Meeting Minutes, 30 July 2024

20/08/2024Minutes

Meeting of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council held in City Chambers on 30 July 2024.

Attended by: Scott Thornton (Chair), Gary Atkinson, Rosalind Wardley-Smith, Niall McColl,  Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Gordon Millar;  Glasgow Merchant City Festival representatives; Police Constable Sean McFadden (SMcF); EM, RM, KL, TD, SM, CS, BF, CD, RF,  PS, TMcK, RN 

MSP Kaukab Stewart : Glasgow City Council - Lise Fisher and David MacDonald, Rowan Evenstar - Blythswood & Broomhill CC

By Zoom video - Alice Cowan, David Cowan, MS, SL, AC, EM

Apologies: Tam Coyle, Peter Hayman, Ward Councillors Philip Braat and Eva Bolander

MINUTES OF 25 JUNE MEETING

Adoption proposed by Gordon Millar, seconded by Gary Atkinson. Approved.

POLICE ISSUES

PC McFadden (SMcF) reported indicative crime statistics as follows for the period 25 June to 25 July in the MCTCC area: 203 offences reported of which 107 were detected. These included assaults on police officers, street drinking, possession of controlled substances, threatening and abusive behaviour, and retail theft. Main involvement related to licensed premises.

Priority locations have been a focus of attention, working from local feedback.

A number of major events, including The Open Golf, TRNSMT, General Election, Pride and marching season have taken up more resources than usual.

Day of action on Illegal e- bikes - 4 July- 11 bikes confiscated that were not road- legal. Further enforcement action is expected as well as continuing engagement.

MSP KS asked about police action in the Trongate area. SMcF reported there were regular high visibility patrols, supplemented by additional resources when available. In response to a further query on whether anti-social activity was growing, SMcF anecdotally viewed more activity, particularly when the weather is better.

There were several concerns raised around drug dealing & needles in the Ramshorn graveyard and associated shoplifting from the local Sainsbury’s.

Concerns were raised on the perceived increase of tents appearing in different parts of the city centre. Police and GCC were aware and work with third sector services to support those individuals to limit the number of tents.

The area around the Portland Street suspension bridge was raised by RN given the, at times, intimidating atmosphere. RW-S raised the change in demographics in the MCTCC area and associated impacts and asked if any data was available?

Issues were discussed around accessing flats’ communal areas in Ingram street being used for drug dealing/taking and rough sleeping. Police will engage with factors involved to ensure all security measures are being implemented.

GA emphasised that reporting of incidents is helpful to police as it provides data.

Presentation from Glasgow City Council on Safe Needle Bins trial

Lise Fisher (Neighbourhood Liaison Manager Ward 10) presented feedback from the trial (May 2023 for 6 months):

Accessible Sharps disposal bin located in New Wynd Lane, Trongate (No. 1 location historically for needles) to address the concerns of local people given the number of items discarded.

Trial collected around 5,000 items in the period including needles and associated paraphernalia. This was during a period where there was an increase in drug usage in the area.

The bin is still in use and being monitored and utilised.

In future other areas such as car parks may also have “sharps” bins where regular use is reported. These areas are monitored to see if an additional bin would be effective.

Reporting of sharps items helps GCC assess resource priorities. Best way is via the MyGlasgow app which has a map locator for reporting and identifies clusters of discarded needles. The reporting options will be added to the MCTCC website ACTION: Niall

There was a query about whether personal data from the MyGlasgow App would be used (not believed to be the case).

DM noted that there were approximately 8,500 regular users in Glasgow and 400-500 in the city centre. There is a voluntary system of care and treatment to help control addiction, though it is felt Glasgow draws users from around the country.

The Hunter Street health facility is now close to completion, with staff recruited. This will provide more support for the more serious drugs. GCC/HSCP are awaiting a Letter of Comfort from the Lord Advocate. Recently there has been an application for a “drug checking” facility at Hunter street to increase intelligence on street drug chemistry.

MSP KS indicated that Christina McKelvie (Scottish Minister for Drugs and Alcohol) is actively involved in these issues.

GA highlighted the potential risks of some new student planning applications close to McDonalds in Argyle Street that may add to the existing volume of users. 

Lise Fisher updated the meeting on the Street Art on Custom Quay - a “Legal Wall” six month pilot which will allow officially sanctioned art in the area. The main issue is that there are now less resources allocated to graffiti cleaning by GCC. DH flagged that some of the artists involved in the Custom Quay project are also covering private buildings. 

MSP’s Report - Kaukab Stewart

Issues raised with our MSP include cladding remediation, which has been a major point. KS clarified that wooden decking is included within the Single Building Assessment (SBA) programme.

The Merchant City car park planning application decision was discussed.

Homeless Project Scotland (HPS) - GCC Planning have confirmed no application has been received, in addition to issues raised on safeguarding of occupants and fire safety (no breaches reported). A Planning Enforcement notice will now be issued by GCC (date awaited for issue). KS will follow up. ACTION: KS

Elaine Bennet of Spires Apartments said the building was sold to Quintessential for retail/offices. There had been lots of complaints from Spires’ guests about anti-social behaviour from soup kitchen users and Spires had lost business. She quoted HPS as saying it had agreed a 15 year lease to move the soup kitchen to the ground floor and the accomodation to the basement. This would double kitchen capacity.

Ros mentioned that the management of Social Hub had raised concerns about Brunswick Lane and thereabouts being used for drugs and other antisocial behaviour

Kaukab said the student accommodation issue attracted lobbying from all sites. There needed to be a sustainable solution that met the requirements of all parties.

MCTCC is progressing a request to put a student accommodation moratorium in place for the Merchant City and will discuss with our Ward Councillors at the next meeting.

GM asked about the Single Building Assessment. Had the associated building regulations from the Scottish Government been finalised for cladding remediation buildings?  ACTION: KS

The Pride rainbow pavement at the Merchant City Festival - feedback on several issues in terms of cost, safety for mobility users and if there was any local public consultation. ACTION: Lise Fisher 

Other Matters

Public Consultation on high rise buildings - encourage all to take part and make your views known. MCTCC to discuss if they should submit a formal response - ACTION Scott

George Square - request for local input into the redevelopment submitted. Awaiting a response. ACTION: Scott

TREASURER’S REPORT

Gordon reported a bank balance of £9,722.13 at 30 July.

Discretionary grant funding has been applied for which will followed up by the Treasurer. ACTION: Gordon to discuss with Gerald Tonner @ GCC.

The Annual Administration Fee has also to be confirmed: ACTION: Gordon 

WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

 No Councillors were in attendance.

In Brief

Website Update - Being re-designed as a ‘Go To’ Hub for local information.

Ramshorn graveyard - “Puddle” being investigated - GCC has been informed.

College of Printing and Building (Met Tower - 'People Make Glasgow’ building): RN subsequently reported this is up for sale.

Boundary changes impact on MCTCC area query - Now Glasgow East rather than Glasgow Central. 

Planning - Candleriggs development - EM asked if there was any progress as he had noted water pressure issues in his property. ACTION: Gary

NEXT MEETING

Tuesday 27 August, 6.30 pm in City Chambers

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Meeting Minutes, 25 June 2024

22/07/2024Minutes

Attended by: Scott Thornton(Chair), David Cowan, Gary Atkinson, Rosalind Wardley-Smith, Niall McColl,  Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Gordon Millar ; Lorenzo Mele & Bernadette Fryars - Glasgow Merchant City Festival; Police Constable Sean McFadden; EM, RM, KL, TD, SM, CS, BF, CD, RF,  PS, TMcK, RN; 

By Zoom video - Alice Cowan.

 Apologies: Tam Coyle, Ward Councillors Philip Braat and Eva Bolander;   

MINUTES OF 28 MAY MEETING

Adopted proposed by David Cowan, seconded by Gordon Millar. Approved.

POLICE ISSUES

PC McFadden (SMcF) reported indicative crime statistics as follows for the period 28 May to 25 June in the MCTCC area: 131 offences reported of which 60 were detected. These included assaults on police officers, bail breaches, threatening and abusive behaviour, and retail theft. Main involvement relating to Licenced premises.

Taken a number of crime prevention surveys to help mitigate retail crimes 

Following a report from a member of the public, police had executed a Sheriff’s warrant in Bell Street, but no crime was detected.

Police were now operating “proportionate response to crime” pactice, based on the THRIVE model of assessment,  looking to free up police where there is “no viable lines of enquiry” , Only applies to “low harm & low risk” crimes, eg theft, vandalism & failure to stop (North division found this was c 3.4% of reported crime when they started earlier this year).

Police worked with Wheatley Group to improve the  timely repair process for damaged doors, that were associated with anti social behaviour. Expected to result in faster repairs for these buildings.

The Tron theatre area was discussed, where there had been a significant impact from the recent Football celebrations in Merchant City and regular drug dealing activities. The Police suggested the latter be reported to help focus the appropriate response. Regular Police patrols are planned.

There was no information on E-Bikes, but the Police were planning “days of action”.

It was noted that there would be a GCC presentation on the Needle Bin project at the July mtg. 

Busking - More planned engagement from the Police, no reported enforcement

Graffiti / Vandalism update - Scott attended a meeting with Police Scotland (Paul and Angela Stavely). Main points were encourage reporting of the incidents (E mail / online / Crimestoppers) and the Council have powers to require Private property Owners to clean up damage.

Scott highlighted that GCC have designated part of Custom House Quay area for “Street Art”

MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL (19-21 July 2024)

Lorenzo Mele, Artistic Director & Bernadette Fryers , Project Manager, Merchant City Festival at Glasgow Life gave a presentation and took questions.

Summary of the programming:

Main Sponsers - Merchant Square, Candleriggs Accomodation & The Social hub

Focus around Merchant Square for Music every day and using SURGE outdoor performances during the 3 days

Friday - Music programming (Celtic Connections organising) / Carnival feel /. Also a Civic reception taking place Friday afternoon.

Saturday - Pride & Family friendly programming

Sunday - 50’s theme / Rockabilly / / Ramshorn graveyard / New Candlerigg Square / Family friendly.

Boardwalk for a Science Museum event & Quiet space. The Old Fruitmarket Friday night for “Hip replacement” night club (7pm -midnight)

Big Angie (comedy / drag show) for 2 nights 

Bernadette highlighted the operational matters - Festival set up & Road closures - Resident and Businesses notified mid June - from Fri 6am to Sun Midnight.Operational hours during the day are 12 noon to 6.00pm

There will be a walkround by the project team of Businesses to discuss deliveries / access etc on 26 June.

There were questions around Parking and access and it was suggested that the letter should be added to the MCTCC website and any issues Residents should call the helpline number on the letter.

WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

No Councillors’ were in attendance at the meeting.

Points raised in absentia:

Update on the Celtic Fans issues from 18 May & feedback from Council liaison with Celtic FC

Higher than expected Orange Marches - 100 over the summer around Glasgow , with 50 on 1 day.

Walkabout with Councillors - Actions list update . Next walkabout invite should include Councillor Braat and and focus on the Southern part of the district next time, specifically on the riverside.

Pavement parking in Candleriggs issue - get bollards similar to Miller street?

Litter on the River banks of the Clyde (North and South banks) - potential joint litter pick with Calton CC?

Can Councillors’ bring more disused properties back into Residential accommodation, as per the policy raised in the City Centre Strategy presentation.

STREET CLOSURES - Noted 

PLANNING

Scott shared the success of planning being granted to Damasquino for their expanding successful restaurant in Saltmarket.

Homeless Project Scotland (HPS)

Letter has been sent to the Chief Executive of GCC , regarding the lack of enforcement of the planning breach related to HPS.

There have also been representations made to the Scottish Government regarding GCC not operating statutory planning legislation

New applications for PBSAs

The latest such application is for Granite House, 31-33 Stockwell street.

This is a Change of Use application from Office to Student Accommodation

Scott noted this led through Old Wynd to two other buildings which had received planning permission for PBSAs, in effect creating a mini student campus. In addition there has been an old Hotel planning permission that is also now being revised for Student accommodation.

There are currently 1365 rooms in planning in the MCTCC area and this will take the number to well in excess of 1,500 in a relatively small area, in addition to major Student developments situated close to the MCTCC area e.g. College lands.

 Since MCTCC policy is to oppose further applications for PBSA he will submit a formal objection. ACTION: Peter

George Square redevelopment - 

Can we obtain details of the phasing of closures, work and reopening over the project period. Action -Scott to review.

RN suggested it would be helpful if a member of the MCTCC attended the Project meetings, to feedback on phasing and delivery on a timely manner, similar to the issues in Sauchiehall street. ACTION : 

Merchant City Park

No Progress reported.

Public Consultation on high rise Buildings - Obtain details

GPO Building - Taxi rank relocation - Scott has asked GCC about whether this can be amended and Cllr Braat is discussing with GCC staff.

LICENSING

Carry forward to next meeting.

Scott raised with GCC some Holiday Letting applications in Ingram street in Feb 2024. This was acknowledged in June 24. 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Gordon reported a bank balance of £9,750 at 25 June 24

David Hughes said he had made an application to GCC for £520 for litter pickers. This is for a maximum of £400 Grant (may be the Cash received - to check) Gordon

Discretionary Grant funding has been applied for which will followed up by the Treasurer . Action Gordon to discuss with Gerald Tonner @ GCC.

The Annual Administration Fee has also to be confirmed - Action Gordon 

£400 has been received , but this needs to be confirmed what this covers. Action Gordon 

GRANT GIVING SCHEME

Impact Arts Press release sent out (with QR codes, link to the MCTCC website).

FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD

Meeting to be held in City Chambers tomorrow. David Hughes said an aim was to start public tours in  2025.

SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE PUBLIC CONSULTATION

WEBSITE/COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Communication strategy - Sub group agreed to propose that we should spend up to £3,000 on the Website and c £55 per month on maintenance. This will support our communication with the wider community and improve engagement. 

David Hughes proposed a full launch with flyers to local businesses, University and apartments to help drive traffic to the new website.

The spend is aimed at updating the web site (from 2019), provide more dynamic presentation, making it more usable to communicate whats on, news and history  in the MCTCC area.

There is also the possibility of further enhancement to the website to involve local businesses that support the site and engage with these businesses on future MCTCC communications.

Proposed by David Hughes and seconded by Christian S. No objections. Agreed to progress.

AOCB

 Items for the meeting with Kaukab - Councils ignoring National Planning guidelines, Continual roadworks on the M8, The council being more proactive in communicating strategy. 

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 30 July, 6.30 pm in City Chambers

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