Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard Public Meeting, 29th May 2024
Come along to the City Chambers at 6.30pm on Tuesday 29th May for an update on the Friends of Ramshorn Group. Find out about their latest plans and objectives for the Ramshorn Graveyeard, and their action plan to try and achieve these. The group is always looking for Volunteers and new members, so if you'd like to make a difference to this haven of peace and tranquility in the Merchant City, come along and get involved.
Meeting from 6.30pm in Committee Room 1, 2nd Floor.
Social Hub Mural - Still Time to Have your say
Still time to have your say on the new mural at the social hub! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzVjZ-W93hTCsZrkzQmNFTN67xB_nw2RE8MCbPk_DDxN-d1Q/viewform
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
Take a walk - Mural Trail, Tuesday 7th May at 6pm
Murals of the Merchant City - Tuesday 7th May at 6pm
Join Walking Tours of Glasgow - Explore the existing murals around the Merchant City and Trongate for inspiration on what should be on the wall of Social Hub.
Email merchantcitymural@gmail.com to book
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
Social Hub Mural Consultation "Make Room for What Matters"
Public Consultation: "Make Room for What Matters" Mural - Candleriggs, Merchant City, Glasgow.
Merchant City & Trongate Council is a vibrant voluntary community organization dedicated to fostering connections, maximizing communication between residents and visitors to the area, whilst celebrating diversity.
In collaboration with the brand new Social Hub Hotel, SWG3 Yardworks Art, MC&TCC and Glasgow City Council are excited to introduce a new public art installation in Candleriggs Square, in the heart of Glasgow's Merchant City. Commissioned by The Social Hub, developed by Yardworks Glasgow and working alongside the community council, this mural aims to inspire reflection on the themes of community, heritage, and cherished moments under the banner of "Make Room for What Matters."
As part of our commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, we value your input to ensure that this mural resonates deeply with the diverse voices of the area. Your perspectives are invaluable in shaping a meaningful and representative piece of public art. We invite residents, business owners, and visitors alike to participate in this exciting consultation process.
There is a consultation document available online, which can be completed until 3rd May 2024.
In-person events
Saturday April 20th - Dynamic consultation at in Merchant City Square
Thursday May 2nd - Print Clan Workshop - The Social Hub, Candleriggs Square
Thursday May 9th - Business consultation evening - Social Hub Hotel. Candleriggs Square
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 info@mctcc.scot. 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