Bungo Blog

Council aims to establish city-wide heritage trust to improve the conservation areas

A meeting held on 14 September in Pollokshields Burgh Hall brought together a number of Glasgow’s heritage groups, including the Strathbungo Society. It was chaired by former Lord Provost, Michael Kelly.

Jim MacDonald, the Council’s Head of Heritage and Design, outlined the Council’s thinking on how conservation and heritage could be better supported in the city. The Council wishes to see a Glasgow-wide City Heritage Trust, based on the model of the West End Conservation Trust which has work assiduously over the past 15 years to improve the fabric of the city’s West End. In essence, he said, the Council wants to see such a service available across all of Glasgow’s conservation areas.

Kevin Kane, Strathbungo Chair, said “In principle this is a good idea. It if works, it should mean that there is professional support available to communities across Glasgow to help improve the fabric of conservation areas. In Strathbungo this could mean reinstating such things as iron railings and repairs to stonework to enhance and conserve the neighbourhood’s heritage.”

The issue is to be raised at the September meeting of the Society.

Satellite dish removed from listed building at owner’s expense

Here’s the real cost of satellite TV!

On 31 August, Glasgow City Council enforcement officers moved into Strathbungo with access equipment and a team of contractors to remove a satellite dish from the facade of a Grade B listed building in March Street.

The offending dish was fitted to the front of a flat in violation of planning guidelines. As no one was home when enforcement officers called, they left a letter and took the dish. The owner had seven days to collect it. Whether or not he has done so, he will also be given a bill for the costs of removing the dish from the building.

In this case, because the dish was attached to a second storey property, the bill will include hire of a hydraulic lift platform as well contractors’ time — “there will not be much change out of £350,” said Enforcement Office John Ryan who carried out the direct action order with his colleague Karen Roberton.

A cautionary tale
The fact that a telecommunications company is willing to attach the dish to a listed building is no excuse for the owner or person who instructs the work. It is the owner’s responsibility to have planning consent and in the case of a rented property, the owner is still liable and must reclaim expenses from the tenant.

There are almost no circumstances in which a satellite dish can be attached to the front facade of a listed building, thus it is highly unlikely that planning consent will ever be granted. Sad thing is, the dish could have been sited legally on the roof/chimney and it would have cost a whole lot less in the long run!

Karen said they have been developing a working relationship with Sky, keeping them informed of listed properties and conservation areas. However, in the final analysis, if an owner decides to chance it, the telecoms company is not required to insist on seeing planning consent and is not liable for any penalties incurred.

Here’s how it works.
If a dish is attached to a listed facade, owners are notified in writing that they are in breach of conservation area policy and, if they do not remove the dish voluntarily, an enforcement order is issued, giving them six weeks to remove the dish. If they still do not comply, then the Council takes ‘direct action’ and the owner is liable for the costs of removing the dish. This will always include the cost of employing contractors to remove the dish and, if there are health and safety issues, may also include the cost of hiring access equipment.

There’s a lot of information on this site regarding living in a conservation area. Just go to the “Strathbungo” section and click on “Conservation”.

You will find an overview of conservation guidelines and why they are important to uphold, links to the Council’s policy on window, trees, and all other aspects which come into property maintenance in a conservation area, and some helpful tips on how to stay on the right side of Council planners.

Nithsdale Road bridge closed for 90 minutes
or
Just when you thought traffic couldn’t get any worse: Part 2!
A suspect bag left in the street outside of Susie’s shop brought dozens of police to the scene and created traffic gridlock as the Nithsdale Road railway bridge was closed for an hour and a half on Monday afternoon (5 September).

Susie’s was shut for the duration, as were all of the streets around the bridge, including Darnley Street, the roundabout, and 1-10 Moray Place; however, no houses were evacuated.

In the event, the police used sniffer dogs and electronic aids to examine the bag and it turned out to be a false alarm.

Police could not be drawn on whether they thought it was a malicious hoax, somebody’s idea of a joke or just brainless littering. Nevertheless, amid the traffic chaos and crowds that gathered to watch the excitement, several residents expressed relief at the speed and thoroughness of the police response.

According to the official Strathclyde Police statement: “At 1335 hours today following a report from a member of the public that a case had been left in a suspicious manner on the railway bridge at Nithsdale Drive, an operation involving Strathclyde Police and British Transport Police was undertaken.

“Cordons and traffic diversions were put in place and the case was subjected to examination by specially trained police dogs and electronic aids.

“The case was found to be empty. Enquiries continue.”

Strathbungo Society Chairman calls response complacent

On 23 August Strathbungo Councillor Malcolm Cunning wrote to Land Services Director Robert Booth, expressing concerns of local residents over traffic problems that arose when the Titwood Road bridge was closed and asking what measures could be taken to discourage or minimise the number of vehicles attempting to cut through Strathbungo towards Nithsdale Road (see our news story of 23/8) . Mr Booth’s response is printed in full below.

Regarding Mr Booth’s letter, Strathbungo Society Chairman Kevin Kane said: “Land Services response to Cllr Cunning’s letter reveals a hugely disappointing level of complacency down at the Council.

“Land Services may think the situation has subsided, but Cllr Cunning’s mailbag tells a different story. So too do the eyes and ears of Strathbungo residents as our streets continue to be used as a rat run.

“It was Land Services that authorised the closure of the Titwood Road bridge in the full knowledge that the Nithsdale Road bridge had not yet increased to two lanes each way. Their lack of joined-up thinking has created unprecedented levels of traffic through Strathbungo’s narrow streets.

“And now, to top it all, we are told that Scottish Water is about to start a 32 month contract to dig up roads to replace water mains that service Govanhill, Strathbungo and Pollokshaws!

“We already have a stream of angry, frustrated motorists, thinking they have found a way to escape the traffic jam in Pollokshaws Road, only to discover that there is no ‘legal’ way to cut through. Many of them choose to ignore the no-entry sign and travel the wrong way up Moray Place, or else ‘escape’ by speeding up the private lane.

Perhaps Mr Booth might care to join us and ‘monitor’ the situation personally. Then he might understand why we fear for the safety of our residents, particularly our children. Will it take a serious accident or death to make that clear?

“Now is the time for the Council to look at an overall traffic plan for Strathbungo.”

Here is the response to Cllr Cunning from Robert Booth, Director of Land Services.

1 September 2005
Dear Councillor Cunning
TITWOOD BRIDGE CLOSURE

I refer to your letter of 23 August 2005, regarding the concerns raised about traffic using Moray Place due to the closure of the Titwood Road Bridge.

I have monitored, and, as there are still fluctuations in the volume of traffic using the lanes and going north eastwards on the one-way road, I will continue to monitor the traffic around this area. These fluctuations are showing a general significant reduction in the level of the traffic going through this part of Strathbungo.

If the problems persist, they would have to be tackled by two separate methods. The first would be, in relation to the Moray Place one-way system and the other regarding the lanes. In respect of the Moray Place problem, I have instructed new ‘no entry’ signs to be erected and both my staff and local residents are co-ordinating with Strathclyde Police for enforcement issues.

The second issue is to control the use of the lanes. Here, the most successful method of control is likely to be by closing the lanes at certain points. Given that the lanes in question are the responsibility and are under the ownership of many persons, I would be unable to get involved in such considerations, but would be pleased to give comments or advice on any proposals.

Yours sincerely,
Robert Booth
Director of Land Services

World Dancing coming to Strathbungo!

A new World Dance Group is starting up in Strathbungo this autumn, bringing dances both traditional and modern, danced to many differentkinds of music from around the world. No previous experience is needed and you can be any age or level of ability, provided you are willing to have a go and enjoy yourself

World Dance is a form of social dance that often takes the form of a circle, which is very supportive for the beginner. It is non-competitive, does not require a partner and is also a very gentle form of exercise.

The circle is a symbol of wholeness and dancing this form creates a sense of well-being and togetherness. The dances also have a wide variety of mood, from the energetic and celebratory to slower, more contemplative ”moving meditations”.

Dances were initially drawn from the rich traditional dances of countries such as the Balkans, Greece, Israel, Russia, France and Celtic Britain and more recently from the Americas, Africa and Asia. Dances have been choreographed to both contemporary and classical music.

For start date, venue and more information, ring Jenny on 01360 770 497 or Ann on 422 1743. Or email Ann.