Kelvindale Community Council

Yes folks, yet another consultation document. I have had a quick look and it does seems simpler than the previous one posted here. Don’t panic Mr Mainwairing, they are not proposing to scrap the scheme altogether.

They say – “The Scottish Government is committed to providing access to free bus travel for older and disabled people. The options for change which are consistent with this commitment involve raising the age of eligibility for older people. In this paper, we invite views on whether such changes should be considered at this time, either by raising the age in one go or gradually to bring it into line with the State Pension age, which will be equalised for men and women in 2018.”

Local police have advised us that Bike theft in this area is on the increase.

Protect your bike with some simple measures.

Fit a D-Lock.

D-Locks

Beat thieves with a super-strong bike D-lock. D-locks are as good as it gets when trying to stop someone running off with your bike.

Virtually every D-lock requires a key to open it. While that might seem old fashioned, lock makers are constantly aiming to be one step ahead of thieves, so there’s plenty of tech going into their design, which means they aren’t easy to break open. Fortunately locks come with two or three keys, so keep a spare or two safe.

If you keep your bike in a garage or shed – then do think about securing it there as well –

Anchor Locks

Why do I need an anchor lock?

What’s the point in spending loads on a lock and a bike if you’ve nothing to lock them to? This is where bike lock anchors, also called ground anchors come in – they are the best way to make sure your bike stays in your hands.

Unfortunately, there’s a small group of people who see fit to break into garages, sheds and houses to steal your belongings and bikes are an easy way for them make a fast and illicit profit. By securing your bike at home, you may well stop them from nicking your pride and joy.

By attaching a ground anchor either to a secure wall or concrete floor, you instantly create a fixed point to which you can lock your bike with a cable, chain or D-lock.

Kelvindale is a paradise for cycling – from keeping you fit to making that regular journey to work. Enjoy the journey and make that bike safe !

We have all been there – seen all the hype about consultation exercises, completed them and eventually realised that they are just bureaucratic tick boxing exercises that mean very little in the big scheme of life. However, this one is hopefully very different as it seems to be about addressing a problem which has been plaguing our community for as long as we all can remember – BUS SERVICES. And – it is being carried out by “Transport Scotland” who at last seem to have recognised that the current system is “not fit for purpose.”

So – please, please do take the time to download, read and respond to this consultation exercise, which closes at midnight on 5 December 2017.

https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/transport-scotland/improving-bus-services/

OK folks, stop that ironing, put away those gardening gloves and certainly stop playing with that mobile phone – because this gets complicated !

There were 4 options being considered, 3 of which involved the setting up of a Minor Injuries unit at a main location, with back up services at other locations. The full details of these options can be seen here – fingers crossed that this link works.
https://glasgowcity.hscp.scot/…/Option%20apprasial%20inform…

A message from Councillor Martin Rhodes.
RE. PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) (SCOTLAND) ACT 1997
BUILDINGS OF SPECIAL ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST
CONSULTATION ON THE PROPOSAL TO LIST – NO. 4 AND NO. 5 GASHOLDERS, EXCLUDING TANKS AND SHELLS, TEMPLE STREET, GLASGOW

Further information about the review will be posted on their webpage here – including regular updates and how you may submit comments.

https://glasgowcity.hscp.scot/review-minor-injuries-services-west-glasgow

In the meantime for further information please email SW_CommunicationsUnit@glasgow.gov.uk

To find out when you should use a Minor Injuries Unit – please see this You Tube Video

The Consultative Draft of the Glasgow Community Plan has been developed by partners in the city to articulate the priority areas where joint action can make a real difference. Residents are invited to voice their opinions on the plan.

All members of the community are invited and encouraged to have their say on the plan

https://www.glasgowcpp.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=21363

SPT have decided to provide a subsidy for the M4 Bus route and the new service will commence on Monday 21 August. The M4 service was due to terminate on 19 August so this should ensure that there is no break in the service. You can see the draft timetable here which has had some slight modifications.

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/…/…/First_Service_M4_DRAFT.pdf

It is appreciated that the modified timetable may not suit everyone, however, it will at least ensure that a bus service is maintained for the residents of Kelvindale.

Our thanks to Cathy Mcallum for alerting us to the fact that the M4  service is being withdrawn from 20th August.

https://www.firstgroup.com/greater-glasgow/news-and-service-updates/planned-changes/service-change-sunday-20-august-2017

From the Evening Times 6th July, 2017.

PLANS to push through Jobcentre cuts in Glasgow have been met with anger in the city.
The UK Government announced it will shut six centres in Glasgow while saving just one, in Castlemilk.
Despite campaigns and MPs of all parties warning it was the wrong decision the DWP announced the cost cutting measure was going ahead.
The Evening Times campaigned to keep the Jobcentres open and the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster told them to re-think the plans but the DWP refused to listen to the arguments.
The announcement means six of Glasgow’s 14 Jobcentres will be shut with Anniesland, Bridgeton, Easterhouse, Langside, Maryhill and Parkhead to close.
Castlemilk will remain open, one of just six across the UK the DWP has reconsidered.
Cambuslang will also remain open and not be moved to Rutherglen as had been proposed.
People will have to travel miles, taking in some cases two or more buses to reach the nearest Jobcentre, a fact the DWP ignored.
Union officials at the DWP offices were outraged at the decision and pledged to continue to fight to keep offices open.
Round trips could take more than two hours travel time in some cases.
Lynn Henderson, of Jobcentre staff union PCS, said: “It is clear that DWP intends to force through the vast majority putting our members’ jobs at risk and devastating the job centre network and services we provide.”
The news has led to condemnation and outrage from SNP and Labour politicians who backed the Evening Times campaign to stop the closures.
Scottish Government Minister for Employability and Training, Jamie Hepburn, said: “The UK Government has treated the people who use these services and the staff working there with contempt by yet again announcing these closures without prior notice. ”
Paul Sweeney, Labour’s Shadow Scotland Minister, said the decision was “nonsensical” from an “out of touch” Tory Government.
He said: “The UK government should be making it easier to get into the jobs market, not harder, especially in areas of Glasgow like Springburn in my constituency that should be a priority for supporting people getting into employment.”
The Evening Times campaign was backed by every MP in the city and all Labour, SNP and Green MSPs. The two Glasgow Conservative MSPs also expressed concerns about the closures.
Ken Loach, director of I Daniel Blake, also backed the campaign.
Chris Stephens, Glasgow South West SNP MP said: “There is a clear link between those Jobcentres earmarked for closure and areas of multiple deprivation.
“This is a brutal attack on the poorest and most vulnerable in our society as well public sector staff in the Department for Work and Pensions.”
Alison Thewliss, Glasgow Central SNP MP, said she would be demanding full explanations from ministers.
She said: “Today’s callous decision shows that the Tories will continue to treat the people of Glasgow with contempt.
“I will be making every effort to bring ministers to the despatch box to account for this poorly thought out and ill-informed decision.”
Stewart McDonald, SNP MP for Glasgow South, which includes Castlemilk, said: “My delight at helping to secure Castlemilk JobCentre’s future is tempered by the sadness that we were less successful in relation to the other offices.
“I’m deeply sorry that we were unable to save Langside Job Centre, or any of the other threatened offices across the city.”
Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Maryhill and Springburn, said: “This is a body blow for vulnerable people in Maryhill and surrounding areas who need additional support if they are to have a genuine prospect of getting back into work, not service cuts.”
Damian Hinds, UK Employment Minister, defended the decision, stating: “We will always make sure that people have the support they need to get into and progress within work.
“These changes reflect the fact that more people access their benefits online resulting in many of our buildings being underused.”