General Meeting 2nd December 2024
GOVAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL
GENERAL MEETING MONDAY 2 DECEMBER 2024
Held in the Pearce Institute at 7 p.m.
Present: Esme Clark, Danny O’Neill, John Foster, Robert Preston, Gina Preston, Ruby Kelly, Willie Jones, Greg Burns.
Apologies: Reinhild Gorniak, Annie Morgan, Gordon Mackay, Marie Davidson, Andre Videla, Betty Ross, Humza Yousaf MSP, Cllr Alam, Cllr Bell, Cllr Dornan, Cllr Hutchison
Minute taker: John Foster
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MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER MEETING
These were moved as correct by Robert Preston and Esme Clark -
MATTERS ARISING
a) Cleansing, environment, housing and roads
It was agreed to further discuss at our January meeting issues of poverty and homelessness in Govan, and other housing issues, as preparation for an invitation to the two Housing Associations to attend our February meeting. We should also invite Jim Ellis to talk on cleansing issues.
b) Road maintenance
Our Secretary had sent a letter to Roads on the dangerous potholes on the north side of Govan Road at the Heritage Centre. It was reported that these had now been filled. It was, however, also noted that a letter to Roads a couple of months ago on the state of the pavement on the east-side of Pease Street had not so far resulted in action and the pavement between Brechins Bar and Harmony Row was in poor condition and also dangerous in winter conditions. It was also AGREED to raise the issue of arrangements for the gritting of roads and pavements during the winter season. Steps taken during the cold snap over the past fortnight were deemed inadequate.
c) Active Travel consultation on road modification to improve cycling safety
Andre Videla was thanked for his very full and helpful outline of the plans. These had been distributed to Community Council members. During further discussion some additional issues were raised about the practicality of some aspects for both pedestrians and cars. It was noted that the time period for consultation and response had been remarkably short and it was AGREED that a request be made via Cllr Hutchison for an extension of the time period (copy to Eamon Campbell of Sustrans who took the meeting on behalf of the City Council).
d) Lyceum
The meeting expressed concern that, despite submission of the community petition for the disused building to be taken into public/community ownership as the first stage of establishing a charity for its further development (backed by Govan Community Council and most local organisations including CGAP), features had appeared in local papers, without community consultation, in support of an alternative proposal identified with current owner of the site. These articles suggested that the counter proposal had the support of some elected representatives. The Chair will seek to clarify the situation with those mentioned.
e) Police actions on 5 July at Govan underground
The Chair had written to the Chief Constable asking for an explanation of police tactics at Govan Cross underground on 5 July against those who had been previously demonstrating outside Thales against the manufacture of weapons for use by Israel. No reply had yet been received. It was understood that similar protests had been made by Councillors.
Arising from this item, Willie Jones asked whether police representatives were invited to our meetings. Our Secretary explained that there was a standing invitation but that a) because Monday was a ‘change-over’ day for shifts and b) because of reduced staffing levels there had been no regular attendance for some time – although there had been annual special occasions on which police attendance had been possible.
f) Community Council Public meeting 20 November
Around 20 people attended the meeting to hear a report on cuts to public services and council budgets given by Unison Policy Officer Stephen Low. Despite a very informative presentation it was felt that the discussion that followed was too dominated by personal issues. These, though genuinely arising from that way issues were dealt with by local housing providers and by the City Council, had not made for a fuller and effective discussion of policy.
g) Naming of the new bridge
The City Council Committee recommendation would be made on 12 December. A letter had been sent to Partick Community Council asking for support but no reply appeared to have been received.
h) Fire and Rescue Services
There was no further information ahead of the review in the New Year. It was agreed to contact the FBU for further briefing when this review was announced.
- BANKING SERVICES
Gordon MacKay had given apologies but had sent notes to accompany a response to our latest letter from the Financial Conduct Authority. This outlined its new powers (including their limits) but did stress, as triggers for review, the severity of cuts to banking services (in terms of access to alternative locations) and the age of the population. Our Chair noted that the RBS had now closed virtually all branches apart from one in central Glasgow and it was agreed that we should respond using both age and alternative locations in our call for a review (including reference to FCA’s former intervention for the creation of a banking hub in Cambuslang). It was suggested that an approach be made to Workspace and to CGAP asking for support to stress the importance of banking services to local small businesses and economic regeneration – and that mention should be made of the public investment in the new bridge as part of this process.
- OPENING HOURS OF ELDERPARK LIBRARY
Our Chair reported that he had completed an initial assessment of the Deeds of Gift from Lady Elder, which confirmed the condition made for Sunday opening, and had contacted Mike Dailey of the Govan Law Centre who was keen to take the case forward. He also noted that 1912 amalgamation of Glasgow and Govan local authorities required the taking over of legal commitments from Govan Burgh.
- OFFICERS’ REPORTS
Chair
All issues had been covered.
Secretary
The letter requesting support from the National Lottery for further excavation work at Govan Old, via Pat Cassidy, had been sent.
Treasurer
Our Secretary had been in contact with our Treasurer and with Money Matters about the auditing our accounts and the need to secure signed copies for despatch to the City Council before Christmas if possible and at the latest before 31 December.
- COMMUNITY COUNCIL ORGANISATION
a) Our website
Andre was congratulated on on-going work and his appeal for assistance noted. Our minute Secretary would try to retrieve more of the former minutes. Willie Jones volunteered to work on a GCC Facebook site and this was welcomed.
b) Autumn Govan Letter
Royal Mail delivery had again proved patchy. It was felt that in future we should ourselves also try to use all venues with public access (including shops, schools and pubs) in addition to the distribution already done by our Secretary (Health Centre, Housing Associations, Post Offices, Maslows, PI).
- OTHER BUSINESS
a) Farmers’ Market at Cross: discussions were advanced about re-establishing a market at the Cross (David Cairns of City Markets)
b) Area Partnership Grants: successful bids will be announced in January
c) Elder Park and graffiti on Portico
Willie Jones reported on progress in redeveloping the Rose Garden but also the graffiti attacks on the Portico – now cleaned but with danger of repetition
- DATE OF NEXT MEETING
This would be the [second]{.underline} Monday of January: 13^th^ at 7 p.m. in the Pearce Institute.