Community Council Meeting - March 2024
- Welcome and Apologies
- Minutes Of Main Meeting Held On 27 February 2024
- Police Issues
- Ward Councillors’ Reports
- Planning
- Licensing
- Drugs
- Busking
- White Wall Street Art, Social Hub building
- Litter Pick
- Treasurer’s Report
- Grant Giving Scheme
- Friends Of The Ramshorn Graveyard
- Website
- Any Other Business
Joining Instructions
In person: City Chambers, Glasgow - see Meetings page for directions
Online via Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0of-2rqT0tGdZ_EYvYHVwbiefhRl5bJWSK
Meeting Minutes, 27 February 2024
27 February 2024 in Glasgow City Chambers from 6.30 pm
Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Colin McKay, Gordon Millar, Scott Thornton, AA, BMB, TD, BL, IL, TMcK, EM, KM, CS, WW
Attended on video link: Alice Cowan, Rosalind Wardley-Smith, YE, EM
Apologies: Ward Councillors Philip Braat and Angus Millar, Gary Atkinson, PC Sean McFadden, PS, EW
1. MINUTES OF MEETING ON 30 JANUARY 2024
These had been circulated. Thanks were extended to David Cowan for taking them. Adoption proposed by Scott, seconded by David Hughes. Carried.
2. PRESENTATION BY THE SIMON COMMUNITY SCOTLAND (SCS)
Murray Easton, Head of Fundraising and Communications, gave a presentation on the Simon Community’s work with the homeless.
He explained there is a housing emergency and lack of accommodation. The organisation’s resources are stretched to the brink.
It started in Glasgow in 1966 and has supported 9,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It has a central access hub in Argyle Street.
SCS has 300 staff and volunteers with services including street teams, help lines, legal and debt advice, and health and well being services. Much of the emphasis is on homelessness prevention and it works with a variety of partner organisations.
It will soon open a dedicated centre for women in London Road near Barrowlands.
Over 700 supports a week are provided from the Argyle Street hub. Typically 40 people in Glasgow are sleeping rough each night, many. Many homeless people have complex needs. Some live in temporary accommodation for months or even years.
Glasgow has around 1,400 people living in emergency and temporary accommodation.
In answer to a question from David Hughes re funding Murray said this included a contract from Glasgow City Council. Much was donated by charities or individuals.
Scott said police had reported many rough sleepers declining the offer of accommodation. Murray said that in bad weather, such as had been experienced recently, no one chose to sleep rough.
Scott asked if a policy of concentrating homeless people in certain hotels could lead to them becoming a focal point for drug pushers. Murray said many homeless people use drugs because of traumas they had faced in their personal lives. Drugs were often a coping mechanism. SCS’s aims included harm reduction.
EM asked about partner organisations such as the Marie Trust. Murray said the Simon Community specialised in front line support, often in cases of dire emergency. Other organisations such as the Marie Trust had different specialities such as providing meals.
David Hughes asked about SCS’ ambition. Murray said it was always trying to help more people and asking itself what additional services it could introduce? An example was the new women’s hub, a safe space to be launched in May.
Murray said the Simon Community did not work with Homeless Project Scotland and was aware of the problems it caused (See below).
3. HOMELESS PROJECT SCOTLAND (HPS)
It was noted that this centre in Glassford Street was continuing to operate without appropriate authorisations.
GCC has advised MCTCC that HPS would have to submit a retrospective planning application for Change of Use for the building. Scott said there was no evidence that it intended to do so and will take this up with Ward Councillors.ACTION: Scott
4. WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Several residents had contacted MCTCC before the meeting about Glasgow City Council’s raising of parking charges and extending them to 10 pm in the city centre, asking for their complaints to be put to Ward Councillors.
However, unprecedently in recent years, no Ward Councillors were present at the meeting.
One said her theatre might find this ‘the last straw’ as audiences were mostly post-6pm. She had only heard about the move third hand.
Another local resident said the move ‘will pose a major change to the ability to park in the area after work.’
Residents in any building constructed after 2000 are not eligible for a parking permit. If the law was being changed to Mon-Sun, 8 am to 10 pm he would be unable to park anywhere in the city centre or qualify for a permit. The combination of the LEZ and increased parking charges across the city whilst simultaneously reducing public transport services would discourage people from visiting.
In the absence of Ward Councillors, Scott as MCTCC Secretary will forward to them the gist of these complaints. ACTION: Scott
Niall said parking spaces allocated to new housing developments were inadequate. The Council were trying to force car owners out of the city centre.
Gordon said changes at the junction of Stockwell Street, Briggait and Clyde were having the unintended consequence of hampering emergency services.
A local resident had contacted MCTCC before the meeting to complain about noise from metal grinding and drilling from the Graham Building site opposite her flat in Merchant City Tower in Bell Street. This started at 6 pm and could go on until 11 pm, usually Tuesday to Thursday.
Tam reported this had been referred to Ward Councillors and GCC’s noise reduction section was investigating. There should be no construction noise after 7 pm on weekdays, only between 9 and 1 on Saturdays and none at all on Sundays. Tam will follow up with Ward Councillors.
David Hughes suggested the problem may be caused by a garage in the yard. ACTION: Tam
KM raised the issue of graffiti which she said was becoming worse. Tam agreed and said this was a recurring subject at MCTCC meetings.
She added that road potholes were a disgrace. Scott noted that a recent report by Fixmystreet had led to a national newspaper describing Glasgow as ‘The pothole capital of Britain.’ The city has said to have a rut for every 100 residents. Fewer than third of potholes had been repaired.
Pete said bins in the Todd Building had eventually been emptied but had now disappeared. Tam will take this up with Peter and Councillor Braat. ACTION: Tam
Peter said he and Gary would be taking part in a consultation tomorrow on GCC’s active travel network scheme. The Council’s aim was to reduce traffic by 30%. Cars often clogged up the streets and an alternative transport strategy was needed.
Following the meeting local businessmen discussed with Tam and Scott difficulties in their attempt to expand their restaurant in Saltmarket. Scott will contact their landlord City Property Ltd in the first instance. ACTION: Scott
5. DRUGS
GCC is finalising its evaluation of the safe needle bin pilot scheme in New Wynd. During the pilot period around 5,000 needles and drug paraphernalia had been collected. Tam will follow this up with Lise Fisher. ACTION: Tam
Management of the ‘Complex Needs drop-in’ service has confirmed that its new office in Bell Street would be principally a citywide outreach service with staff (who would move from the proposed Safe Drug Consumption Centre in Hunter Street) going out to visit people where they reside.
6. PLANNING
Recent applications have been posted on the Community Council’s Website.
Community Councillors will visit the presentation tomorrow on the proposed hotel in Maxwell Street/Fox Street, now confirmed as potentially a Radisson hotel with serviced apartments.
A planning application has been submitted to amalgamate several retail units on the first floor of the St Enoch Centre to create an ‘Escape Hunt’ attraction.
A planning application for a second Purpose Built Student Accommodation building in Osborne Street, this time on the former TK Hughes site, submitted by Dominus developments, has been approved by GCC. MCTCC had objected to this on the grounds inter alia of over provision of student accommodation and lack of housing diversity.
‘White wall street art,’ Brunswick Street (proposed mural on gable of the Social Hub building) - The Area Partnership is being approached for funding (budget of £59,000). Tam said the selected project should be agreed, chosen and commissioned by MCTCC.
7. LICENSING
Around 60 applications for extensions to 1 am have been submitted by licensed premises. The market will determine how many are commercially viable.
One company has submitted four applications for secondary lettings in Albion, Maxwell and Hutcheson Streets. Scott is in touch with GCC about whether all such applications would automatically be refused if the property has a shared common entrance. ACTION: Scott
8. TREASURER’S REPORT
Gordon, as the new Treasurer, is transferring MCTCC’s account to RBS and arranging registration of cheque signatories. He reported that we currently have £9,600 in the bank. Reimbursement to Niall for annual renewal of our Zoom licence needs to be made. ACTION: Gordon
9. GRANT GIVING SCHEME
Niall and David Hughes are liaising about a meeting with Impact Arts to establish the relevance of its application for funding for those living in the MTCC area. ACTION: David Hughes/Niall
10. FILMING
Scott has met the location manager for the new Sky TV series Flight 103, starring Colin Firth, due to film in and around City Chambers and Cochrane Street at the end of February/start of March, and has requested a contribution from the film company to our Grant Giving Scheme. He will follow up.ACTION: Scott
11. WEBSITE
Possible funding from the Area Partnership?ACTION: Gary/David Hughes
Niall is checking another possible funding opportunity.ACTION: Niall
12. FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD
David Hughes, Treasurer, reported that efforts will be made to return the gates’ closure to the previous time of 8 pm. They were currently being closed at 4.30. ACTION: David Hughes
13. EARLY MORNING BIN NOISE
Scott said anyone who experienced bin lorries making an unacceptable noise before 7 am should contact him at [email protected]. However, there is apparently no law to stop this.
14. CONGRATULATIONS TO MSP KAUKAB STEWART
MCTCC has written to Kaukab, congratulating her on her appointment as Scottish Minister for Europe, Culture and International Development. It was noted that her roles as Culture Minister include responsibility for music venues such as the City Halls and Old Fruitmarket. MCTCC has argued that their future could be at risk if approval is granted to build 109 flats adjacent to the venues.
Tam noted that it was exactly a year ago since GCC’s Planning Applications Committee (on the casting vote of the Chair) approved the project but this was subsequently ‘called in’ by the Scottish Government which has appointed a Reporter to investigate and make her recommendation.
Scott and Gary are meeting Kaukab and MP Alison Thewliss on 15 March. Anyone with an issue to raise should contact our representatives in advance. ACTION: All
15. POLICE ISSUES
PC McFadden apologised for his absence but submitted a written report.
This included the following statistics for the MCTCC area for the period from 31 January to 23 February:
Crimes reported - 58
Detected - 26
Undetected - 32
It was noted that the percentage of detected crimes was markedly lower than in recent months.
Deadline for comments on the proposed closure of Stewart Street police station is 13 March. The following would be transferred to the Baird Street station: Response, community policing, divisional management team and CID.
Scott said it was odd that Stewart Street was on the list of seven police offices in Greater Glasgow earmarked for closure since front counter usage was designated as ‘High.’ However, Community Councillors realised this station was in a poor state of repair.
David Hughes said the money saved would be better spent on more police on the beat.
Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed closure can do so before the deadline via https://consult.scotland.police.uk/estates/e961dc46/
MCTCC’s Chair and the two Vice-Chairs meet senior police officers and community police every couple of months. Anyone wanting to raise issues for discussion at these meetings should contact Tam. ACTION: All
Next meeting: Tuesday 26 March, City Chambers from 6.30 pm
Meeting Minutes, 30 January 2024
Glasgow City Chambers & Online Conference*
Tuesday 30th January 2024, at 6:30pm
Community Councillors: Gary Atkinson, David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Colin McKay, Niall McColl, Scott Thornton, Rosalind Wardley-Smith
Residents: KB, DF, SH, TMcK, PS
Elected Representatives: Cllrs Philip Braat and Angus Millar
Ex-Officio: PC Sean McFadden.
Attended Online (via Zoom): Tam Coyle (Chair), Alice Cowan, EM, NM, AC and RE.
1. Welcome by the Chair - Tam welcomed everyone in person and online to our first meeting of 2024.
Apologies: Gordon Millar and Cllr Eva Bolander.
2. Minutes of the last meeting(28 November 2023)
The minutes were proposed as a true representation of the meeting by Niall McColl and seconded by David Hughes. Adopted.
3. Police Report
From 1-23 December 2023, within the MCTCC area, police recorded 143 crimes wth 116 detected and 27 undetected. For January 2024 the figures were respectively 143, 117 and 26.
(Detected means a suspect has been or will be charged; undetected means police may have a suspect but enquiries are ongoing. Police statistics are indicative only and should not be taken as an absolute measure of crime and are subject to analysis)
~Police Station Closures~
A public consultation, running to December 2024, has opened on possible closures of police stations in Scotland. PC McFadden encouraged MCTCC to submit a joint response. As Stewart Street Police station in Cowcaddens is in Tier 3 of the considered closures, it is less likely to be closed but that is not guaranteed. More information is on ~https://consult.scotland.police.uk/consultation/estates/~
~Homeless Project Scotland~ (HPS)
Shortly before Christmas HPS started operating a homeless centre and night shelter at 67 Glassford Street but has not applied for planning permission. Cllr Braat reported the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have attended several times in relation to fire safety. Cllr Millar reported that the police have been engaging with the project and that SFRS are satisfied with compliance with the regulations and not looking to intervene. It is understood there have been no structural changes to the building.
Cllr Millar understood the concern that these premises were opened without notification or due process. He explained that planning enforcement is by definition retroactive. If a breach of planning permission is suspected the first step by HPS would be to apply for a Change of Use.
Tam reported that an email from GCC arrived today declining responsibility for some safety aspects of the premises. Police have been contacted and remain in communication with the homeless centre’s management. HPS have apparently responded to fire safety protocols requested by SFRS.
~Incident responses~
A resident reported people attempted to set up a ‘squat’ in part of the square at Brunswick Street. PC McFadden advised him to call 101 in future and 999 if there was an immediate threat. This have been 3 incidents in 130 Clyde St this week. Tam advised there is also an email address and Contact Us section on Police Scotland's Website.
There have been reports of drugs misuse in the Briggait area and also at the junction of Wilson and Virginia Streets. It was reported that 3 different close doors were breached in Clyde Street in the previous weeks. Police were notified.
4. Ward Councillors’ Reports
Cllr Angus Millar -
He suggested that MCTCC might request a presentation from the Health and Social Care Partnership on the range of work they undertake with homeless organisations. They are supported by GCC and have staff and volunteers. Tam noted that the Simon Community is due to give a presentation to MCTCC next month.
A planning application is expected for a hotel on Maxwell Street. A first public consultation will be held at Granite House, Stockwell Street on Wednesday 28th February (3-7 pm).
Another walkabout survey is planned for February.
‘Active Travel’ road works are taking place in Clyde Street to extend the South Cycle Way on to King Street.
Cllr Philip Braat –
He urged people to respond individually to the Police Estate’s consultation mentioned
above. He believes people should support the continued operation of the Stewart St Police station since Glasgow is one of the busiest cities in the UK, particularly because of the frequency of major events held here.
He was contacted recently regarding a trip hazard on Candleriggs. A temporary repair is scheduled to be carried out this weekend.
The GOMA library facilities will be closed on Friday 16 February for updated library software and staff training.
He has received several reports of missed bin collections which has been a issue over the festive period. Overtime has been available to the department for domestic waste uplift.
~Questions~
A resident enquired about bin lorries parking on the pavements, thereby causing damage to the paving for pedestrians. It was discussed that they must do this to maintain traffic flow whilst emptying the bins. Locations include Ingram and Fox Streets.
TMcK reported a build-up of water in streets, possibly due to blocked drains outside The Old Ship Bank public house at 164 Saltmarket and at 52 in the Calton. Peter Hayman reported that food waste bins were not being emptied. Cllr Braat will make enquiries about this. Cllr Millar explained there was a need to clear the backlog of recycling bins and other waste first following the festive period.
A resident enquired about the replacement of the bins at South Brunswick Street that have changed from having a ‘letterbox’ type entrance to one with bottle sized circular entrances. These are not sufficient for the area as it is a busy street. There is now a build-up of rubbish. The street requires at least one normal-sized bin.
PS reported fridges and a dishwasher on a pavement in Parnie Street. Cllr Millar will follow this up but noted there is a GCC phone number and Website section to request bulk uplifts.
Scott Thornton enquired how many GCC employees were still working from home. Cllr Millar said this would vary for each department. He was aware some call centre staff are working from home but attend the office for certain matters.
David Cowan enquired if the GCC Finance office at John Street might re-open as there is real difficulty in contacting the Council Tax department. Emails take around a month to get a response.
Cllr Millar confirmed there are no plans to reopen services at the City Chambers and residents must go online. He said they can make an appointment to attend. There were two other methods available which require requesting a ‘callback’ from a member of staff, which can take 3 weeks, or emailing them which also has a response time of approximately 3 weeks.
5. Safe Needle Bin Pilot Scheme
The pilot scheme for the safe needle disposable bin in New Wynd ended on 28th November. Tam has not had a reply from an email sent in early December regarding this and will chase it up again.
6. ‘Complex Needs Drop-in Centre’ – Bell St
MCTCC spotted a planning application in December and arranged a meeting on 18 December with Jim McBride and Kelda Gaffney. They were informed the centre would be an outreach centre for staff relocated from Hunter Street. This is to make room for the planned new safe consumption room facilities, much in news headlines. Scott Thornton wrote to them two weeks ago, asking them to confirm our understanding but has not received a reply. Cllr Millar has requested a meeting with Mr McBride but has not had a response.
7. Planning and Licensing
Peter Hayman distributed the list of planning applications for our area to MCTCC members prior to the meeting. Scott has lodged the Community Council’s objection to the application for student accommodation on Osborne Street/Old Wynd Lane adjacent to the recently approved application for a similar new build for the same purpose. The objection mentioned over provision of student accommodation in the city centre and lack of housing diversity.
Dominus, the developer, said in their application that within 5 years of this building being completed it is possible that 30% of residents in the vicinity would be students.
Peter Hayman said it was ironic the application mentioned that among the reasons students were attracted to Glasgow was the city’s architectural heritage, yet proposed student accommodation buildings were uniform with little or no architectural merit.
A planning application has been submitted for an Afro-Caribbean supermarket on Howard Street in the former Corrigans’ fishmonger’s store.
~Licensing - Short term applications~
Tam forwarded all licenses applications to members for our area prior to the meeting.
The licensing department has been busy since the change of legislation last August.
Dreamworks Ltd have submitted 6 applications for two blocks of flats in Ingram Street.
Cllr Millar noted they cannot be granted planning permission if the flats share a common close.
AC noted that the majority of standard title deeds would allow for legal action against a business operating from the building. This may require locating the advert for the business or short term let.
Scott will lodge an objection on behalf of MCTCC and advised that individual objections should be made quickly.
8. Public Consultation on Busking
Tam reported a particularly loud busker playing at 9.30am last Monday outside the defunct Debenhams shop. He was asked to reduce the volume but did so only temporarily.
Cllr Millar read out the feedback from last year's Consultation. There is no decision on the next steps.
Over 2,700 responses were received and were still being analysed. Initial findings are that most of the responses expressed the view that the public enjoy the entertainment and find it contributes positively to the vibrancy in the city centre.
However, a significant number noted that the high volume was distracting or a nuisance. They believed the busking code of conduct should be enforced more, especially at certain locations and times, day and night.
Edinburgh City Council are also undergoing a consultation on busking which may lead to a request to transfer powers of enforcement of regulations.
9. White Wall for Street Art
Gary Atkinson and Tam Coyle met representatives from SWG3 Street Art Team and The Social Hub to create a potential Street Art installation on the gable end wall on the new Social Hub building.
Discussions are underway to seek financial grant support from the Glasgow Mural Trail, Area Partnership budget. There is an agreement between the Social Hub building owner to use his wall for a new mural. Fundraising is underway for this start-up project to allow SWG3 to speak with 3 potential artists for initial sketch ideas to share with project partners.
10. Trongate/Glasgow Cross Central Reservation Paving
Many months on from when the problem was reported GCC are still awaiting slabs that have been ordered. Cllrs Millar and Braat will look into this.
11. Early Morning Noise from Bin Lorries
Scott reported he had been awoken by recycling bin lorries as early as 5.45 am. There is apparently no law regarding what time bin lorries can collect domestic waste.
12. Merchant City Park
David Hughes confirmed that the Community Council continues to await the decision of the Scottish Government Minister on the Ingram Street planning application once he receives the Reporter’s findings.
13. MCTCC Website Upgrade
Niall McColl has researched grants to improve our website to allow for audio and video but no suitable funding is currently available. The estimated cost of £3,000 might be outside our current budget since the Impact Arts application (See 16 below) is still pending.
14. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Gordon Millar reported that MCTCC has a bank balance of £9,827.62
15. Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard
Davd Hughes reported that this charity was formed last Summer and had received a donation of £1,000 from MCTCC under its grant-giving scheme. The need to appoint a chairperson has been holding up progress.
16. MCTCC’s Grant Giving Scheme
Niall McColl, one the three members of MCTCC’s sub-committee, will be arranging a meeting with Impact Arts to discuss possible award of a grant.
It was discussed if the TRSMT music festival should be approached for a donation due to the large number of fans who travel through our area to and from Glasgow Green.
Community Councillors will formally present a defibrillator to Project Ability at 103 Trongate next week, bought with an £800 grant from the Community Council.
17. AoCB
AC explained how GCC had issued an advisory notice for changing non-historic windows in buildings. It detailed that they will not accept any change to UPVC frames and that aluminium should be used. However, this is not a thermal insulator. UPVC is also cheaper to install - in his case it would cost £20,000 for aluminium and £7,000 for UPVC.
Cllr Braat believed UPVC was not allowed in Conservation areas but was sympathetic. Many buildings had already fitted UPVC window frames before their home area became included in a conservation area.
The Chair thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.
Date of next meeting:
Tuesday 27 February at 6:30pm
Community Council’s gift to arts centre could be life-saver

City centre residents handed over potentially life saving equipment to an arts community for people with learning disabilities and mental ill-health.
Members of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) presented a defibrillator to Project Ability which supports diversity in the visual arts sector.
The device, donated by MCTCC as part of its community grants programme, is used in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to save the lives of those suffering cardiac arrest. It will be kept at Project Ability’s studios at 103 Trongate and available for everyone attending classes or working or visiting anywhere in the building which houses a variety of other organisations.
Murray Wilson, Operations Manager at Project Ability, commented: “We have been trying to raise money to buy a defibrillator for several years because we know how crucial it can be for those suffering a heart attack. While we hope this will not be needed it is reassuring for everyone in the locality to know we have it ready for an emergency.”
Photo left to right: Community Council Chair Tam Coyle, Secretary and Vice-Chair Scott Thornton, Murray Wilson and Community Council members Alice Wamaithaa Cowan and David Cowan.
Meeting Minutes, 28 November 2023
Community Councillors: Tam Coyle (Chair), Niall McColl, Peter Hayman, Scott Thornton, David Hughes, David Cowan, Gary Atkinson, Ros Wardley-Smith,
Residents: EM, P&DW .
Elected Representatives: Cllr Philip Braat, Cllr Eva Bolander and Cllr Angus Millar.
Ex-Officio: PC Sean McFadden and Fiona Campbell – NRS, Golden Z.
Attended Online (via Zoom): EM, NM, JR, AC and RE.
1. Welcome by the Chair
The Chair welcomed everyone in person and online to last full meeting we will be holding in 2023. There will not be a meeting in December.
Apologies: GW, AC, CA, and Colin McKay
2. Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes were proposed as a true representation of the meeting by David Cowan and seconded by Tam Coyle.
3. Police Report
PC Sean McFadden issued a report for last month’s meeting covering a range of police activities over the last month.
PC Wilson is now a Sergeant and has moved to Maryhill Police Station. As such, PC Clarke will now work with PC McFadden in the city centre.
A City Centre Marches
Each weekend there have been impromptu demonstration marches in response to the situation in the Middle East. The marches in the city centre have included George Square, George Street, Buchanan Street and Glasgow Green. There has been little impact on public safety, nonetheless these events are closely monitored.
The police priority during any protest taking place is to keep everyone safe, and to ensure that a sense of normality returns afterwards. Several march bands will be present in Glasgow city centre on Saturday 9th of December, as per licencing notices.
B New Parking Regulations
Cllr Millar noted that from 1st January 2024 national parking regulations will come into force on pavement parking. Edinburgh are implementing this from the 11th of December, 2023.
PC McFadden said the police will only intervene if a parked vehicle is causing danger to the public, or traffic, not if there’s just a possibility it might pose a risk sometime in the future. Candleriggs is covered by regulated parking. Members and residents discussed if 2 wheels on the kerbside of parked vehicle, or 4, would constitute an offence.
Mr Thornton enquired if there had been any update on the e-bike issues, and how they interact with pedestrians. PC McFadden reported there had been at least one project which saw 12 ebikes riders issued with a fine. The legality of certain types of e-bikes was questioned and if they are allowed to have a throttle accelerator on the handlebar. Cllr Bolander understood fewer problems are being reported.
C Homelessness
PC McFadden gave an update on police aspects of the homelessness and recognised Glasgow has a real pressure on resources to help. He and colleagues have much experience of working with the less fortunate and help direct them where to find assistance.
Those who present themselves as homeless may be given shelter in a hotel, if there is room for them. Some have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and so are harder to assist. Glasgow now has number of organisations in the city centre which help those most in need. The homeless will have 24 hours access to services. A recently opened Marie Curie Albion St centre provides a range of facilities and advice.
4. Presentation by Fiona Campbell, GCC NRS Planning
Fiona Campbell’s presentation was an exploration of the Glasgow Golden Z Summary 2023 document, which can be accessed from:
There were many stakeholder engagement meeting to create this 400 page document (including Appendixes 100 pages in themself). Ms Campbell noted recommend reading the Case Study of the Merchant City and the other chapters. There are also good comparisons to other European cities.
The ‘Z’ relates to Sauchiehall St, down Buchanan St and along Argyle to Trongate. It was commissioned to understand the current situation in the city centre and look at what the retail, and other, opportunities may be possible going forward.
Glasgow had a large number of department stores which, under pressure from changing trends and the pandemic, saw them closing down. These included BHS, TJ Hughes. Watt Bros and Debenhams, There has also been fire damage to several blocks of buildings and closure of the ABC concert hall. However, there is still many positive aspects still going on such as the Avenue projects and the redevelopment of Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre offer opportunities going forward.
The document is segmented into the following categories:-
- Balanced – Repurposing large single use assets, Transform the urban environment, opportunities for more residential living.
- Legible – “Safe walking and cycle routes along with a good public transport will better connect the wider community to the centre with environmentally friendly public transport.”
- Living – “This would generally be mixed-use solutions with active ground floors and a variety of tenures (private for sale, affordable, student, elderly/ supported/ sheltered).”
- Working – “The hybrid working model across office, home and ‘third’ spaces is loosening the relationship between office occupancy and productivity and for many, the workplace is becoming more about ‘collaboration’ and less about ‘processing’."
- Vibrant – “A successful city centre needs to be vibrant and safe providing culture, music, bars and restaurants and underpinning the city’s economy (and tourism) particularly at weekends and evenings.”
- Responsible – “Alongside the city core has a role to play in responding to the climate change challenge by delivering on the various strategies, increasing density and making the best use of what we have already. The city centre benefits from a legacy of quality historic buildings and some less loved but robust vacant and underused structures.”
MCTCC commended this report for adding to our knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing our community and the business sector. A proactive approach to solving the identified challenges is required by GCC. One of the concerns raised was how the architectural heritage of Glasgow’s buildings have been neglected. They are, often as not, sold to the private sector to demolish or renovate extensively. This is also the case very few remaining green spaces in the city centre, contrary to numerous reports we receive lauding the value of green space on peoples’ wellbeing.
Empty Properties
Eileen Mills asked about the property register and if this was up to date such that proper maintenance costs could be allocated. Fiona Campbell confirmed that GCC inventory of owners is partly out of date, so much so that GCC are working on setting-up a new database of owners. Before this can be done a reliable process has of how to track who the current, or last known, owners.
Cllr Bolander confirmed there was a recent workshop on empty homes and how to get them keep up with maintenance and other matters. They are looking at Compulsory Sales Orders (as opposed to purchase orders) to tackle this matter. Cllr Bolander is happy to distribute the information from this workshop upon request to Eileen Mills and others.
5. Planning:- St Enoch Centre, King Street Car Park, Cycle Lanes and Student Accommodation
We are awaiting more details with the developers for this large developments. See
6. Ward Councillors’ Reports
Cllr Eva Bolander
The Planning Committee had a long meeting to talk about two planning applications for student accommodation new builds. The first was the Osborne Street/Old Wynd planning application by Nova Osborne Ltd. The second application was for the vacant Marks and Spencer building in Sauchiehall Street. Tam noted this was outwith the Merchant City, however it was agreed it was relevant to the pressures of planning and community development, in Ward 10, Townhead and East of the High Street for example.
Central Living Strategy feeds into the Living Strategy and the changing make up of a more residential demographic in the city centre. As discussed with Fiona Campbell, GCC are in the process of renewing the City Development Plan. As such, supplementary guidance has been requested regarding the large number of students who are more transient due to leaving after completing their studies.
Cllr Angus Millar
Cllr Millar reminded everyone they could respond to the City Development Plan 2 (CDP2) by the 3rd of December. Peter Hayman, who circulated the details of this to members the previous day, would respond on behalf of MCTCC.
Cllr Millar gave an update on Candleriggs. He is going to attend an event about electric car charging. At this time there is no update on the traffic island repair in the central paving in Trongate raised by Eileen Mills previously.
Cllr Philip Braat
Cllr Braat gave a brief update on the ebike situation. There have been fewer complaints following work by police. One of the problems they faced was how to identify individual ebikes, which are shared with by several delivery riders.
7. Drugs – ‘Safe Needle Bin’ pilot scheme
Tam informed the meeting that MCTCC are awaiting the findings of the safe needle bin at New Wynd near Parnie Street.
8. Buskers
MCTCC are awaiting the conclusions for a GCC Consultation on this issue. A “Busking Engagement” initiative continues with dates scheduled.
Officers from Glasgow City Centre Community Police regularly patrol the ‘Golden Z’ engaging with buskers and ensuring they are aware of GCC Buskers Code of Conduct”.
9. Early morning bin collection noise
Scott Thornton would like to clarify what time were bins lorries permitted to begin morning work. Cllr Eva Bolander has sent an enquiry for this matter but, as yet, has had no reply.
10. Complex Needs Drop-in Centre - Bell Street
Chair Tam Coyle has received emails regarding a very recent planning application at in Bell Street with the above title. It is unknown to everyone at this time what would the premises be used for. However, it was notable the application does not contain a ‘change of use’ element to application.
It has been in the news recently that a same place for intravenous drug use will be set up in Hunter Street in Carlton in dedicated premises away from main thoroughfares.
As we have no meeting in December, and the latest date for objections is understood to be the 15th December, a vote may have to take place tonight, or soon afterwards. It was agreed to wait for more information on what purpose the application was for before a vote should be taken
11. Planning and Licensing, including Der Berliner/Murphy’s Bar
Peter Hayman circulated by email yesterday to members the list of planning applications for October and November that relate to our area.
He and Gary Atkinson attended a introductory meeting today in the City Chambers about the City Development Plan 2 (CDP2). This is a four-year process, the Scottish Government asked local authorities to engage with community councils. Mr Atkinson was given an A2 sized information poster regarding this.
George Square consultation: 20th of December is deadline for submissions.
12. Meeting with MP/MSP
A meeting with Kaukab Stewart on Monday 4th of December has been arranged which Tam Coyle, Gary Atkinson and Scott Thornton will attend. Tam asked members to send any questions for Kauka to him within the next few days.
13. GP surgery in Merchant City
Scott Thornton has been in contact with the HSCP. Part of the process of establishing a new GP surgery requires that a ‘Situation Background Assessment’ is carried out. This will require funding from the Scottish Government. This will take time to be applied for and received.
Tam understands the forthcoming King Street car park development will allocate space therein for a new doctor’s surgery, as this was part of the planning application.
14. Treasurer’s Report
There is no Treasurer’s Report this month as Gordon was not able to attend. Niall McColl noted that the independently audited accounts need to be with GCC by 31st of December.
15. Area Partnership representation
Gary Atkinson attended the NW Area Partnership yesterday which was chaired by Cllr Bolander.
16. MCTCC Grant Giving Scheme
Impact Arts, an organisation that works with youths, will have a meeting with the MCTCC in January regarding a possible award of £2500.
17. AoCB
David Hughes is shortly to arrange a meeting the Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard.
The MCTCC Christmas Meal will on Tuesday 12th December.
The Briggait are having an event to celebrate the 150th anniversary on the 7th of December.
The Chair thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting:
Date of next meeting:
Tuesday 30th January 2023 at 6:30pm
Get Involved in 2024
We are YOUR community council, here to represent YOUR interests. Our monthly meetings are informative, interactive and cover a lot of ground. Why not come along to the City Chambers at 6.30pm on Tuesday 30th January to find out more and join our Community Council Meeting – January 2024. We'd love for you to come along to see what we do, and to get involved with us in 2024.
Community Council Meeting - February 2024
Welcome and Apologies
1. MINUTES OF MAIN MEETING HELD ON 30 JANUARY 2024
2. POLICE ISSUES
3. HOMELESS PROJECT SCOTLAND
4. PRESENTATION BY THE SIMON COMMUNITY
5. DRUGS including Safe Needle Bin and ‘Complex Needs drop-in centre’
6. WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
7. PLANNING
Transport strategy
Maxwell Street hotel
Afro-Caribbean supermarket, Howard Street
’Merchant City Park’
Purpose Built Student Accommodation
Cycle lanes
‘White wall street art’, Brunswick Street
8. LICENSING
Secondary Letting/AirBnBs
1 am applications by bars
9. TREASURER’S REPORT
10. GRANT GIVING SCHEME
11. FILMING
12. WEBSITE
13. FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD
14. EARLY MORNING BIN NOISE
15. CONGRATULATIONS TO MSP KAUKAB STEWART
16. 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
Dates of next meetings
Website and Email
Our website, social media and email will not be monitored between Friday 1st and Sunday 10th December due to holidays. Any messages will be responded to thereafter.
Community Council Meeting - January 2024
Welcome to our first meeting for 2024!
Agenda
- Minutes of meeting on 28 November 2023
- Welcome and Apologies
- Police report
- Ward Councillors’ reports
- Homeless Project Scotland
- Drugs issues
- ‘Complex needs drop-in centre’
- Planning issues, including Purpose Built Student Accommodation
- Licensing
- Busking
- White wall street art
- Traffic island repair, Glasgow Cross
- Early morning noise from recycling trucks
- Friends of the Ramshorn
- Grant giving scheme
- Treasurer’s Report
- Website
- Date and time of next meeting
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, 31 October 2023
Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Carla Arrighi, Gary Atkinson, Alice Waimatha Cowan, David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Colin McKay, Eileen Mills, Scott Thornton, Ros Wardley-Smith, Ward Councillors Eva Bolander and Angus Millar, TD, DFo, DF, JF, GM, NM, EW
By video: HL, JR, DS
Welcome and apologies
Tam welcomed those attending,
Apologies: GW
Minutes of the last meeting held on 26 September 2023
These had been circulated. Adoption proposed by Gary and seconded by Tam. Approved.
Thanks to outgoing Councillors
Tam thanked outgoing members Carla Arrighi (Treasurer), Mark Dougan and Eileen Mills for their work for the Community Council, and presented a bouquet to Eileen in recognition of the central role she has been playing in the campaign to create Merchant City’s first park.
Welcome to new Councillors
Tam welcomed newly elected Councillors Alice Waimatha Cowan, David Hughes and Gordon Millar.
Police report
Tam read out a report by PC Wilson who was unable to attend because he was taking part in police activities in connection with Hallowe’en in the city centre that night.:
Good evening, and firstly, apologies for my absence this evening, I am unable to attend as I am deployed as part of a pre-planned operation to minimise anti-social behaviour and disorder in Glasgow city centre.
EVENTS
PC Wilson updated MCTCC in regard to upcoming events – national and European Football.
High profile national and European football fixtures continue in Glasgow, all supported by extensive Police Scotland operations, involving specialist support where appropriate, and European matches benefiting from international liaison with relevant countries in terms of intelligence and supporters groups engagement.
Halloween – addition resources deployed to minimise anti-social behaviour and disorder in Glasgow city centre.
Bonfire night – ‘Operation Moonbeam’ now in its 6th year, is the Police Scotland national policing response to disorder and other offences linked to Bonfire Night Celebrations.
Operation Moonbeam allows Divisional and Local Policing Commanders to call upon specialist resources to deal with any spontaneous incidents of significant disorder that occur.
This is in response to the use of increasingly powerful fireworks, instances of dangerous material being within bonfires and the deliberate targeting of Emergency Service, Local Authority personnel and their equipment or vehicles. In recognition of this clear and unacceptable escalation, an executive decision was taken to enhance the national policing response.
BUSKING ENGAGEMENT
PC Wilson updated MCTCC in regard to ongoing Busking Engagement, initiative continues with dates scheduled through October, with officers from Glasgow City Centre Community policing regularly patrolling the ‘Golden Z’ engaging with buskers and ensuring they are aware of GCC Buskers Code of Conduct
DRUGS/ASB
PC Wilson updated MCTCC in relation to ongoing proactive work in relation to drug misuse and associated ASB in area.
Clydeside/Bandstand area is a continued focus, with daily uniformed patrols, plain clothed patrols and additional assistance from G Division resources including officers from Divisional Violence Reduction Unit and Pro-Active CID.
Remind residents of previous security advice given regarding communal entrances.
As always, request for information from residents and committee members regarding emerging areas of concern for extra attention from police.
CYCLING ACTION PLAN
PC Wilson updated MCTCC in relation to an number of ‘days of action’ focussed on Road Traffic offences committed by cyclists in Glasgow City Centre. The ‘4 E’s’ approach has been adopted, Engage, Explain, Encourage, Enforce. As part of the enforcement phase a number of offences have been detected, and also a number of non-compliant e-bikes seized by police.
STATISTICS
26/09/23 – 31/10/23 99 Crime Reports, 55 detected (35 days) Up from 92 Crime Reports, 30 detected (28 days) 30/08/23 – 26/09/23
Misuse of Drugs Offence noted in relation to ongoing proactive work by LPST2 and DVRU
Tam and Colin said noise from buskers was getting worse. Colin had approached one busker and asked him to reduce the volume but had been ignored. Scott said none of the 4 buskers he had approached knew anything about the Busking Code of Conduct. The evidence suggested that police claims of regular engagement with buskers were overstated.
Scott asked Councillor Millar for an update on the pubic consultation to which MCTCC had responded. Angus said a report would be issued including a series of action points. This would be shared with the Community Council.
DF said he had noticed an increasing preponderance of used drug users’ needles in the streets.
Councillor Bolander questioned whether the proposed Safe Consumption Facility would make much difference. Gary said it was doubtful that drug users in the MCTCC area would walk round to the facility in Calton.
Angus said the facility would not be a ‘silver bullet’ and was only a pilot. The rationale was to take users off the street and reduce the impact on the wider community.
Tam said he understood the facility would not be in operation until next June or July.
Ros reported she had ridden in a taxi cab which had taken a far longer route than was necessary. She had found it was not properly licensed and reported the incident to police who had not been helpful.
Ward Councillors’ reports
Angus reminded the meeting about his recent walkabout with MCTCC Councillors. Gary noted that Louise McMonigle of GCC who had taken part in the walkabout and had agreed to provide a report on action points, had not so far done so. Angus promised to follow this up and said a further walkabout would be useful.
A planning application for the refurbishment and re-design of George Square, part of the Avenues project, would be submitted in the next couple of weeks. Surrounding avenues would be tackled as part of the same package. This will involve substantial construction work so engagement with the local community was essential.
Gary asked about the future of the statues. Angus said they would be re-positioned within the Square. Eva said several were in bad condition and might not be suitable to be returned.
The City Centre Task Force’s work had resumed after being interrupted by the Covid pandemic and included the ‘Golden Z’ programme. The City Centre Strategy had been published and brought together various other programmes such as the Transport and Tourism Plans, functioning on a ‘hub and spoke’ format to maximise cohesion. He would report to the Community Council each month. Responses to the strategy were welcome.
Eva said she had been working on installing more planters, including outside the Ramshorn cemetery and Wilson/Hutcheson Street and the corner of Wilson/Brunswick Streets. Local businesses were being asked to look after them.
Communities were invited to work on Local Place Plans for which tools were available. These had to be taken into account when local development plans were set up so it was important to get these up and running.
The High Street Action Group has resumed work, covering both sides of the thoroughfare even though they are in different Council wards.
In 2025 Glasgow would be celebrating 850 years. MCTCC may wish to consider its involvement.
JF complained about drug paraphernalia and dog mess in and around her flat in Bell Street. Eva followed these up with the questioner immediately after the meeting.
In answer to a question from EM, Eva said she would check the time at which the Ramshorn cemetery gate would be closed in Winter.
Scott asked whether GCC had taken further action to minimise the risks posed to people by e-bikes and scooters. Angus said it was up to police to follow up breaches of the Highway Code. It was illegal to sell an e-bike without a speed limiter. Police had impounded a number of bikes where this limiter had been removed. Meetings had taken place with food delivery companies to improve the situation.
Ros said it was apparent that many courier riders were working for different companies and it was essential they should have insurance. It was impossible to identify them because they carried no registration. Gary said this should be raised at Scottish Government level. Angus said the problem included issues of employment law and there was a limit to the actions which GCC could take.
Scott said so far the delivery companies had merely offered statements of good intent.
In answer to a question from TD about the impact of the LEZ Angus said air quality figures varied markedly month by month and it would only be possible to assess this a year after the Zone’s introduction. The number of fines had been dropping. No expansion of the LEZ was planned.
Planning
MCTCC has objected to an application for a short term let on the High Street on the ground that it risked becoming a ‘party flat.’
The application for Purpose Built Student Accommodation in Osborne Street is due to go before the Council’s Planning Applications Committee. MCTCC has objected to this and in principle opposes all applications for student housing.
Eva asked Scott about plans for the Pipeworks ‘gentlemen’s sauna’ behind Carrick Quay. He said the estate agent had advertised the sale of the adjacent building (formerly Annie Miller’s pub) for £600,000 to build apartments.
Licensing
Gary said it was a fait accompli re 1 am bar extensions. Licensees will decide whether or not staying open longer is financially worthwhile.
Gary would appreciate any comments well in advance of the last date of objections. He has shared with Councillors current applications received, along with GCC ‘sAdopted Licence Statement and GCC’s Tourism Plan to 2030.
We need to watch out for effects of 4 am extensions at Polo Lounge and AXM, both at the top of Glassford Street. Noise and anti-social behavior may impact on local residents as well as that from the two new hotels.
Gary reported on his meeting with the owner of the House of Gods hotel/club in Glassford Street. There was a potential noise problem for nearby residents from the bar/lounge.
What are the restrictions of attracting dwell-time for night-time economy and what are GCC proposing to do in addressing said issues? Lack of public transport after midnight is an issue? A question for Angus Millar at next Main Meeting.
An application by the Spiritualist could represent a change of image as a sports bar.
The Merchant Steakhouse application involves an external bar area for a Santa Grotto and external markets while also changing its trading hours.
Eva summarised the new regulations for short term lets including AirBnBs. Letting out a whole flat now requires planning permission.
Christmas Lights switch-on
Miller Street residents have been included in the allocation of free tickets.
Grant Giving Scheme
Niall said an £800 cheque was going to Project Ability to buy a defibrillator and £1,000 was being sent to Friends of The Ramshorn following their successful applications.
Applications from Merchant City Park Ltd and Impact Arts (each for £2,500) are pending.
Next meeting: Tuesday 28 November, 6.30 pm, City Chambers