Thornwood Community Council
Minutes of the AGM meeting on 01/10/2024,
Partick Free Church Hall
2-4 Thornwood Terrace Glasgow G11 7QZ (6.30pm)
- Welcome and apologies
The Chair welcomed everyone to our AGM
Attendees
TCC Members
Shaun Conroy (Chair)
Jamie MacBrayne (Treasurer)
Colin Price (Secretary)
Geraldine Ross-Hargreaves
Madeline Jansen
Nicolas Dear
Seamus Gallagher
Stephen Marshall
Ex Officio Members
None
Other attendees
2 members of the public
Apologies Received in Advance
Ailie Hunter (member)
Councillor Eunis Jassemi (Scottish Labour Party)
Not present
Councillor Feargal Dalton (Scottish National Party)
Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell (Scottish Green Party)
PC Andy McKay (Police Scotland)
Other attendees
2 members of the public
Apologies Received in Advance
Ailie Hunter (member)
Councillor Eunis Jassemi (Scottish Labour Party)
Not present
Councillor Feargal Dalton (Scottish National Party)
Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell (Scottish Green Party)
PC Andy McKay (Police Scotland) - Record of membership
We are constituted to have 11 members.
At the beginning of the year we had 10 members but Alison left after moving away from Thornwood. Ailie Hunter has also indicated that she is stepping down from the CC. We therefore have 8 members as listed above.
Shaun thanked both Alison and Ailie for their work on both the CC and in the community itself.
It was agreed that we initiate the process of holding an interim election to fill the three vacancies.
(Proposed:Nic ; Seconded:Colin) - Approval of minutes – AGM, October 2023
These were approved at our Nov 2023 meeting but were now formally approved.
Proposed:Jamie ; Seconded:Shaun - Chairperson’s annual report
This was circulated prior to the meeting and is attached below.
The report was adopted. Proposed:Nic ; Seconded:Jamie
The meeting wanted to formally record the outstanding work done by Shaun both within TCC and throughout the community. The meeting was unanimous in this. - Treasurer’s submission of Independently Examined Statement of Accounts
These were adopted. Proposed:Colin ; Seconded:Nic - Secretary’s report
This was circulated prior to the meeting and is attached below.
The report was adopted. Proposed:Jamie ; Seconded:Shaun
The meeting wanted to record its thanks for the work Colin has done as secretary.
The meeting agreed that the secretary should continue to use his judgement as to what incoming emails should be circulated to all members. - Note Scheme of Establishment for Community Councils
Members were reminded that as a body reporting to GCC there are rules and expectations as to how things are done.They were referred to the Scheme which is available for consultation on the GCC website.
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/1271/Community-Councils - Election of office bearers
The current office bearers stepped down and nominations sought for the following posts. The following appointments were unanimously made.
(Nb. The roles and responsibilities for these posts are detailed on the GCC website.)- Chairperson: Shaun Conroy
Proposed:Colin ; Seconded:Maddie - Vice-Chairperson: Seamus Gallagher
Proposed:Nic ; Seconded:Maddie - Treasurer: Jamie MacBrayne
Proposed:Seamus ; Seconded:Maddie - Secretary: Colin Price
Proposed:Jamie ; Seconded:Seamus
- Chairperson: Shaun Conroy
- The Constitution was signed and dated by the Chairperson, i.e. Shaun, and counter-signed by Colin and Jamie
- The following appointments were made to:
- Victoria Park Area Partnership
Representative: Seamus Proposed:Nic ; Seconded:Jamie
Substitute: Colin Proposed:Nic ; Seconded:Maddie - Victoria Park Community Trust
Representative: Geraldine Proposed:Nic ; Seconded:Seamus
- Victoria Park Area Partnership
- Note the appointment of an Independent Examiner of accounts for the next year: It was agreed to ask the same person who audited the accounts this year to audit the accounts next year.
- Note the appointment of any Associate Members
No Associate Members were appointed - Review of Inventory and Additional Resources
- Asus X540 15.6” Pentium Silver 4GB 1TB laptop with mouse & mouse mat, S. Conroy
- Kingston DTLPG3 8GB USB 3.0 memory stick with cloud backup, J. MacBrayne
- Cheque book & receipts books, J. MacBrayne
- Keys for community noticeboard, J. MacBrayne
- Chairperson declared that a date in October 2025 will host the next AGM
- AOB: Jamie asked the meeting to formally record our thanks to Duncan Spiers who had managed to keep TCC running through the particularly difficult covid years and without whose sterling work there might not now be a TCC. The meeting was unanimous in their support.
- Chairperson closed the AGM at 7pm
AGM Chairperson’s Report Thornwood Community Council October 2024
Firstly, can I take this opportunity in thanking all the members of the community council for their commitment and high attendance at meetings. The meetings themselves are visibly growing, which means that what we are doing collectively, is filtering out into our community.
As you know Thornwood is currently the largest community in the Northwest of Glasgow. The addition of 325 houses at the Harbour and 42 homes at Beith St indicates further expansion of our community. Invariably this expansion will bring its own trials and tribulations. The good thing is, that we are here for it.
Thornwood Roundabout
The roundabout continues to raise concerns over safety in the community. The Community Council is actively involved in meetings with the local authority to prioritise pedestrian, cycle and car safety for those living in and travelling through our community. We have also submitted a request to NRS for a green barrier to shield our community against excessive and continuous noise from the Expressway.
The Mural
The Studio in Partick have now completed the roundabout mural artwork designed by local children from Whiteinch and Thornwood Primary schools. This is a fantastic piece of work and has altered the flyover significantly.
The Pitches
Local community group Love Thornwood, Glasgow Eco Trust, Glasgow Community Food Network with the support of local councillors have conducted a local survey to seek permission to alter the disused football pitches at Thornwood Primary to community greenspace. A further request has been submitted for the site to be included in the City Development Plan 2. Furthermore, Sandy Road Nursery is short on exercise space, therefore this area could further be developed to encourage the learning and developmental growth in our youngest citizens.
Thornwood Primary
Thornwood’s most valued resource celebrates its 125th year anniversary. Thornwood Community Council and Love Thornwood have been involved in obtaining local funds to soften the playground landscape, encouraging biodiversity and early years learning.
Litter-Picking
The community council has set up monthly litter picking events held on the first Saturday of the month. Love Thornwood is also part of a working group in the #LitterFree G14 initiative in developing a community litter prevention program.
Festive Decorations
The community council has taken steps to seek transparency over the cost of annual festive lighting.
Elected Representatives
The community council continues to work closely with our elected representatives. We would like to share our deep appreciation and thanks for their resilience and support in providing answers to our community and raising complex issues with the relevant departments.
Police Scotland
The community council would like to thank Police Scotland for their regular attendance and reports. The CC was recently able to support residents with a neighbour who displayed difficult behaviours. Whilst this is ongoing the relationships built with Police Scotland is valuable and appreciated by all community councillors and residents.
The Annexe
The community council also noted the appreciation of the annual ‘Mini Fete’ held annually by the Annexe. The Annexe is a lifeline to many in the Partick and Thornwood communities. As Thornwood has limited resources, the commitment of the Annexe to sustain these family led activities is extremely important to our community.
The Website
Our community council is looking at the prospect of developing an online local forum. Whilst this is a complex piece of work, it was decided to open the website to the local community. This will be on a trial basis with scrutiny and monitoring to minimise and risk assess external use of the forum.
Partners
We are continuing to work closely with partners at the school, local representatives, our nurseries, The Studio, Police Scotland, Neighbourhood Regeneration and Sustainability, our ward partners, the local authority, local businesses, Neighbourhood Improvement Volunteers and local people and businesses.
The Future
The main role of any community council is to complement the role of the local authority and to express the wider views of the entire community.
With the pending cuts to local services, we, as a voluntary body, would do well to take steps to ascertain the views of the impact on our vulnerable neighbours and youngest citizens. Whilst we are helpless in mitigating these political choices, we can work together to offer support to our community, seek funds to visually soften our environment, promote and improve health, connect people to services and provide opportunities for people to build their own support networks, tackle isolation and improve their life skills and experiences to become part of the community.
Shaun Conroy, Chair TCC
Thornwood Community Council
Secretary’s Report 2024, AGM
I took over as Secretary in April 2024. Since then I’ve been finding my feet somewhat in making sure I’m on top of any correspondence. I’ve set up TCC’s email account so all incoming mail is forwarded on to me and doesn’t sit there waiting for me to log on.
There hasn’t been much correspondence of note. A couple of enquiries as to when and where we meet. This information is now readily available online and the incorrect information on the old website has been deleted which now contains just a link redirecting people to our new website.
Other correspondence is usually me writing to people, following up on decisions and discussions at our monthly meetings.
When I was on the receiving end, I was happy for whoever had secretarial duties to filter what was sent on to me as a member and I have continued doing that. However, I would like advice on whether that’s what members still want. We do receive circulars about policies and initiatives, e.g. the September newsletter from the Citizens Rights Project, and the ‘Campaign to increase safety of e-bikes and e-scooters and the lithium-ion batteries that power them’. Would members like all such materials to be forwarded or would you prefer me to use my judgement?
With regard to Agenda and Minutes I’ve started using Google Docs and sending out a link. One reason for doing this is so that documents can be amended when additions, comments, and corrections are received. This means all members will have access to the most recent version and there won’t be the problems that might result from there being multiple versions. Once minutes have been approved they are saved as a pdf and published on the website.
Colin Price, Secretary TCC
Thornwood Community Council
Minute of the ordinary meeting on 01/10/2024,
Partick Free Church Hall
2-4 Thornwood Terrace Glasgow G11 7QZ (6.30pm)
This meeting followed on from the AGM where attendees and apologies were recorded.
There were no additional attendees at the Ordinary Meeting.
- Welcome and apologies
Attendees
TCC Members
Shaun Conroy (Chair)
Jamie MacBrayne (Treasurer)
Colin Price (Secretary)
Geraldine Ross-Hargreaves
Madeline Jansen
Nicolas Dear
Seamus Gallagher
Stephen Marshall
Ex Officio Members
None
Other attendees
2 members of the public
Apologies Received in Advance
Councillor Eunis Jassemi (Scottish Labour Party)
Not present
Councillor Feargal Dalton (Scottish National Party)
Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell (Scottish Green Party)
PC Andy McKay (Police Scotland) - Minutes for previous meeting (7th September 2024)
Approved. Proposed:Jamie ; Seconded:Seamus - Matters Arising
- Mark McColgan has been contacted on a number of issues
- Bins: Blue recycling & Food waste
MM says that for tenemental properties GCC guidance is: where there are 8 flats, there should be 4 blue bins and 6 green bins; and where there are 6 flats, there should be 3 blue bins and 5 green bins. This is the maximum numbers a tenement should have and the cleansing team will not service additional, or allow ordering from factors, if the property has already reached the quota.
CP had noted that the interactive map detailing the location of food waste recycling bins:
https://glasgowgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=345f389a91ff4f1fa193b24df832fb05
was inaccurate, e.g. there is no grey bin below Thornwood Park. MM said, “this has been raised with our waste strategy team who are making physical changes city wide due to contamination particularly within food waste bins. When the team have completed these changes this will be reflected electronically on our interactive mapping system.” - App functionality
CP had commented on the mixed success people had in communicating with GCC using the app. MM says that the concerns have been noted and he will pass these on to the relevant department.
MM advised that pavement issues can be reported via the poor conditions category within the app
MM added that in addition to the app matters could be reported using:
the GCC website
https://citizen.glascc1-prd.gosshosted.com/article/1779/Report-Road-Faults
for emergency road and lighting faults via the RALF line 0800 373635.
and for a missed bin collection
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/1601/Report-a-Missed-Bin
Residents can also call 0141 287 9700 which is the GCC customer care centre - Festive lighting.
No reply to CP’s enquiry regarding the excessive cost has been received from Stephen Branchflower, either by CP or by MM when he followed up on CP’s behalf. MM’s advice is to refer back to the VPAP. CP has reported back to Kaukab Stewart MSP as he agreed to do at their August meeting. Lana has said that more information should be available after the October meeting of VPAP. There was some discussion as to whether to undertake an FOI request but it was agreed to wait to see what further information becomes available in October. - Website – implementation of discussion forums. Stevie indicated that this was in hand.
- Crime in the community. The two members of the public who had expressed concerns at the last meeting had been referred to our Community Policing Team. The police advice is not to tackle issues yourself but to always refer matters to the police.
- Bins: Blue recycling & Food waste
- Mark McColgan has been contacted on a number of issues
- Restricted Parking Zone – update
Shaun & Colin represented TCC at a meeting with GCC on 20/09/2004
A report on this (copied below) was circulated to members prior to the meeting.
Additional issues:- It has been confirmed that the tenement block between the police station and Sorley Street is in the proposed RPZ and future maps will be amended to show this.
- Currently the southern part of Thornwood, i.e roads south of Dumbarton Road, such as Crawford Street, Meadow Road and Sandy Road, sits within the Partick RPZ (since approximately 2016). There is no intention for this to be changed.
- The Partick RPZ is part of the wider W3 zone; the new RPZ for Thornwood and Broomhill will not be included in the wider W3 zone. This means cars registered to properties on the south side of Dumbarton Road will not be able to park on the north side and vice versa.
- Currently the Partick RPZ requires a permit or payment for parking Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm. This is due to change to Monday – Sunday, 8am to 10pm. It is assumed but not confirmed that this will apply to the Thornwood/Broomhill RPZ
- There is a proposal that Parking Permits will be charged according to emissions. According to a newspaper report CCs are meant to be consulted about this before it goes out to public consultation. Something is meant to be appearing on the GCC website Friday 4th Oct.
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/carbonpermits
Colin commented that it was odd that an emissions based charge was being imposed on cars at the very time they weren’t emitting anything, when they were parked, and it would make more sense for an emissions based charge to be based on miles driven. - What are the implications for businesses? Possible impacts on customers and the retaining and recruiting staff.
- What happens where properties have their own dedicated parking but not enough for all residents, e.g. the tall flats in Broomhill Lane, etc. Perhaps it will be the responsibility of the factor or housing association to decide how it will manage its parking.
- Any resident will be allowed to purchase a Permit for a car registered at that address even if off road parking is available.
- More than one permit will be allowed per address.
- Anecdotally, we know that sometimes people who cannot find a space in Broomhill Drive park in the dedicated spaces for the flats. Will this increase as some people seek to avoid paying for a Parking Permit for themself or for a visitor? Again, it may be for the housing association to police this.
- How many parking spaces will there be in the RPZ? [est. 2631]
How many households are there in the RPZ [est 5779 +c500]
How many vehicles are currently registered to properties in the RPZ?
Will GCC ever issue more Parking Permits than spaces available? Either for the whole RPZ or for particular areas, e.g. central Thornwood - An informal survey undertaken whilst walking back from Sainsburys at 4.30 on a Friday afternoon showed that there were 158 cars parked where there will be 127 spaces. That is a reduction of 20% or to put it another way one in every five cars will have to find somewhere else to park.
- Elected Representatives Update
None - Police Scotland Report
The Police report was circulated to members prior to the meeting. There was the usual variation but it was pleasing to note that there were fewer crimes of violence. The public are encouraged to report large groups engaging in anti-social behaviour. However, a key message is that there has been an increase in thefts from cars. This is also something reported on local social media. The thefts appear to be opportunistic and where cars have been left unlocked with valuables left on display. However, local residents have suggested it looks more like organised groups targeting particular streets.
- AOB
- Property concerns – abandoned developments. The planning enquiry team at GCC have been asked if there is any update on the seemingly abandoned developments in Meadow Road, and the property on the corner of Kildonan Drive and Apsley Street. No response has yet been received.
- Toxic waste. Possible dumping of toxic waste has been reported on the undeveloped site by the Clyde. Lana has reported this to NRS at GCC. It is now being dealt with by Brian Lovellette who works for Peel, the owners of the property.
- Information on proposed boundary changes for the Scottish Parliament has been received and distributed. It doesn’t seem as if this has any implications for the work of TCC.
- Litter picking. Shaun drew attention to the monthly Litter Picking which will take place this month on Saturday October 6th.
- It was suggested that since neighbouring CCs were drawing up Place Plans we should consider doing so. It was agreed to put this on the agenda for the November meeting.
- A member of the public noted that the ongoing issue of red driveway stones migrating over the footpath was still an issue.
- It was proposed and agreed that there should always be an agenda item asking for any questions from the public.
Additional Information
Note on the Broomhill/Thornwood RPZ – Update Meeting
Glasgow City Chambers 20/09/2024
This meeting was attended by Shaun, myself (ColinP), Hector & Roy from BCC, Eunis and Lana. There were three people from GCC (my apologies, I don’t recall their names).
I thought the meeting was very positive. The team from GCC were well on top of their brief and clearly knew the area and the roads well. They were not only willing to listen to any concerns but were actively seeking feedback on the initial design proposals. They were keen to stress that the maps distributed prior to the meeting were not finished proposals but were to be regarded as discussion starters.
Following this meeting changes will be made to the proposals which will then go out for a six-week public consultation. Plans will be available for consultation online and hard copies available in places like the library. Sadly, they no longer hold public meetings due to the level of abuse to which staff have been subjected. They cannot be precise about further timelines as it depends on how much feedback they receive. They hope the RPZ will be fully implemented by the Summer of 2026 but this is a target not a commitment.
There are some constraints that limit what they can do. The size of parking bays is determined by design criteria. There is some flexibility on width which can be less on narrow roads. The length of bays cannot be adjusted other than having shorter bays at the end of a street where someone isn’t trying to park between two other cars. Where a street has two-way traffic and parking on both sides it is necessary to leave some spaces without parking to facilitate passing. Within the constraints that they have, it is clear that they were trying to maximise the available parking such as, where it is possible, using angled parking rather than side-on parking.
This part of Thornwood and Broomhill will form a single parking area, however it will not be part of the wider W3 area. I asked, a number of times, where the nearest place to park will be if someone arrives home at 8pm and there are no parking spaces available. They were not able to answer that question but from past experience they were confident it won’t be a problem. They may be right, let’s hope so. I don’t share their confidence. Subsequent to the meeting I pointed out that you need to be careful when extrapolating from past experience to make sure you are comparing like with like. Central Thornwood has a high density of population. For example, Kennoway Drive has 55 places planned for 248 flats. Having the school and, therefore, one side of some streets being free of tenements, does ease the situation but we still have a high density.
Additional notes:
- Enforcement continues until 10pm
- Visitor permits available as booklets of five with each permit costing £5 for 6 hours
- Medical permits are available for some NHS workers. Discussions are taking place for situations where people need carers to visit
- Kerb-side bus stops need to be longer than those that are built out.
- Relining of bus stops to be undertaken very soon
- At this stage they haven’t done the calculations on the amount of parking lost but there will definitely be space for fewer cars.
- For angled parking the preferred design now is for reversing in as this enables a much safer forward exit from the angled parking. This particularly increases safety for cyclists.
- All properties in the area will be eligible for Parking Permits. Restrictions will apply to properties built after the traffic order has been promulgated.
- There are no maximum number of permits available to any given address but the vehicle must be registered at that address.
- The cost of permits might be based on emissions with cleaner vehicles entitled to cheaper permits.
- You cannot have two permits for the one vehicle. A vehicle may overhang another space but all four wheels must be in the single space.
- Caravans and trailers must be attached to a vehicle.
- It is hoped that cycle hoops will be factored into the plans.
- Discussions are ongoing about the expansion of car clubs.
- It is planned to have more generic disabled bays adjacent to Dumbarton Road.