Councillors Surgeries
MCTCC is in Glasgow City Council Ward 10 (Anderson/City/Yorkhill). We are represented by four councillors. The links below will take you to their page on Glasgow City Council's website, and from there, you can see when their next surgeries are, as they all hold surgeries at different times on different days.
Annual General Meeting, Tuesday 25 October 2022
These minutes will be reviewed at the AGM on Tuesday 24 October 2023
Members’ attendance:
In person - Tam Coyle (Chair), Niall McColl (Secretary), David Cowan, Peter Hayman, Robin Jones, Eileen Mills, Scott Thornton, Ros Wardley-Smith
By video - Carla Arrighi (Treasurer), Gary Atkinson, EM
Apologies: Councillor Eva Bolander, GW
Minutes of 2021 AGM held on 26 October 2021
Approval proposed by Tam Coyle, seconded by Niall McColl. Carried nem con.
Chairman’s report
Tam said MCTCC had experienced another interesting 12 months which started with Chair Duncan McLaren stepping down due to pressure of work and the sad death of long serving Treasurer Gerald Hirst.
Due to the Covid pandemic MCTCC had held most of its meetings online but a few months ago moved back to in-person meetings in the City Chambers.
He thanked members and office bearers for the work they had done to give up much of their time to serve their local communities. This had included sifting through licensing and planning applications on behalf of residents in the historic heart of Glasgow.
MCTCC continued to have a good relationship with police who gave us reports on crime in this area.
Campaigns had included a fight to create a community park on the site of the NCP car park on Ingram Street, currently home to 20 trees and situated in front of a world famous mural. This is the subject of a planning application, which MCTCC opposes, to build 109 flats. He thanked Peter Hayman and Eileen Mills for their outstanding work on this campaign which had included registration of a registered charity. The land had been sold but the campaign continued.
The Community Council had also opposed plans for building student accommodation on a vacant plot in Jocelyn Square. Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland had also opposed this. A rooftop terrace would have overlooked local residents. Refusal had been overturned by the Scottish Government and its future remained uncertain.
MCTCC had fought hard to re-open the Ramshorn graveyard, closed during the pandemic, and was grateful to the four ward councillors for their support. A Friends of the Ramshorn group had been set up with a first meeting scheduled for 22 November. So far 15 people had signed up including representatives of Historic Scotland and Glasgow Heritage Trust.
One of our Community Councillors has raised various questions about what should be done to improve the condition of the graveyard. These would be followed up following the above meeting.
Tam thanked Niall McColl, who looks after MCTCC’s social media, for his work on creating a Website and an email address for residents, making it more visible on Facebook, and giving more information to local residents. Councillor Scott Thornton had done excellent work on promoting MCTCC’s various campaigns, notably on Merchant City Park.
The Council was grateful to local MSP Kaukab Stewart and MP Alison Thewlis for their participation and support.
The Chair’s report was approved.
Treasurer’s submission of independently examined statement of accounts
Carla reported she only had four bank statements. Those between November 2021 and March 2022 were missing due to the illness and death of her predecessor Gerald Hirst.
In March there was £1,924.95 in the bank; as of today’s meeting there is a total of £9,072, largely due to donations from film companies as compensation for inconvenience and disruption caused to residents. A £500 donation promised by another film company was pending.
The Council’s equipment would need to be valued by an accountant.
Tam will liaise with Carla on this and independent review of the accounts by Clifford Most of Montrose Street before submission to Glasgow City Council.
Demit of current office bearers
Daniel O’Malley has stepped down as a member of MCTCC as he is moving outwith the area.
In accordance with the regulations all office bearers stepped down.
Nominations for the election of office bearers
As a member not standing for any office bearer position, Niall McColl took the Chair.
Chair - Tam Coyle. Nominated by Niall McColl, seconded by Robin Jones. There were no other nominations.
Vice-Chairs (Joint) - Gary Atkinson and Scott Thornton. Nominated by Tam Coyle, seconded by David Cowan
Secretary/Minutes Secretary - Scott Thornton. Nominated by Tam Coyle, seconded by Peter Hayman.
Treasurer - Carla Arrighi. Nominated by Tam Coyle, seconded by Ros Wardley-Smith
Associate members - None
The accounts, verified by the independent examiner, would be submitted to Glasgow City Council within four weeks.
Next AGM: Tuesday 24 October 2023
Meeting Minutes – 27 September 2022
1. Welcome
Gary Atkinson welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Attendance and Apologies
2.1. Community Councillors
Gary Atkinson; Ros Wardley Smith; Niall McColl; Scott Thornton; Peter Hayman; Eileen Mills
2.2. Residents
AL, SC, HL, TM
2.3. Elected Members
Cllr Eva Bolander; Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns
2.4. Ex-officio
PC Rob Wilson, Police Scotland
2.5. Apologies
Tam Coyle; Carla Arrighi; David Cowan
3. Police Report
No specific report; Rob made the following points
3.1. Contacting the Police
- Public will never be criticised for contacting the police about something that concerns/alarms them
- Call centre risk assesses every call, which dictates the response
3.2. Citywide campaign for low level drug use
- This has been successful
3.3. Questions
3.3.1. What’s the current status on break-ins, etc? (PH)
- No figures available
- Main issues locally are on-street drug dealing, antisocial behaviour
3.3.2. High levels of noise on Ingram St on Monday night (PH)
- A few instances of antisocial behaviour but nothing major
3.3.3. What are the main drugs trafficked? (ST)
- Cocaine; Heroin; Cannabis
- Legal highs are not street drugs, but are not an issue in Glasgow
3.3.4. What are the Police Powers on Noisy street musicians (ST)
- No prescribed decibel level
- If Police get a complaint, they will attend
- If, in their judgement noise exceeds what a reasonable person would expect, they’d ask them to turn it down
- They can be issued with a warning and, if they persist, their equipment can be seized.
- Eva added the following:
- Was a focus before covid
- There is a plan for addressing this
- There is a buskers code of conduct, which the community team should be enforcing
3.3.5. What can be done about Antisocial behaviour from pubs and pubgoers (SC)
- Phone it in to the Police on 101
- They will review
- If it falls outside the pub’s licence conditions, will pass it on to partner agencies
- Provides the evidence that GCC etc need to be able to take action against their licence
- Local noise team are short staffed
- Connolly’s and Murphy's are still a particular issue
3.3.6. Any issues in the Ramshorn (GA)
- No reports of antisocial behaviour, drinking
- It is included in the patrol matrix
4. Minutes of August Meeting and Matters Arising
4.1. Approval
No changes were requested
Proposed by Scott Thornton;
Seconded by Niall McColl
Minutes adopted
4.2. Matters Arising
4.2.1. Filming
- Policy is for Scott to ask donations from any company wishing to film in the area
- Total of £8,600 so far, which is an impressive total, and many thanks are extended to Scott for his work on this
- Discussion re use of money postponed to next mid-monthly
4.2.2. Saltmarket Bridge Repairs
4.2.3. Businesses occupying excessive space on streets
- Covered under Eva’s report
4.2.4. Visit to Recycling Centre
- 3 community councillors attended
- Very worthwhile visit
- Lots of background on what GCC is doing to combat the mess problem
- Many thanks to Scott for organising the trip
5. Treasurer’s Report
- No official report as Carla sent apologies
- Minor expenses of £130 for web related stuff
6. Elected Members Reports
6.1. Councillor Eva Bolander
6.1.1. Walkabout with Angus
No community council representatives were able to attend, though Eva wasn’t aware if we’d been advised (update – no emails were sent to the MCTCC account advising us this was taking place)
6.1.2. Virginia Place refuse problems
- meeting with planning and cleansing to try and resolve.
- Plan to have bin sheds at side of building requires the dead end to be “stopped up”
6.1.3. Graces Bar
- Graces bar complaints have been reported to Licensing and to Planning.
- In the future, all licenced premises will have to apply for space on pavements, and will have to show a plan.
- Eva will arrange a briefing on what the new rules are
6.1.4. Candleriggs Development
- Central square to be called Candleriggs Square
6.1.5. Avenues Project
- Some parts need to be re-scoped, and some elements of the projects may be scaled back due to current inflationary pressures.
- High St is now included in the overall project.
- Learnings from Sauchiehall project are being taken into account.
- Timelines have slipped due to COVID, plus external pressure.
- Report available from the GCC website (https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/councillorsandcommittees/submissiondocuments.asp?submissionid=105987)
6.1.6. Green Grants
- Green grants for businesses will go live fairly soon. These are grants to help achieve city’s net zero ambitions
6.1.7. Ramshorn
- EM asked if Eva knew anything about the Marie Trust, which she did, and was able to give more details about it.
- Initial meeting of group was cancelled for various reasons. Eva proposed that a donation to Ramshorn would be beneficial to the community, and also suggested other uses for the money we have received, such as The Marie Trust, Simon Community, Glasgow Helps – a new organisation setup to help people facing cost of living crisis.
6.2. Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns
6.2.1. Festival Village
- They now have temporary planning permission for 2 years, so can apply for a full premises licence. Deadline to object to that is 13 October
6.2.2. Electric shuttlebus
- Part of proposal to reduce volume of traffic, and would be a complementary service
6.2.3. Spaces for People
- New approach to spaces for people will remove the temporary footways
- Requirement for 2 meter clearance on the existing pavements
- COVID permissions lapse at the end of the month
- Businesses using more of the pavement will now have to submit applications to use more space.
- Applications will be for 2 years
6.2.4. Connolly’s
- Still ongoing
- Due to the review hearing that’s been proposed, there was an agreement to allow Connolly’s time to make improvements to their operation
- Part of the agreement was for acoustic monitoring equipment to be used to measure noise, but she believes that this is no longer the case
6.2.5. City Centre Transformation Plan
- General direction is good
- Did suggest that alongside removing through traffic, should provide more pedestrianisation, as current plans would still allow traffic on many streets
6.2.6. Infrastructure Fund
- Hoping for improvements in the merchant city
- CC could put forward ideas
6.2.7. SPT Strategy
- Closes on 31 October
6.2.8. Food Growing Fund
- Applications open for next 6 weeks
- Communities and local groups to increase food growing opportunities
- https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=29671
6.2.9. Recycling
- Agrees that its a very confusing landscape
- A lot of the blame lies with manufacturers using inappropriate plastics
- We have to reduce the waste we’re producing
6.3. Questions for Councillors
6.3.1. What can the council do about the banks with boarded up windows (NM)
- Barclays and HSBC (outside our boundary) on Argyle St
- Eva will follow up
6.3.2. Refuse collection issues (TM)
- The Polmadie plant can separate some waste into recyclable material
- Knowing what can and cannot be recycled is almost impossible (ST). More information on what can and cannot be recycled available from: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=17043
6.3.3. Can “Cemetery Friends” groups take an interest in or any other action about restoring gravestones, referring to Deeds of Grant, Susan O’Connor etc
- Yes, in line with Historic Environment Scotland guidelines
- Susan O’Connor (Civic Trust) can clarify what they can and cannot do
6.3.4. Is the Saltmarket/High St shop front improvement programme still going (TM)
- Some of the units are looking in poor condition
- Meanwhile Use programme phase 1 is complete, phase 2 is under way
- Eva will confirm what’s available now
6.3.5. Seats installed outside Connolly’s have worsened problems for residents, as pub-goers sit on them until the wee hours (SC)
- Installed as part of Spaces for People
- Eva will speak to the officers about getting them moved
6.3.6. Where would the electric bus run? (ST)
- Christy - No detail as yet
7. Planning
7.1. This month’s planning applications
The detailed application can be reviewed by clicking on the application details
7.2. Other notes
- Corrigans on Howard St is now empty as they have moved to Keppochill Road.
- Proposal of Application Notice for Archaos on Queen St
- Community Councillors will meet with developers in October
- Public events in November/December
8. Licencing
8.1. Recent Applications
- Festival Village. Closing date 13 October. More info https://mctcc.scot/2022/09/29/licensing-application-festival-village/
9. Social Media
- Now just under 700 followers on Facebook
10. Any Other Business
10.1. Marie Trust
- EM recently became aware of the Marie Trust and met with Frances McKinley, the Chief Officer.
- Work as a day centre for homeless people, based on Albion St, having recently moved from Midland St
- Frances is is keen to speak to us. Would November be possible? To be discussed at October mid-monthly
- Also keen to be involved with Greyfriars Garden – offering to recycle they food waste into compost. EM has provided contact details for this.
10.2. Merchant City Community Notice Boards
- Should we be thinking of updating them to reflect that we’re now MC&T CC
10.3. Great Scottish Run, 1 and 2 October
- Many roads closed around the Merchant City, but no notifications received by residents
- Eva will follow up
11. Date of Next Meeting
- Tuesday 25 October 2022 at 7pm in the City Chambers and online
- Our AGM will be held at the start of the meeting. All office bearers step down and may be re-elected, or any other Community Councillor can stand for an office bearer position,
PROHIBITION OF VEHICLE MOVEMENTS
05:00hrs to 16:30hrs on the 1 October 2022
- Albion Street, for its entire length
- Bell Street, between Candleriggs and High Street
- Brunswick Street, for its entire length
- Candleriggs, for its entire length
- George Street, between Montrose Street and High Street
- Glassford Street, for its entire length
- Hutcheson Street, for its entire length
- Ingram Street, for its entire length
- Montrose Street,(Southbound) between George Street and Ingram Street
- Shuttle Street, for its entire length
- Trongate, for its entire length
- Wilson Street, between Glassford Street and Candleriggs
05:00hrs on the 1 October 2022 to 16:30hrs on the 2 October 2022
- Cochrane Street, for its whole length
- George Square, (east part), for its entire length
- George Square, (south part), for its entire length
- John Street, between Ingram Street and George Street
- Montrose Street (Northbound), between Ingram Street and Cochrane Street
- South Frederick Street, for its whole length
04:00hrs to 16:30 on the 2 October 2022
- A814 (eastbound), Finneston Street off Ramp
- A814 (eastbound), Finneston Street on Ramp
- A814 (westbound), Finnieston Street off Ramp
- Anchor Lane, for its whole length
- Anderston Quay, for its entire length
- Argyle Street, (Westbound), between Finnieston Street and St Vincent Street
- Argyle Street, from Berkeley Street to Finnieston Street
- Argyle Street, from Elliot Street to Finnieston Street
- Blythswood Street, between Blythswood Square and St Vincent Street
- Bothwell Street, between Wellington Street and Hope Street
- Broomielaw, for its entire length
- Broomloan Road, between Edminston Drive and Paisley Road West
- Brunswick Street, between Ingram Street and Wilson Street
- Carnoustie Street, between M74 off ramp and Scotland Street
- Clyde Arc Bridge, for its entire length
- Clyde Place, between George V Bridge and Glasgow Bridge
- Clyde Street, for its entire length
- Commerce Street, between Kingston Street and Clyde Place
- Crown Street, from Saltmarket to Ballater Street
- Douglas Street, between Bothwell Street and St Vincent Street
- Dumbreck Road, between St Andrews Drive and Mosspark Boulevard
- Dunlop Street, between Howard Street and Clyde Street
- Elderslie Street, between Dorset St and St Vincent Street
- Elderslie Street, between Houldsworth Street and St Vincent Street
- Elmbank Street, between Elmbank Crescent and St Vincent Street
- Finnieston Quay, between Tunnel Street and Clyde Arc Bridge
- Finnieston Street, between Argyle Street and A814 Finnieston Street Off Ramp
- Finnieston Street, between Stobcross Road and Clyde Arc Bridge
- George Square, all sides for its entire length
- George V Bridge, for its entire length
- Glasgow Bridge, for its entire length
- Gorbals Street, between Norfolk Street to Clyde Street
- Govan Road, between Clyde Arc Bridge and Pacific Drive
- Govan Road, between Lorne Street and Pacific Drive
- Govan Road, between Lorne Street and Pacific Quay
- Greendyke Street (Westbound), between Gallowgate and Saltmarket.
- Haggs Road, between Titwood Road and Shawmoss Road
- Harvie Street, for its entire length
- Holland Street, between West George Lane and St Vincent Street
- Hope Street, between West George Street and Waterloo Street
- Hutcheson Street, between Ingram Street and Wilson Street
- Ingram Street, (Westbound), between Hannover Street and Queen Street
- John Street, between George Street and Martha Street
- Lancefield Quay, for its entire length
- Lorne Street, between Paisley Road West and Govan Road
- M77 Northbound, off ramp to Dumbreck Road
- Montrose Street,(Southbound) between George Street and Ingram Street
- Mosspark Boulevard, between Dumbreck Road and Bellahouston Drive
- Nelson Mandela Place for its entire length
- Newton Street, between Elmbank Crescent and St Vincent Street
- North Hanover Street between George Square and Cathedral Street
- Pacific Drive, between Govan Road and Finnieston Street
- Paisley Road West, between Helen Street to Paisley Road
- Paisley Road, between Paisley Road West and Seaward St
- Pitt Street, between Bothwell Street and St Vincent Street
- Queen Street, between Ingram and George Square
- Renfield Street, Between West George and St Vincent Street
- Saltmarket (Southbound), from St Andrews Street to Clyde Street
- Saltmarket (Northbound), between Clyde Street and Trongate.
- Scotland Street, from West Street to Seaward Street
- Seaward Street, between Scotland Street and Paisley Road
- Shields Road, between Scotland Street and St Andrews Drive
- St Andrews Drive, between St Andrews Close and Dumbreck Road
- St Vincent Place, for its entire length
- St Vincent Street, for its entire length
- Stockwell Street, between Bridgegate and Clyde Street
- Wellington Street, between West George Street and St Vincent Street
- West Campbell Street, between St Vincent Street and Bothwell Street
- West George Street between West Nile Street and George Square
- West Nile Street, (Southbound) between Bath Street and Gordon Street
- West Street between Cook Street and Scotland Street
Appointment of Minute Secretary
MCTCC are looking for an enthusiastic person to be our Minute Secretary, to attend our meetings on the last Tuesday evening of the month (ex December), prepare draft minutes and circulate them to the Community Council to review. Good listening and word processing skills are necessary, and some knowledge of the workings of the community council and of our area would be beneficial. A small stipend is available, for approximately 4 hours work per month. For more information, please send an email to [email protected].
Meeting Minutes, 30 August 2022
Tuesday 30th August 2022 at 7pm in Committee Room 1, Glasgow City Chambers and online via Zoom
1. Welcome
Tam Coyle welcomed everyone to the meeting
2. Attendance and Apologies
2.1 Community Councillors:- Chair: Tam Coyle; Niall McColl, David Cowan; Peter Hayman; Scott Thornton; Eileen Mills; Gary and Rosalind Atkinson
2.2 Residents:- EM, TD, CM, GM, MR, AL, PM
2.3 Elected Members:- Cllr Eva Bolander, Cllr Angus Millar, Cllr Philip Braat and Bailie Christ Mearns
2.4 Ex-officio:- Graeme Naine (North Plan), Ross Barrett (HLM Architects), and Olga Kozlova (Director of Innovation, Strathclyde University)
2.5 Apologies:- Kaukab Stewart MSP
3. Minutes of Last Meeting (26 July 2022)
3.1 Corrections to minutes - No changes were requested
3.2 Approval: Proposed by: Niall McColl, Seconded by: Tam Coyle
3.3 Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
4. Treasurer’s Report
There was no Treasurer Report as Carla Arrighi was on holiday. Scott Thornton, in collaboration with Niall McColl, reported that we are awaiting confirmation if Warner Bros. film company has paid the MCTCC invoice sent to them. They reported we are also expecting £100 from another film company.
5. Police Report
There was no police report as they were unable to attend.
6. Presentation – Planning Application for TIC2 at Strathclyde University
Graeme Naine, Ross Barrett and Olga Kozlova thanked MCTCC for being invited to meeting. HLM Architects have submitted to GCC the Proposal of Application Notice for ‘Tic 2’ (Technology Innovation Centre 2) building. The have started the formal pre-application consultation which runs to late September. They expect to submit a full planning application by late November. More information about the building is available online at:
Olga Kozlova explained that it would be called “Charles Huang Advanced Technology Centre” It is the biggest project Strathclyde University has been working towards for the last 3 years. The purpose is to expand upon the work that is being done in ‘Tic 1’, which is now full, located next to this site, wherein scientists are carrying out innovation and research with private companies to produce prototype goods.
The entrance to Tic 2 will face the High St Rail Station, and so will be a fitting start to the new Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID). The ground floor will be open to the public and community (to some extent) and include an innovation hub. This will promote social innovation, allow for the public to test new products from the research which carried out there. It will bring high quality jobs to the city centre.
Graeme Naine - Strathclyde has appointed a full project team. The design proposals are subject to review after the consultation has finished. Ross Barrett took us through the slides and added supplementary information. It is well placed for sustainability and active travel due to close location to transport hubs. They have looked at the history of the High Street and capture the concept of courts and closes. The presentation and consultation information would be distributed MCTCC members.
Daniel – Is it the case that the West side is not yet a confirmed projects at the Herald building? Graeme Naine explained that he understands currently there are no plans for the West side plot. However, he could not say that this would not change in the future, but was sure if this were the case, it would not be until after Tic 2 was built. Strathclyde university would brief MCTCC well in advance of any such plans at this location.
Scott Thornton enquired how the community would have access / use of the ground floor? Olga Kozlova explained that it would not be full access, the work upstairs must remain private. Just as in Tic 1 the ground floor will be open to the public where there will be a café, have some public events or information galleries which would be open to the public.
7. Elected Members Report
Councillor Angus Millar
City Centre Consultation, the deadline for this is the 12th of September, it would be good if MCTCC submitted a response. It relates, in some ways to mobility access to the city centre:- https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/city-centre-transformation-plan
Broad discussions around the People 1st Zones:- reducing traffic from the city centre and improving access for disabled people. He noted how MCTCC had contributed to pedestrian strategy plans in the past, even though that is no specific duty to this, it would be useful if they did and would give a mandate for the work being considered.
Likewise for the George Square consultation is ongoing, there have been many phases as GCC has learned from previous changes that a broad consensus is required for changes to be accepted. The concept designs have been widely publicised with questions asked if people would like more grassy areas, benches and if there are too many trees included. It is known that people like to spend time there, hold civic and private events there. To take part in the survey please visit:-
https://www.ourplaceglasgow.com/get-involved/george-square
There has been industrial action due to a national pay dispute by the cleansing department for the last week. It has still some days to run. When the strike ends, domestic refuge collection will restart. Negotiations are ongoing to resolve this pay dispute.
Tam has arranged to do a walkabout with Eva and himself on Tuesday 7th of September.
Bailie Christy-Mearns
Bailie Christy-Mearns has also recently done a walking survey of the Merchant City. It was good to see the ‘Spaces for People’ planters and benches have been installed. These are an improvement on the improvised wooden planters used beforehand. These now have an aesthetic, clean design befitting of the Merchant City. It is good GCC has approved these to become permanent fixtures.
Although the installation of these has used up some parking spaces, it has been done in a safe way she has been assured. It improves the look of the streetscape and allows greater access for everyone. Depending on how the new designs work out, it could be that planters can be relocated elsewhere thus allowing for more seating to be added.
In response to suggestions from a member of MCTCC she has asked that the Planning Portal show, in a better way, the documents for planning applications. Specifically this relates to the dates of the documents for the Ingram St carpark development. Those submissions which were uploaded before the end date will be considered valid and will be taken into account for the overall application.
The funding for a citywide speed limit of 20mph for Glasgow has been approved. She is pleased to have been involved in this public safety initiative and understands the signage is now going up across the city. She thanks MCTCC for supporting this policy for many years.
She is an advocate for the City Centre Transformation plan. It will improve the ‘pedestrian experience’ of their use of the streets with more ‘greenery’. Likewise, the George Square proposal will be positive step forward, in collaboration with all the other initiatives. More seated grass areas in the centre, and around the perimeter, as this would promote better recreational areas for children to play. However the plan does not consider the look of the surrounding streets and these need improvement, especially considering it is meant to be a conservation area. There is too much signage and advertising.
Councillor Eva Bolander
She visited the Saltmarket Rail Bridge consultation that was located in Osbourne Street in August. She was not happy about the time that will be taken to do the work and noise it will create. It will be done during the night, and she has already had a number of complaints even before the work has started. Network Rail the say the works have to be done as soon as possible and that the residents have been notified there will be noise during the night. It is believed the Saltmarket bridge is only used for network rail activities and not for passenger trains. Trains crossing the bridge are going to, or from, Shields Road depot for cleaning or repair.
The Infrastructure Fund was put before the North West Area Partnership in June.
She consulted with her colleagues and the Partnership. Some of the funds will go towards resurfacing of road on Cochrane St. Following complaints, it was agreed that the following pedestrian crossing workings have to investigated: Montrose St and Cochrane St and John St and Cochrane St.
The Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard and a date for the inaugural meeting has been set for 6th of September. She has had a summary report from the Merchant City Festival and was pleased to see that it was very well attended including by families.
Queen St was closed today due to emergency road works at Ingram St and George Street though it was not known why.
Baillie Philip Braat
Good news about the Merchant City Festival. He has reported that some of the older benches around the Counting House Wetherspoons adjacent to George Square require re-painting.
It has not gone unnoticed that some businesses have deemed it suitable to utilise the whole pavement for their commercial use. Residents and the public, are only able to pass by walking on the road; there has to be a balance here. Any cases like this should be reported to the Ward Councillors.
As was seen in Edinburgh previously, it is not just domestic bins that are now overflowing due to the industrial action. It will take some time after for the bin men to clear up all mess that has been accumulating. He has noticed that even before the strike there was mess building-up in some areas and he encourages these to reported after the strike ends.
He thanked Mr Scott Thornton for assisting him in setting-up the visit to the Viridor refuse recycling centre on Thursday 15th September between 1pm and 3pm. Cllr Braat was unsure if he was able to attend this meeting as he has a busy schedule around that time.
He received an email from a David Boyd of Network Rail in response to resident complaints, however Mr Boyd feels that the best solution is to continue with the night work so as to ‘just get the work done.’
Cllr Millar has invited him to a meeting at Strathclyde University to look at the Tic 2 plans. Cycle September are trying to get people to take their bikes out in that month and any month afterwards.
Questions for Elected Members
Tam has found an empty Nitrous Oxide (NO) gas cannister in the Ramshorn graveyard.
There was also something at a car park.
Scott Thornton asked if the recycling centre is open, Cllr Bolander confirmed that it was closed during the strike. He asked about how members of the public were notified of planning hearings. It was discussed that the methods and timescales used by the Planning Department were unknown, Cllr Bolander recommended asking the department employee involved in the application.
Mark Ripley, who lives on Saltmarket, noted that there is little traffic flow on the road and so the works to the Saltmarket Rail Bridge by Network Rail could be done during the day. It would appear as though they are just doing the works at time that suits their business rather than local residents, despite the complaints.
8. Planning
| Planning Applications for August | Address | Details |
| 22/01706/FUL 71 | 71 Argyle Street Glasgow G2 8BJ | External alterations, with installation of shopfront at Dunlop Street, extension toloading platform at Osbourne Street and works associated with subdivision ofretail unit to form two separate units (Class 1) |
| 22/01872/PAN | 185-211 High Street/30 College Street | Erection of technology and innovation centre (Class 10 Non residentialinstitutions), ( Class 4 Business) ancillary uses and associated works. |
| 22/01773/ADV | 82 Queen Street Glasgow G1 3DN | Display of one non-illuminated projecting sign and non-illuminated vinyl appliedto fascia. |
| 22/01895/FUL | 15 St Margaret’s Place Glasgow G1 5JY | Use of puzzle room (Class 11) as retail unit (Class 1) |
| 22/01912/FUL | 76 Argyle Street Glasgow G2 8A | Frontage alterations and installation of click and collect kiosk. |
| 22/01862/FUL | 9 - 11 Argyle Street Glasgow | Use of retail premises (Class 1) as flatted development ( 4 units) (Sui generis) andexternal alterations |
| 22/01796/FUL | 4 - 8 Dixon Street Glasgow | Erection of serviced apartments with ground floor retail and roof top restaurant :Section 42 Application to vary condition 41 of Planning Permission 19/01694/FUL |
| 22/01899/FUL | 101 Trongate Glasgow | Use of vacant premises as 4No. flatted dwelling with installation of replacementwindows, formation of dormer windows, frontage alterations and fabric repairs |
| 22/02032/ADV | 76 Argyle Street Glasgow G2 8AG | Display of illuminated signage. |
| 22/02080/FUL | 110 Queen Street Glasgow G1 3BX | Installation of telecommunications equipment and associated works |
| 22/02084/FUL | 34 Queen Street Glasgow G1 3DX | Use of betting office (sui generis) as amusement arcade (sui generis) withfrontage alterations and associated works: Application under Section 42 for noncompliancewith condition 3 of planning application 20/02513/FUL relating tohours of operation |
| 22/02138/ADV | Site Of Bus Shelter Outside 12 On Glassford Street Glasgow | Display of internally illuminated digital double sided advertising |
All planning applications can be viewed by visiting https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk
9. Licensing
There were no licensing applications this month.
Tam is looking at why there was no Licencing notification of the Beach event at King St carpark to ensure this does not happen again.
10. Any Other Competent Business
- Tam noted that this is the second month with no Police representation.
- There was a break-in at the Herald Building
- Glasgow Live website reported a raid on Parnie Street on Thursday 18th of August.
- It has been noted that the vast majority of GCC office workers appear to be still working from home, even though the Covid pandemic has all but past.
- It was noted that there has be no response, despite filling a Doodle poll for availability for the ‘Rain Garden’ initiative MCTCC were contacted about in August.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 27th September at 7pm
What Next for Glasgow City Centre
Meeting Minutes 26 July 2022
Tuesday 26th July 2022 at 7pm in Committee Room 1,
Glasgow City Chambers and online via Zoom
1. Welcome
Tam Coyle welcomed everyone to the meeting
2. Attendance and Apologies
2.1 Community Councillors
Chair: Tam Coyle; Niall McColl, David Cowan; Peter Hayman; Eileen Mills, Gary Atkinson and Scott Thornton
2.2 Residents
EM; TD; CM; TM;GM; MR; RA
2.3 Elected Members
Kaukab Stewart MSP
2.4 Ex-officio
PC David Penman and PC Nicola Stewart
2.5 Apologies
Daniel O’Malley, Carla Arrighi, Robin Jones, AC, AL, Cllr Philip Braat, Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns, Cllr Eva Bolander and Cllr Angus Millar
3. Minutes of Last Meeting (28 June 2022)
3.1 Corrections to minutes
No changes were requested
3.2 Approval
Proposed by: Eileen Mills
Seconded by: Tam Coyle
3.3 Matters Arising
- MCTCC not notified about Clyde Beach planning permission GCC administration error meant we did not receive planning or licencing notifications for 4 months.
- There was loud noise from the event between 12 noon and 8pm on several occasions.
- Scott Thornton has emailed Christy asking for advice if 140 objections is enough to warrant MCTCC taking further …. No reply as yet.
- Scott has organised a tour of the recycling refuse plant at Polmadie on the 15th of September between 1pm-3pm. Cllr Braat was thanked for arranging the visit. Any residents wishing to join please email [email protected]
- Area Partnership – Gary Atkinson reported the last meeting was at end of June. Gary inquired about Green Space funding but hasn’t heard anything back.
4. Treasurer’s Report
There was no report as Carla Arrighi was on holiday. No money has been received from Warner Bros.; we contacted the Glasgow Film Office about this. We have invoiced £1000 to the Debutante film company.
5. Police Report
- PC Nicola Stewart and PC David Penman have started doing regular patrols in our area. They are aware of the local issues such as drug taking in car parks.
5.1 Questions
- Tam – there is a busker at the corner of Gordon St and Buchanan St who plays loud music in the early hours of the morning, on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays. Tam understands that buskers are supposed to stop playing by 10pm.
The police have a ‘city centre plan’ that starts at midnight. They issue warnings to turn down the volume, however after they leave to deal with other matters, it is the volume returns to it previous level. Sound equipment can be confiscated.
- A resident who lives Millar Steet complained about a street performer on
Argyle St. One at (what was) Debenhams and another at the entrance to St. Enochs. He has been reported to the police 9 times in July alone.The police are aware and discourage it every time they pass however, as they can be difficult to police – they just move to a new site. The noise limit is 64db.
- Scott - disappointed at the response from police re bags being thrown onto roof of garage at Clyde Street. It is understood that Sgt Mohamad is not used to dealing with community issues.
- TM raised the issue of cyclists, especially electric bikes traveling at speeds which are dangerous for nearby pedestrians. The police are trying to take action and issue enforcement tickets.
- Eileen - Stickers appearing on traffic lights. It is believed this is the responsibility of the City Council.
6. Presentation - Planning Application for Tic2 at Strathclyde University
The presentation was cancelled for this month’s meeting.
7. Elected Members Report
Kaukab Stewart MSP discussed the following: -
- Her new Glasgow office is on Bell St, which she will share with Alison Thewliss MP. She is hoping to host community engagement events there
- She has been heavily involved in legislation work that are at the final Stage 3, for amendments before voting, at Holyrood. This includes the Pyrotechnic Bill which will have a positive impact.
- Working on refugee and asylum seeker issues
- She, and the four councillors, are aware of the issues relating to pedestrians feeling harassed by delivery cyclists. Angus Millar is looking into the matter further.
- Kaukab will send her latest newsletter to MCTCC
- Met with Uber taxi company and asked them to look at their training
7.1 Questions
- Tam – Raised the issue of pavement parking legislation would be return in parliament. Kaukab Stewart said the problem is enforceability however they are scrutinising exemptions at the moment. She has written to the minister expressing her disappointment
- Scott – Short Term Let legislation - who has responsibility. The new legislation has been delayed due to it being a more complex issues to put into law due the exemptions such as those who are only letting out a spare bedroom.
The Scottish Government says that local councils are to use their powers to intervene using the current HMO licences for example. In popular areas there is over-saturation leading to buildings not having any permanent occupiers.
- Gary Atkinson - Hoteliers are the best people to speak to, as they have been heavily impacted. He, and Ros Atkinson have been working to help housing asylum seekers find accommodation through various channels including the Chamber of Commerce and hoteliers. However, this has been at times a frustrating experience.
8. Planning (including Merchant City Park and Filming)
- City Centre Transformation: there is an online consultation tomorrow about The Avenues project.
- George Square Consultation for ‘drop in’ on Saturday 6th August 1pm to 4pm and Thursday 18th of August, 4pm to 7pm. Details on noticeboards in situ. Consultation closes 12/9
- Email notifications of planning and licencing are now received by MCTCC
- MCP: Eileen’s emailed the Planning Duty Officer about the Planning Portal and if all comments were noted. She was informed that only comments submitted via the portal appear in the “Comments” tab. All other comments received are on the Documents tab. The Planning case officer has to read all the comments
- Filming: Debutante film company converted Cochrane St into 1870’s New York. Scott has met them and has another meeting tomorrow.
9. Licensing
- Only application received is continuation for Candleriggs Square to mid-October – this received no objections.
- Legacy of the COVID regulations that allowed businesses to set up those sort of events
10. Any Other Business
- Tam: has had reports of unhappy residents in Saltmarket Place due to the amount of alcohol and drug taking over the three days of the TRNSMT event. Tam will feed that back to the relevant people and authorities.
- Tam is working with different local groups such as the Ramshorn graveyard. Now this is open to the public once more there may be an opportunity have some the gravestone lettering restored as they have all but faded away. This will be discussed the next meeting of the meeting in late September.
- Tam made a formal request from the group to spend £4000 to get 10 of the gravestones restored by Liptons, using match funding from the NW Area Partnership. This will be put to vote at the August MCTCC meeting, if all the information is available at that time.
- Invitations are available to community council members for a Civic Reception in Metropolitan at 4pm on Thursday to start the Merchant City Festival. Cllr Bolander, as Chair, will introduce this.
- David Cowan noted the loss of significant number of parking spaces in our area due to Spaces for People becoming permanent, regular weekend events closing roads and the new Avenues project. He will make enquiries if residential parking is suitable, or possible in both the Merchant City and Trongate.
- Kaukab Stewart MSP will get information relating to training of Uber, and
other similar companies, delivery cyclists for the next meeting below.
Date of Next Meeting - Tuesday 30th August at 7pm
Glasgow Life Survey - Community Venues
Glasgow Life is currently seeking the views of individuals, groups and organisations in order to better understand future demand and the needs of potential future users who may book their community venues.
You can access the survey by visiting https://surveys.glasgowlife.org.uk/s/RYV36R/
Road Restrictions - Merchant City Festival (27 - 31 July)
The following restrictions will be in operation for the Merchant City Festival.
Roads affected and dates and times of restriction applying to all vehicles with the exception of an emergency service vehicle carrying out an emergency response or vehicles given permission from Glasgow City Council filming and events section.
PROHIBITION OF VEHICLE MOVEMENTS
06:00hrs on the 28 July 2022 until 13:00hrs on the 1 August 2022
Brunswick Street between Wilson Street and Trongate
PROHIBITION OF VEHICLE MOVEMENTS
06:00hrs on the 28 July 2022 until 23:59hrs on the 31 July 2022
Bell Street between Candleriggs and Albion Street
Brunswick Street for its full length
Candleriggs for its full length
Garth Street for its full length – local access to resident parking
Hutcheson Street for its full length
Wilson Street between Glassford Street Candleriggs
06:00hrs on the 30 July 2022 until 23:59hrs on the 31 July 2022
Albion Street between Blackfriars Street and Trongate – local access to Q-Park
Bell Street between Albion Street and Walls Street
PROHIBITION OF WAITING AND LOADING OR UNLOADING
15:00hrs on the 27 July 2022 until 13:00hrs on the 1 August 2022
Brunswick Street between Wilson Street and Trongate
PROHIBITION OF WAITING AND LOADING OR UNLOADING
15:00hrs on the 27 July 2022 until 23:59hrs on the 31 July 2022
Bell Street between Candleriggs and Albion Street
Brunswick Street South of Wilson Street
Candleriggs for its full length
Garth Street for its full length
Hutcheson Street for its full length
Hutcheson Street for its full length
Wilson Street between Glassford Street Candleriggs
PROHIBITION OF WAITING AND LOADING OR UNLOADING
15:00hrs on the 29 July 2022 until 23:59hrs on the 31 July 2022
Albion Street between Blackfriars Street and Trongate – local access to Q-Park
Bell Street between Albion Street and Walls Street
SUSPENSION OF BUS LANE
04:00hrs on the 27 July 2022 until 23:59hrs on the 31 July 2022
LW0138 - Glassford Street, northbound.