Kelvindale Community Council

This article appeared in the Evening Times today.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/15045772.Talks_for___9_million_makeover_of_Glasgow_s_west_end/?ref=ebln

Here is an update from Helen at KELVINDALE ART with all the news about what we can expect to see happening at our local station during the coming months.

Grow Wild.

“So we have come to the end of the Grow Wild period.   So now we have the top area as you come into the Station planted up with wildflowers, a variety of bulbs, ferns, geraniums, lavender and azaleas.  To hammer this home, I made a footpath out of square slabs and painted scrabble letters on them spelling out WILDFLOWERS.

Further into the station, we’ve planted some shade loving wildflowers under the tree, planted lots of snowdrop bulbs, and installed a bird house decorated in a Mondrian style.

On the slopes and behind the Shelter, we’ve tried to stabilize the ground with some Vinca Minors, which are a lovely ground cover plant, and will stop the soil running away under the weed suppressant, lots of Azaleas, holly and Hebes.

I’m currently creating two new beds with the balance of the Grow Wild money.  One of them will look like an oversized Artists Pallet, with the flower beds being where an artist would normally put their blobs of paint.  The second one will be an old bike that I have sprayed bright yellow, and will fit with flower boxes.  These will both be planted up with butterfly friendly plants.

I’m really interested to see how the plants get on this year.  Scotrail have not sprayed again, and I made up signs saying that the beds have not to be sprayed.

Claire from Grow Wild has also promised us the seed mix boxes that are left over from last year.  I want us to use them to promote a Kelvindale Best Garden competition.  The Rule for entering a garden will be that there is a Wildflower section to the garden, and people can achieve this by asking for a Grow Wild box and planting them.

2016 Remembrance Tree.

We were kindly donated a Christmas Tree by Cateran Trees who are selling Christmas Trees at Morrisons, Anniesland.  Because they were so kind, we decided to make the tree a Remembrance Tree.  People have been contacting us via Social Media to ask that messages be left on the tree.  The local MP, Patrick Grady, left a message in remembrance of Jo Cox, and my personal favourite is for Evan, a young boy that died two years ago at the age of 5.  His mum has a social media account called Evan – Rainbow Maker, so her friend asked that we make a rainbow inspired message for him.  His Mum was very taken by it, which came as a huge surprise, and she’d been circulating our details to local families.

New Years Day Walk 4 Guy.

We are hosting the Start and Finish of a 10 KM charity walk on New Years Day.

If you want to get involved, or think you know people that might want to donate here is the link with all the information.  Guy has Cerebal Palsy and has just gone through a rather painful operation.  The money is to pay for his physiotherapy.  Should be a lot of fun.

https://www.gofundme.com/new-years-day-walk4guy

Scotrail Bio-Diversity Fund Application.

We just received word that we have been awarded £3,400 from Scotrail to create a butterfly friendly flower bed down near the platform.

Van Gogh Exhibition. 

We have now created and distributed two teachers’ lesson plans to all the schools in Glasgow.  We have also put them on Social Media and the Web Site.  There is another lesson planned for Senior School pupils, which is nearing completion.

We have also finished designing the 3D version of Van Gogh’s Chair and will be creating this in the early New Year.  The first phase of the Art has been received and the waterproof frames are ready, but I decided to make the mounting boards more decorative than I initially planned.   Half the Art will be able to be installed in January.  We will focus on the Art relating to the natural world, the Sunflowers, plants, birds and butterflies.  Once we assess how they are being received and whether there are any attempts to remove them or damage them, we will install the rest.

Thanks for all your support in 2016, and here’s to soaring in 2017.”

Background to the proposed Order

The Council has undertaken a review of bus operations and passenger numbers which highlighted the optimum operational times for bus lanes out with the city centre is 7am to 7pm. The findings from the review and the proposed changes have been agreed by the Statutory Quality Partnership. In view of this it is proposed to amend the operating times of the majority of citywide bus lanes, both 24 hour and peak hour, to operate when required and have a consistent start (7am) and finish (7pm). Peak hour bus lanes will maintain the period between 9.30am and 4.00pm where parking and loading is permitted.

These proposals will ensure that bus lanes have clear and consistent operating times across the city, provide public transport priority when required and allow general use during quieter evening periods. Furthermore, it will provide potential for future improvements to the road network in line with Council policies and objectives.

A reduction in accidental encroachment into bus lanes and improvement of public awareness of operating times are also expected to be achieved as part of these proposals.

Bus lanes within the city centre, between the city centre and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Royal Hospital for Children and out with the city centre where the bus lane operates as a traffic control function are classed as out with scope and are not included as part of these proposals.

Area affected by the proposed Order

All bus lanes within the Glasgow boundary other than as identified above as shown on the attached plan.

Details of the proposed Order

The Order will change the current operating times of 24 hour bus lanes to operate Monday to Sunday 7.00am to 7.00pm. The bus lanes on the following roads will be affected:

Aikenhead Road, Dumbarton Road, Eglinton Street, Gallowgate, Maryhill Road, Pollokshaws Road, Queen Margaret Drive, Saracen Street, Sauchiehall Street and Thornliebank Road.

This Order will change the current operating times of peak hour bus lanes (Monday to Saturday 7.00am to 9.30am and 4.00pm to 6.30pm) to operate Monday to Saturday 7.00am to 9.30am and 4.00pm to 7.00pm. The bus lanes on the following roads will be affected:

Aikenhead Road, Alexandra Parade, Atlas Road, Balmore Road, Cumbernauld Road, Dalmarnock Road, Duke Street, Dumbarton Road, Edinburgh Road, Gallowgate, Great Western Road, London Road, Maryhill Road, Paisley Road West, Saracen Street, Shettleston Road, St Vincent Street, Tollcross Road and Westmuir Street.

The following sections of bus lane will be revoked:

• Baillieston Road eastbound approaching Barrachnie Road.
• Mill Road southbound.

Any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for their objection either in writing to Land and Environmental Services, Glasgow City Council, 231 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RX by Thursday 22^nd December 2016 or by email to graeme.dewar@glasgow.gov.uk.  Objections should state the name and address of the objector, the matters to which they relate and the grounds on which the objection is made.

Image credit – Ken Windsor.

ATTACHMENTS.

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15th December, Update.

Temple Road is now open – and the works seem to be completed.

1st DECEMBER. UPDATE.

The good news – just talked to a workman clearing away barriers – he says the road may be open again at 6.00pm tonight.

The bad news – he says “”The leak has sill not been found.”  The water is flowing down the one side of Dalsholm Bridge like a mini River. You could not make it up !

We have received this notice about a recent incident which occurred at the Spar Shop In Dorchester Avenue.
I wish to take this opportunity to update you with regard to an incident which was reported to Police Scotland at 2030hrs on Thursday 27th October at the premises known as SPAR, 164-170 Dorchester Avenue, Glasgow

On Police arrival, staff within the premises informed officers that a robbery had taken place, and a cash sum had been stolen.  It was ascertained that no staff member had been injured as a result of this robbery.  CID officers assisted by further specialist officers from our Robbery Unit attended, and investigations into this incident are on-going.  As members of the public would have been within Dorchester Ave at this time of night, door to door enquiries will continue today.

By means of further reassurance measures, I have instructed officers to maintain a visible foot patrol presence in the Dorchester Avenue area and within the greater footprint, and have actioned mobile patrols of the same area.

Regards,
Ross Allan
Chief Inspector
Area Commander
Police Scotland
Maryhill, Springburn, Kelvin & Canal

28th October, 2016.

This e-mail was received today.

“I act on behalf of Mactaggart & Mickel in respect of the above site. As previously discussed, we are still preparing the planning application for submission likely later this year. In the meantime my client has instructed a landscape company to clear the site of vegetation to allow site works to commence (when appropriate). This will commence on Monday morning 31 Oct.

Kind Regards

THE STORY SO FAR – IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER.

It is with regret that we have to report that new timetables released by FIRST GREATER GLASGOW state that the 4A Bus service, so important to our community, is to be axed from 23rd October. As this has happened over the Holiday weekend we have not as yet formulated an action plan, but please be assured that we will do everything within our powers and remit to fight this closure.

Below is a copy of an e-mail sent to all our local councillors and local Members of the Scottish Parliament.

Updates will be posted on this website as soon as we have a clear idea of the dialogue that transpires between our elected members / Transport authorities and First Greater Glasgow.

“On Friday 23^rd September the Kelvindale Community Council received an e-mail from a concerned resident who had seen an announcement on the”First Greater Glasgow” website that, as from 23^rd October 2016, the 4A bus service which serves the Kelvindale area through Cleveden Road is to be axed. 

We had not been informed of this by First Greater Glasgow and, to the best of our knowledge, neither had any of our elected Glasgow City Councillors or Members of the Scottish Parliament.

The route of the 4A bus through Cleveden Road is our only direct route into the city centre. It takes in the Cleveden Secondary School, the commercial and social area of Byres Road, and the University. It is also our only direct route to Hyndland Road, which is a hub for shopping facilities and also the location of two main Doctor Surgeries which serve the Kelvindale Community.

Along with all other areas these days, Kelvindale has an increasing population of elderly and infirm residents. Cleveden Road is the main “Spur” access road into Kelvindale and is itself a “long and progressive hill” not conducive to such an aged population deprived of public transport facilities.

First Greater Glasgow has announced that the 4A is to be “replaced” by a route “Kelvindale to Anniesland” which means that passengers wishing to travel to the city centre will have to change at Anniesland. This would involve alighting and crossing the busy Great Western Road then waiting at the Anniesland Bus stop which itself is a total disgrace.  This Bus stop shares the pavement not only with passing pedestrians but also with entrances to local shops, including 2 local pharmacies. In wet weather it is also impossible to stand at the stop as the pavement is always ¾ flooded.  This is not an option that local residents desire or are willing to accept.

We have included some recipients into this e-mail who may not be directly involved with the Kelvindale area, but the sweeping service changes outlined by First Greater Glasgow may of course have an impact on their own areas.

In an increasing evolving society, change is inevitable. However, this change needs to be structured, informed and taken through adequate and courteous consultation, requirements which First Greater Glasgow have totally ignored.

As a Community Council we are committed to ensuring that the needs of our community are met. Although First Greater Glasgow are implementing these changes within a few weeks, we will continue to oppose them and we hope that individual recipients of this e-mail will also use their own processes to stop them at local, council and Parliamentary level.”

Ken Windsor. Secretary, Kelvindale Community Council.

https://www.firstgroup.com/greater-glasgow/news-and-service-updates/planned-changes/23-october-service-changes

THERE IS NOW ALSO AN ONLINE PETITION ON CHANGE.ORG – 

https://www.change.org/p/first-bus-firstgroup-plc-stop-cuts-to-4-4a-bus-service-in-glasgow

5th October. THERE ARE NOW 2 MORE ARTICLES IN THE GLASGOW EVENING TIMES.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14782276.Bus_firm_under_pressure_to_save_route_from_axe/?ref=ebln

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14778355.Hundreds_demand_west_end_bus_route_be_saved_from_axe/

8th October.  

Cllr. John Letford has arranged a meeting with First Bus and Cllr. Malcolm Balfourn has arranged to meet First Glasgow to discuss the issue on Thursday 13/10 at 10am in the City Chambers.

The general matter of the Bus cuts was raised at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday. It is at 15 minutes into the video.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07ypv9y/scottish-first-ministers-questions-06102016

11th October, 2016

12th October, 2016.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14796285.Glasgow_s_bus_services_branded_inadequate_and__a_mess__by_Labour_councillor_in_favour_of_re_regulation/?ref=ebln

13th October, 2016.  Cross-Party Parliamentary Support for our cause.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14797823.MSPs_unite_to_call_for_city_bus_route_to_be_saved/?ref=ebln

15th October, 2016.

Thank you to Adam Tomkins for this leaflet  and petition delivered through my door in Kelvindale today.

17th October, 2016.

In the article shown below, published today, First Bus say “We note the petition regarding this section of the route and have been in contact with members of the public and local representatives to hear their views and explain the change.”

We are sad to see such a statement made.  We were the first local group to raise the issue of the hidden cuts within their timetables and the first to alert the Evening Times to this matter which also affects other areas of Glasgow. We have yet to receive any direct communication from First Bus.

We are aware that a personal e-mail was sent to their Chief Executive Tim.O’Toole@firstgroup.com on 2nd October by a resident and despite subsequent e-mails to him his secretary is still informing our resident that “I can assure you, the issues you have raised are currently being investigated and you will  receive a response in due course.”

With the matter having been raised in both the English and Scottish Parliaments, just how much larger does this issue have to get before we, and our resident, are graced with a reply.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14805448.Thousands_sign_petition_to_save_west_end_bus_route/?ref=ebln

18th October, 2016.

The support that we have seen from members of both the English and Scottish parliaments on this matter has been simply astounding. Thank you one and all.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14807557.Renewed_calls_to_save__lifeline__bus_route_from_axe/?action=success#comment_17141722

19th October, 2016.

Today has been a very busy day and we will do our best to summarise what has transpired.

1. It would appear from correspondence received by Councillor Rhodes that First Bus will not move on the fact that the 4A service has to be axed from 23rd October. Despite all the amazing support from Councilors and members of both Parliaments together with the petition organised by Valerie, their stance on this is that nobody has the power to prevent them from doing this under the current legislation if they feel that the service is not making money.
2.  However, despite local management insisting that their proposal of the new M4 service to Anniesland is also non-negotiable, we do have a glimmer of hope coming our way. Bob Doris, MSP has had talks with the Managing Director of First Group based in Leeds and he has indicated that he has committed to giving consideration to suggestions of an alternative route which serves Hyndland and Byres Road and on to the Partick Interchange. Although of course this would not keep the status quo, it would be far better than that crazy Anniesland proposal.
3. Whilst negotiations take place we could have a situation where  continuity of service is not maintained – but please be assured that the Community Council and all the elected members will continue to fight for a service which ensures that the community gets a bus service which suits our needs rather than the “joke” that is the proposed “M4” service.
4. At another level and on a different tangent – our elected members and Parliamentary representatives realise that this situation has arisen because the current system is “broken” and does not meet the needs of communities “outside of the main fare-paying routes.” It will not happen overnight but lessons have to be learnt and moves are already being made to investigate the  establishment of a legislative system which is better suited to the needs of the community. In other words – a better way to run our buses !   And on that subject, we now have this –

20th October, 2016.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14813189.Union_wades_in_on_bus_axe_campaign/?ref=ebln

21st October, 2016.

As a result of a malfunction with the door security system at Kelvindale Bowling Club last night, our planned monthly meeting of the Community Council, together with the Annual General Meeting had to be postponed. These meetings will now be held in November at a date to be arranged. We apologise to anyone who arrived during the evening only to find the premises in darkness but these were circumstances totally beyond our control.

Several residents had arrived by the start time of 7.30pm, as they had wanted to find out further information about the “Bus situation.” As we also had local Councillors Martin Rhodes and John Letford in attendance, together with MSP Bob Doris, it was decided to adjourn to the home of a nearby resident ( who we thank so much for her hospitality ) to hold an informal discussion about the 4A bus service.

The points that we have emphasised in our post above on 19th October were all stated and reinforced. New information emerged which we summarise below.

Our local Councillors will continue to have dialogue with First Greater Glasgow in an attempt to establish a better replacement route to replace that of the proposed M4 service, which all present condemned as totally useless.

Our MSP Bob Doris will continue to have dialogue with the Head office of First Group with the same aim of establishing a route which better suits our needs.  This allows the community to establish communication with 2 separate divisions of the Bus Company.

John Letford confirmed that he had seen the route of the M4 bus and it would be – Anniesland – Great Western Road – Cleveden Road – Dorchester Avenue – Great Western Road -Anniesland in a circular route.

First Bus stated to Councillor Letford that they had informed SPT about these changes. SPT told him that they had requested First Bus NOT to withdraw the 4A service, a fact which First Bus dispute.

It is now 99% certain that the 4A service will be withdrawn on 23rd October, when the replacement M4 would start. If the pressure on First Bus does result in a better route being established – then First Bus will need to go through the bureaucratic processes involved to lodge a change of route for the M4 service.

The Community Council is now looking into ways of establishing the views of the Community on the best possible route that we can suggest to First Bus, allowing for the fact that any such route will have to involve changing buses at some major local interchange rather than any direct service to the city centre currently provided by the 4A.

We obviously have no control of all the other actions being taken by other individuals and interested parties in lobbying First Bus regarding this issue.  We once again thank them for their efforts and remind you all that the cessation of the 4A service does not indicate that this matter is now closed. Our battles for a sensible and functional bus route for our residents continue.

By jove, now I really do need to get some breakfast !

• 4th November, 2016.  Within the past 24 hours we have realised that although elected council and Parliamentary officers have all united as “one” in campaigning to get Kelvindale a viable bus service, it is inevitable that the public will always have a “political take” on matters when reading posts and articles in isolation. The rules of Community Councils are quite clear “We have be to openly seen as “non political” and not to support any particular party.  We  are therefore once again so grateful to the EVENING  TIMES who have opened up a platform for you to have your say. This platform only exists until Monday.   If you prefer to contact your local elected members directly then of course please do so. The Evening Times article is here  http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14843447.Have_your_say_on_plans_to_replace_axed_4A_bus_route/?ref=ebln
• Today, 3rd November, local Glasgow City Councillor Martin Rhodes has forwarded us this e-mail from the Interim Head of Commercial, First Bus. This e-mail has also been received by other elected officers.  It puts forward their acceptance for a more viable alternative to the axed 4A service.  Having listened to the public opinion on this matter over the past few weeks, we feel that Option 1 to link Kelvindale to the Partick Interchange via Hyndland and Byres Road, albeit on an hourly basis, would be the ideal solution.  This would not only give us the West End connection we were seeking – but also a good transportation hub at the Partick Interchange, connecting with the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
• You will note that, as expected, the “use it or lose it option”has been quoted. We would be seeking to maintain this new service for the benefit of the whole community and will be asking Councillor Rhodes to stress to First Bus that after 6 months have elapsed no decisions are taken without a consultation process involving the Community Council. If we manage to “pull this one off” then it really will be up to you make as much use of the service as you can so as to allow for it’s continued viability. As we have a strict timetable to meet on  this one, we are asking Councillor Rhodes to officially respond to First Bus with a view to activation of OPTION 1 through the necessary bureaucratic processes involved.  The e-mail now follows –
• “Further to your recent correspondence regarding the above and further to correspondence and meetings regarding the changes to the 4A service in the Kelvindale area.What was clear within this discussion was that there was a feeling that the M4 link onto the rest of the network may not offer the best use of  resource and we undertook to present some alternatives, using that same resource.I‘ve attached two options that our Network Planners have brought together taking into account the range of comments made on behalf of the local bus users. We are happy to register and operate either one of these alternatives and invite your comments and your preference.It is important that we again re-emphasise that the provision of bus services is very heavily reliant on passenger demand. Our recent changes in the Kelvindale area resulted from falling demand, possibly related to the rail alternative. We will review this service again in six months and are happy to provide you with passenger numbers during this period.  A ‘use it or lose it’ message needs to be clearly understood, as there appears to be confusion surrounding the funding of bus services.Another factor for consideration is that we will require support from both SPT and the Traffic Commissioner if we are to amend this service within 90 days of the change (on 23rd October).  We will obviously seek that support, but the decision on start date would not be ours.

Option 1 – Anniesland – Kelvindale – Hyndland Road – Byres Road – Partick Interchange
                This timetable can be provided on an hourly basis during the day but due to increased peak journey times, the timetable at peaks is less consistent.

Option 2 – Anniesland – Kelvindale – Hyndland Road – University Avenue
                This timetable can be provided on an hourly basis during the day but due to increased peak journey times, the timetable at peaks is less consistent.”

8th November, 2016.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14873622.First_Bus_to_pilot_new_route_replacing_scrapped_section_of_4A/

26th November, 2016.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14929981.Replacement_bus_route_launching/?ref=ebln

If you have ever wondered just why we exist – and the functions that we perform, then this article and short film will explain everything.  If you are interested in joining us or finding out more about what we do – then please come along to one of our meetings.

https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=20087

This article appeared in the Glasgow Evening Times this morning –

“A public consultation has found city bus services are not meeting the needs of existing and potential passengers in most areas of the city.

In April this year, the city council asked people for their views about existing services and how they could be improved.

All community councils, housing associations, GP surgeries, libraries and Glasgow Life venues were notified of the consultation along with representatives of local transport groups and student organisations.

An analysis of the existing bus network found the vast majority of the city has access within 400m to at least half hourly services during the working day.

But the public consultation found many people feel their ability to access employment, education, social and other activities is limited by their current level of buses.

Although some people were happy with their existing service, the majority raised a number of recurring issues.

They included bus routes not meeting their needs, bus frequency not being good enough, services being unreliable, journeys taking too long, not enough off-peak services and fares being too expensive.

A report to city councillors says: “A substantial list of desired service routes was provided.

“This has shown there is a clear demand for more routes that do not involve interchange in the city centre.

“Key routes mentioned were to and from the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital from all areas of the city, direct East End to West End routes and direct services linking different areas of the South Side without having to interchange in the city centre.

“It was also raised by a number of consultees that often bus services did not operate for sufficient periods of the day to enable access to employment and education by not operating or operating on reduced frequency in the evening and weekends.

“The consultation has shown bus services are not currently meeting all the needs of existing and potential passengers in most areas of the city.”

A First Glasgow spokesman said: “First Glasgow is committed to providing local and accessible bus services across our operating area.

“Feedback and analysis is an important element in developing these services.

“We welcome this small survey which was undertaken to identify real and perceived gaps in service, and we look forward to continuing to work with Glasgow City Council and our other partners in our ongoing efforts to meet the needs of the travelling public in the city and surrounding areas.”

A spokesman for SPT said: “We look forward to receiving the detailed results of this consultation as there is no doubt, there has been a worrying decline in bus patronage across Scotland over the last 10 years which paints a very bleak picture. SPT has always sought to take a positive, pro-active stance to improve the bus network in the West of Scotland.

“To continue to do this, we believe the best way forward is in forming the Strathclyde Bus Alliance, with bus companies, local authorities and others to tackle this decline and then look at achieving growth.”

Elaine McDougall, the city council’s transport spokesman, said: “We are well aware of the issues with bus services – or lack of – in certain areas of the city.

“Our consultation has highlighted the need for improvement and where the gaps in the bus network is having an effect on people’s lives.

“We will be sharing the results with SPT however, for any real change and improvement to happen, the Scottish Government needs to consider reregulation of the bus market in the city.””

Glasgow City Council are celebrating the eighth year of the Evening Times Glasgow Community Champion Awards and the search has started for the heroes of the North West of Glasgow.

More than 350 community champions from across the city have been rewarded and now The Evening Times want to hear more about the people in this area who make our city great.

You will know of the groups or individuals who have made a difference by caring for others, campaigning for better services, or in general creating a positive environment.

Nominating a group or individual is easy all you need to do is complete the entry form online at www.eveningtimesevents.com/communitychamps 

The deadline for entries is Wednesday, August 31, 2016

The awards themselves will take place on Thursday, October 6, 2016