parking fines in and around Miller Street and elsewhere.

There was a resourcing issue with parking attendants’ shift patterns, including those affecting Candleriggs, but additional staff were being recruited. 

Angus said councillors had met potential developers at Maxwell Street to try to save the building facade but no proposal has yet been lodged.

Briefings of arrangements for the world cycling championships next month would include one at the Chamber of Commerce on 13 July between 5-7 pm. Eileen said residents were having to park their cars well away from their homes because of road closures. 

JR asked Angus about the policy for parking on pavements. He had never seen a parking warden for the past 14 days. Angus replied that currently (although the law would change from January 2024) a parked car on a pavement obstructing pedestrians could be prosecuted by police. If half on and half off the pavement there was a grey area. JR said there should be enforcement if parked on a double yellow line. 

He added why a vehicle number registration camera could not placed at Candleriggs to catch offenders driving through a pedestrian zone. Angus said the Council could not issue fines on the basis of CCTV footage. It had to be observed by a parking attendant or other relevant officer.

In answer to a query from Eileen Angus said Councillors were awaiting word from officials about repairs to a damaged wall on the corner of Trongate/Glasgow Cross.

Angus said statistics on penalties imposed because of the Low Emission Zone would be available at the end of the first month.

Eva said some cities had enjoyed success in designating a street art area. 

There had been a useful discussion about the world cycling championships at the Area Partnership meeting.

Tam noted that Calton Community Council had contacted GCC about disturbances ‘celebrating’ Celtic’s win of the Scottish football league title. 

Scott asked if GCC had taken further talks with football clubs about such anti-social behaviour. Angus said this was a recent phenomenon and he was disturbed by it. It would be better if Celtic could organise an event at Parkhead. Philip said this could be unrealistic.

Scott said there had been almost no attempt by Celtic FC to stop the mass march on Glasgow Cross. He was astonished that Irish flags had been put up over a mile along London Road. Angus said the Council did not condone erection of such flags.

Gary suggested that MCTCC should meet Celtic FC in advance of the new season to try to resolve the issue. It was unacceptable for a large area of the city centre to be shut down in such a way. Angus said early engagement would be welcome. Eva said it would be a good idea to have an operation, with shared intelligence, such as that based around Partick police station for major events at Kelvingrove Park. 

DH said a ban on off-sales of alcohol around the area would be helpful.

Scott asked about the status of Community Enforcement Officers (CEOs). In April MCTCC had been given a number by Denise Hamilton on which they could be contacted. This had proved to be wrong and there had been no response to a message he had left on voicemail several weeks ago. Had the number of CEOs been slashed? He had heard of 50 being reduced to 10. Philip explained these officers could impose on-the-spot fines for minor offences. If there was to be a reduction in staffing numbers the city centre would largely be unaffected.

Angus said that for budget reasons the number of CEOs was indeed going to be cut. However, it was not such a drastic reduction as 50 down to 10 although the latter figure could be correct. Eva said CEOs were not involved in combating public disorder. 

 5. Litter pick and recycling

Niall has contacted GCC with MCTCC’s recommendations following its litter pick in April.

6. Planning

An application had been made for change of use of offices in Glassford Street into a pub. Tam said MCTCC should object on the ground of over-provision.  

Mark said that in the vicinity bordering Virginia Street there are now (or shortly would be) 10 or so bar/club/entrances, exits and rooftop establishments. He pitied local residents. It was often difficult to sleep and the area was becoming predominantly a centre of adult entertainment. Wilson Street and Virginia Street used to be a residential district so those who bought properties could not be blamed for knowing it would turn into this kind of area. 

Peter reported that HMW in Argyll Street was changing its frontage.

JR said those behind the night time economy were putting business before people. What benefit were such outlets bringing to local people? He would close them all at midnight.

Scott asked if it would be worthwhile having a presentation on the new St Enoch Masterplan. Eva noted this was so far only a planning application in principle so it might be better to wait for more details.  

7. ‘Merchant City Park’ 

Eileen summarised the Pre-Examination Meeting (PEM) held over Teams video earlier that day in connection with the Scottish Government’s ‘calling in’ of the application to build 109 apartments on the site of the NCP car park in Ingram Street.

The purpose of the PEM was to set out further procedural arrangements.  Attendees included the developers, City Property LLP, KSG Acoustics, MCTCC Councillors and others. Among focal points were GCC’s Open Space Strategy, surface water matters, the ‘Agent of Change’ principle concerning the impact of noise from entertainment venues, and changes brought about by the introduction of The Fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).

Third parties have until 4 August to update their representations on NPF4. A site visit will take place, limited to up to three people nominated to represent ‘other interested parties.’

(The Reporter subsequently confirmed her preference to schedule a hearing on the matter)

Scott noted that NPF4 mentioned national waterfront developments in Dundee and Aberdeen but not Glasgow.

Community Councillors will discuss the outcomes at their next Mid Monthly Meeting.

8. Treasurer’s report

Carla reported a total of £10,750.68 in the bank following receipt of £200 from ITV for filming of the ‘Shetland’ series in Miller Street.

9. Grant giving scheme

Niall reported that one application has been received but was outside our area (from Glasgow Life for a contribution to poster displays outside the Museum of Modern Art).

Niall will issue another appeal for applications in advance of the first deadline of end-July. Suggestions are welcome.

Eva suggested contacting Impact Art, an organisation recommended by DH.

DH suggested spending money from the grant giving fund on printing out copies of NPF4 since this would be relevant to many planning applications. Tam said any application  should be made to the MCTCC sub-committee. Eva said it might be possible to order a copy from the Scottish Government.

10. Ramshorn graveyard

DH said there was a lot of litter and bins were overflowing.

11. Website and other publicity

Niall said quotes for re-design had been received from four suppliers, with wide price ranges. He and Ros will discuss to proceed but the current expectation is that those shortlisted will be invited to give a short presentation to a future mid-monthly meeting. 

Twitter - MCTCC now has 230 followers. A recent tweet about inconsiderate parking on Candleriggs increased engagement substantially and gained new followers.

Mailing list - our privacy and social media policies will be updated effective from 1st August. Details will be sent to our mailing list on 3 July.

New posters are available for shops, cafes and residential buildings. Volunteers are required to distribute them.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 25 July, 6.30 pm, City Chambers

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Meeting Minutes, 30 May 2023

19/06/2023Meetings,Minutes

Meeting of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council - Tuesday 30 May 2023, City Chambers, from 6.30 pm

Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Gary Atkinson, David Cowan, Mark Dougan, Peter Hayman, Eileen Mills, Scott Thornton; Ward Councillor Eva Bolander; DF, DH, MH, TMcK; Police constables Rob Wilson, Sean McFadden and probationary constable Ben Oliver; By video - Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns, Nicole Mitchell (Evening Times)

1. Welcome and Apologies

Tam welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

Apologies: Councillors Philip Braat and Angus Millar; Carla Arrighi, Niall McColl, Colin McKay, Ros Wardley-Smith

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting (25 April)

Approved with amendments: Item 6 - Reference was to Osborne Street not Hutcheson Street; DH attended. Scott to forward corrected version to Steven Dowling.

3. Police Report

Tam said late night parking on pavements remained widespread with often the same cars offending week in and week out. 

PC Wilson said  police powers were limited but there had been an improvement in the situation in Brunswick Street with new signs and yellow lines. Engagements with businesses had been positive. 

Tam complained about the noise from buskers at the foot of Miller Street. PC Wilson said a scheduled Day of Action in the city centre had not taken place because of operational contingencies but was planned for later.

PC McFadden thought the buskers’ code of contact had been quietly ‘refreshed’ but Eva said this was not the case as far as Glasgow City Council was concerned. He might have been referring to the old Code which she circulated a month or so ago. 

Tam asked for information on what the legal decibel level should be. PC Wilson said this was a matter for Glasgow Council.

DH asked if there was any initiative to stop the continuing incidence of graffiti by gangs marking out their territory, including on the Clyde Walkway where he had seen four offenders using ladders. Surely these had been observed on CCTV? There should be a zero tolerance policy because the impact was contagious. PC Wilson said all such incidents should be reported on 101 since police then had an audit trail. Gang ‘tags’ could be applied quickly. 

In response to a question from DF he said that over the past 6-12 months there had been a worrying increase in youths carrying knives and other weapons.

David Cowan asked if the anti-social behaviour in and around Glasgow Cross on Saturday night was to be allowed to be an annual event. Eva said the Council was setting up a meeting to achieve more ‘joined up thinking’ about how to stop it. There should be more of an onus on the football clubs. 

Scott said he had seen hundreds of fans heading to Parkhead in the afternoon before the match, carrying and drinking alcohol.

4. Presentation from Lorenzo Mele, Merchant City Festival and World Cycling Championships  (3-18 August)

Lorenzo was representing Glasgow Life to talk mainly about the cultural events which are being incorporated in the Championships which he described as the biggest sports event in the world in 2023. 

He explained there were 10 host venues, mostly in Glasgow. The ‘Go Live!’ focal point, Fan Zone area and finish line would be in George Square (open 9 am to 8 pm) with other hubs including Glasgow Green, Tollcross Park, Knightswood, Cathkin Braes and the Emirates Stadium.  People would be encouraged to try out new sports. Road race ‘activation sites’ would include Kelvingrove Park, City of Glasgow College, Argyle Street and Merchant Square. All events and access would be free. 

There would be extensive disruption in the city centre. Road closures and restrictions would be in place from 31 July. Information would be available on getreadyglasgow.com and emails could be sent to [email protected].

Business engagement sessions would take place in early June and explanatory letters sent to residents.

Peter asked if closed off roads could be used to allow people to enjoy cycling and admire the city centre  sights without traffic. It would be an ideal opportunity to showcase Glasgow. 

Scott asked if any tickets would be required for access to George Square to which Lorenzo replied it would be ‘first come first served.’ Scott said this risked squeezing a quarter into a pint pot since there was likely to be massive demand for access to a relatively small area. 

Peter said he found the artists’ impression of George Square which Lorenzo presented was overly optimistic in terms of spectator numbers. There were likely to be many more. 

Eva said public services such as rubbish uplifts were bound to be affected, including the build-up to the championships which Lorenzo advised would start in George Square from 25 July. How would this be communicated to residents? Lorenzo said there would be a live Twitter feed with an email address and telephone number for contact. Scott said any telephone lines should be adequately staffed. 

In answer to a question from Peter, Lorenzo said organisers had not yet tackled the impact of sponsors’ promotional activities. 

5. Elected Members Reports

Eva reported that the application in principle for the Master Plan for redevelopment of St Enoch Square had been approved by GCC’s Planning Committee this morning. She had been impressed how well the developers had listened to the views of the community.  The development was less massed in scale than previously with buildings no more than 10-12 storeys high. No one on the Committee had raised any objection. However, as ever the devil would be in the detail. 

Peter found the artists’ impression published in the Evening Times to be underwhelming and wondered if Glasgow Council could exert its influence to ensure Glasgow’s fine buildings in the vicinity were retained.

She explained the Council’s advice on introduction of the Low Emission Zone which in theory was being enforced from 1 June. (A letter to residents issued this week said residents in the Zone will not need to meet its requirements until 1 June 2024 but if their vehicle did not meet emission standards and wanted to take advantage of this grace period they would need to apply to the Council). Eileen felt notification of the LEZ had been left too late. 

Tam said the gates of the Ramshorn cemetery were being closed at 4 pm every day. Why could they not be left open longer during the Summer?

Scott asked if Eva’s reference to a ‘surgery’ as part of the St Enoch development meant a GP surgery. Eva said there might be some kind of medical establishment. Scott said here had been no mention of this in the most recent property report by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership. 

In response to a question from Scott about how many Council staff were continuing to work from home post-Covid Eva said there had a drop of around one-third in all (not just Council) people working in city centre offices or businesses. Return to offices was one of the issues being tackled by the City Centre Recovery Task Force. The cost of living crisis was another major impediment to the recovery of hospitality since many people were packing lunch boxes instead of going out to restaurants or cafes. 

Christy said a quote had been received for a dozen bollards on the East side of Candleriggs at a cost of £25,000 which had been deemed prohibitive. What was included in the quote? 

6. Planning

On behalf of MCTCC Peter will lodge an objection to the proposal to build Purpose Built Student accommodation in Osborne Street/New Wynd.

Eileen provided an update on the proposal to build 109 apartments on the NCP car park in Ingram Street rather than create a Merchant City Park for which the Community Council had campaigned for four years. The Reporter has advised she will hold a public inquiry or hearing into the Scottish Government’s ‘Calling In’ of the application. 

Despite assurances from the Scottish Government some of the 151 named objectors had not received a letter or email inviting them to take part in an inquiry or hearing. Anyone who had not received such a communication needed to contact SG by Friday. 

In relation to a possible change of use for the former Bose premises at 136 Ingram Street (to include food and drink) Eva said it was becoming easier for premises to change their classification. 

Mark said metal chimneys from cafes or restaurants rose no further than roof height which meant apartments on that level could be subjected to unpleasant cooking smells. Ward Councillors suggested MCTCC ask GCC Planning to consult with Community Councils on the issues of change of use and extraction ventilation but what should be stated in that request?

7. Licensing

Social Hub Hotel (Candleriggs quarter) - Mark asked why a hotel would need an off-sale licence. What would be the benefit to hotel residents? To be discussed at the next Mid Monthly Meeting.

8.  Treasurer’s Report

Total of £10,200 in the bank with another £500 invoiced to ITV for compensation for local residents for filming of the ‘Shetland’ series in Miller Street.

9. Friends of Ramshorn

Very positive first meeting held. Minutes to be circulated. Domain name to be selected and registered. 

10. Website and other publicity

IT Security and Privacy policies have been posted on the Community Council’s Website.

11. Grant giving scheme

No application yet received.

12. Other business

Area Partnership meeting to be held in the afternoon of Tuesday 15 June; Ward 10 Community Councils’ meeting to take place that same evening. Eva said the latter should feed into the former. 

Next meeting: Tuesday 27 June - 6.30 pm in City Chambers.

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