Bus stops in lots of places

The people of Mansewood and Hillpark are not the only communities facing cuts in bus services.  First Glasgow has stated the following five services will be withdrawn:

Route 2 – Toryglen and Croftfoot

Route 25 – Govan and Silverburn

Route 29 – Manswood, Hillpark and Shawlands

Route 91 – Partick and Clydebank

Route 92 – restricted to operate between Partick Bus Station and Gartnavel Hospital only.

But Glasgow City Council has been told of others to be withdrawn:

Route 11 – Bearsden Road/Switchback – diverted from Glasgow Road, Clydebank to Barns Street/East Barns Street.

Route 42 – Drumchapel and City Centre via Garscadden, Scotstoun, Partick and Charing Cross – evening operation to be withdrawn.

Route 119 – Baljaffray and Castlemains Estate

Route 213A – Bargeddie to Buchanan Bus Station via Baillieston, Edinburgh Road, Cranhill and Alexandra Parade – Sunday day service to be withdrawn.

In addition,  many established routes will have major timetable changes.

Editorial

Glasgow launches into a great new era with the Transport Museum and a river ferry to get to its door.  The proud claim that ‘Glasgow made the Clyde and the Clyde made Glasgow’ was true early last century. So far in this 21st century,  the River Clyde is dead of any meaningful, daily, traffic around the city. Perhaps the ferry fielding small numbers of people from Govan’s Water Row to the exciting Riverside Transport Museum will be the start of a renaissance of river craft plying the water. Certainly a one-day Regatta (organised from Bristol!) will brighten things for the day on Saturday 16 July for those who chance to find out about it.

With the Glenlee so majestically moored at the entrance to the Riverside Museum, it is a fitting location for such a fascinating ikon which sheds light on even earlier maritime exploits.  But where are the visual references to the world class war ships which are now reaching the end of their production cycle at Govan and Scotstoun yards? Will the Riverside Museum transport us into a new age when water craft will ease the congestion on roads and the damage to the planet of the infernal combusion engine? We’ll find out as the tide ebbs and flows.

 

A good stooshie

‘It’s good to see politics is alive and can generate a good stooshie,’ commented Dr Katherine Trebeck of Oxfam after the Sunny Govan Radio’s hustings on Tuesday 26 April. Oxfam is a supporter of the 24 hour radio station which beams out across the whole of Glasgow and beyond.
Held in Kinning Park Church and chaired by media director Martin Paterson of Paterson Communications, the Southside Constituency contenders of Nicola Sturgeon (SNP), Stephen Curran (Labour), Kenneth Elder (Lib Dem) and David Meikle (Conservative) had a sparky interchange and the audience took no prisoners either!
The biggest audience applause was during the question on the future of shipbuilding in Govan and Scotstoun when the questioner – Iain McInnes a community campaigner said: ‘We should be building ships for peace not war. Ferries for around the coast and sea-going structures for renewables is what we should be building.’
Nicola Sturgeon said she was proud of the local shipbuilders in what was her constituency before recent boundary changes.. ‘We should be 100% behind Govan and Scotstoun yards,’ she said. ‘Anyone who suggests they only got the work because they are a part of the UK, is doing them a great dis-service. It is because of their skills and their willingness to change and be flexible that they got the orders.’
David Meikle in making a point that the companies should be securing new contracts in new markets as defence cuts took effect, was rounded on by Nicola who said it was ‘Tory cheek’ to suggest that, when Conservatives had been responsible for massive cutting of defence jobs.
Stephen Curran wanted to see the River Clyde better used. ‘It has great potential. The only reason Govan yard is still open is because we are part of the UK. In an independent Scotland, shipbuilding would disappear. It is absurd for the SNP to suggest otherwise.’
Lib Dem candidate Kenneth Elder said technology and future generations had to be considered. ‘We should be thinking of extending the industry not neglecting the River Clyde. There are not enough craft on the river which is a common good asset. We need a longer vision for the Clyde,’ he added.
Audience concerns covered – travel expenses for job seekers attending interviews in the city; regeneration and the plight of pensioners in flats who want Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) to renovate their lifts, not install new ones. On that issue, the panel was unanimous that GHA had to listen to what the pensioners wanted. ‘I’ll be on the phone to GHA in the morning,’ said Nicola.
When the effect of cuts at the St Mungo centre for disabled people was aired, Stephen said: ‘People don’t listen enough or trust enough. We are all in this together and we need to learn to trust each other.’
The spectre of people trafficking increasing during the Commonwealth Games was raised. ‘We’ve got to recognise this happens and talk about it,’ commented Kenneth. ‘We can find out what London does for the 2012 Olympics and learn lessons from and co-ordinate with international agencies across Europe.’
In a bit of banter, Nicola said she liked Midge Ure’s music: ‘I supported him in the 1980s so I’m giving my age away!’ Ure’s concert was a free one on the night of the hustings and aimed at young folk. Labour accused the SNP of a serious breach of election laws. Commented David:’ I don’t know who Midge Ure is! I suppose that shows my age!’
Post Office closures, regeneration, mental health, human rights and Go Ape and Pollok Park were all subjects tossed around by the candidates with dexterity.
Heading up Oxfam’s Poverty Programme for Scotland, Dr Trebeck said she was delighted with the evening.

A team of first year media students from Cardonald College filmed the event. ‘We want the experience,’ said Amy Hamlan (18). ‘I’m looking for good shots,’ said Dan Lowrie (26). ‘We’ll be giving Sunny Govan good feedback,’ added Jordan McClymont (22). All aim to be directors or writer directors in tv.

Plaudits for unique youth scheme

A youth programme which helps reduce anti-social behaviour in the North and West of Glasgow has been hailed as a success by former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson.
The former Scotland International captain was among special guests at the annual awards and dance shows run by A&M Training – a programme which is part funded by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA).
Run by ex-Dundee United winger Andy McLaren, the A&M Training scheme tackles youth disorder, racism and gang violence. Founded on his own hard experiences, the scheme encourages youngsters to keep fit through football and dance classes.
Around 2000 youngsters have already signed up for Operation Reclaim in the North of the city and also the West End Diversionary Project.
Birmingham City star Barry Ferguson presented trophies at the Operation Reclaim awards night at the Mitchell Theatre recently.
Barry said: “I’m delighted to support A&M Training which delivers top-quality diversionary coaching activities across Glasgow. Each week around 2000 young people benefit from these services – and they are free.
“I attended the dance and awards show and was blown away by the numbers involved, the talent on show and the quality of the coaching.”
GHA and the Scottish Government fund the West End Diversionary Project, which covers areas including Drumchapel, Yoker, Scotstoun and Anderston. Operation Reclaim is funded by GHA and North Glasgow Community Planning Partnership and runs in areas including Sighthill, Springburn, Milton and Royston.
GHA’s Executive Director of Development and Regeneration, Alex McGuire, said: “Projects such as Operation Reclaim and the West End Diversionary Project are making a real difference to young people in the North and West of the city.
Former Scotland footballers Robbie Winters, Charlie Miller and Gary McSwegan are also lending their support to programme.
Andy McLaren, founder of A&M Training, said: “We’re the only sports coaching charity in Scotland providing free coaching services delivered by professional footballers and dancers.
“The programme has had a tremendous benefit in reducing youth crime and disorder and improving the health and well-being of large numbers of young people.”

Gold medal Olympian Hemery wants coaches to listen to youngsters

Community green shoots showing

Thankfully, the green shoots of hope are appearing, not only in parks and gardens, but in local communities. It is amazing that one tenacious group at the Heart of Scotstoun has succeeded in their objective to build their own community centre. Cutting the first sod to start the building work was a major celebration. In contrast, almost a dozen community centres around the city have just been closed because of the cuts. Where there are strong enough groups willing to take on the running of the venues themselves, those establishments could remain in community use. But it means that neighbourhood activists will have to shoulder the responsibility of running their own show to a degree not experienced in recent times. Where there are partnership opportunities – such as in Dennistoun where the school’s theatre has been transformed into a community resource – there is also hope.
But it takes someone of the grit and determination of Lyn Ewing of Govanhill Housing Association to lead major campaigns. At 80 she’s hung up her fighting hat to get the wherewithal from Government to enable the Association to wipe out slums in their area (This is the 21st century and we still have 19th century slums!!!) But she’s not going to rest on her laurels. She’s going to take up Open University studies where she had to leave them when she started fighting for decent housing. That kind of righteous anger moves Governments – and mountains – and is needed today to get communities confident in running their own show.

Creating a new heart in Scotstoun

Heart of Scotstoun community group are building their own community centre while others in the city are closing.
More than 600 people attended a family fun day at the Balmoral Street site to witness the cutting of the first sod – the ceremonial digging into the ground by a JCB to start the building works.
It has taken the Heart of Scotstoun group 12 years to get to this stage.
Among the many VIPs attending were local champions Jean Donnachie and Noreen Real who were made Scotswomen of the Year for their campaign to stop dawn raids after they saw asylum seeking neighbours carried away.
Said Jean: ‘The Heart of Scotstoun has been pushing for a community place for so long now that the start of building is a real cause for celebration. I hope it inspires even more local people to come on board and get active in managing the centre.’
John Robertson MP, Pauline McNeill MSP, Councillors Jean McFadden and Graeme Hendry all played a part and offered their congratulations to the people who comprise the Heart of Scotstoun.
While that exciting event was taking place, other established community centres around the city were being closed because of funding cuts experienced by the City Council.
At Lorne Street centre in Kinning Park, community activists were locked out when they went to collect Community Council computers and other items.
Said Nicola Burton Secretary of Kinning Park Community Council: ‘I was very surprised and shocked to find the place locked up. We are in negotiation with the Council to get funding to run it.’
Across Glasgow, 41 community facilities were reviewed by the Council. Some were underused and others needed £6m worth of repairs. The Council decided to close 11 places. But local communities and groups were given the opportunity to submit fully-costed business plans to run them. Letters with a temporary licence to occupy, were issued to Overnewton, Ledgowan and Cadder community facilities on the basis that they have an organisation in place to take over the halls and all associated costs or have progressed significantly with their business plan.

Hopes high for Clyde as £127m warship plan announced

Clyde shipbuilding could be a beneficiary of BAE’s  four-year, £127m contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to develop a new generation of warships for the Royal Navy.
The Type 26 frigate line would replace the Type 22 and Type 23 vessels. While the contract team will be based at Bristol in Avon, BAE yards including those on the Clyde and at Portsmouth could be in line to build the ships when construction begins in earnest.
While the development contract will go ahead, the Type 26 series of warships will face the hurdle of a defence spending review.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth told Parliament: ‘It is our duty to provide key equipment that will ensure the UK is properly prepared to meet its own defence needs in an ever changing world, and continue to play an important role in maintaining global security.
‘Programmes like the Type 26 not only ensure the Royal Navy continues to have cutting edge capability but also sustains the industry that supports them. The commitments the MoD has made will protect skills and employment, and preserve the industrial capability needed to carry out future programmes efficiently, in a way that represents value for money.’
The contract team consists of 80 people and that will rise to around 300 over the life of the contract. The four years of work and the team’s findings will also reflect the findings of the government’s defence spending review.
BAE at Govan and Scotstoun is nearing the end of its programme to build a fleet of Type-45 destroyers. Work is also proceeding at Govan on the build for the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, which should enter service between 2016 and 2018.

Shipyard staff to fly flag for Erskine services charity

Erskine, the charity which cares for ex-servicemen and women in Scotland, has announced a two-year partnership with BAE Systems.
The defence contractor, which has yards on the Clyde at Govan and Scotstoun, chose Erskine as a partner to mark the start of a charity challenge which has set its sights on raising £200,000 for local good causes.
Erskine, which was founded in October 1916 to attend to the needs of servicemen wounded in the First World War, has enjoyed long links with the Clyde yards, most notably the Yarrow company.
During its last campaign, BAE raised nearly £190,000 and spent 4,500 man hours on volunteering work.
Navy veteran Billy Menzies, 79, who lives in Erskine accommodation in Anniesland, was on hand at BAE in Scotstoun to help launch the latest drive. He was joined by Willie McLachlan, Charity Co-ordinator at BAE Systems on the Clyde, Catriona Connelly, Glasgow Fundraiser for Erskine, and a crew of electricians who are preparing Type-45 destroyer HMS Dragon for service.
Catriona told LOCAL NEWS that continued fundraising drives were crucial to Erskine’s work: ‘We can only provide our residents with the high level that we do through voluntary donation. The community fund raising target is £8m a year, that’s what we have to find through partnerships like this, through individual donations, groups, schools and clubs. So for us to have a company like BAE Systems on board will not only raise a massive amount of money, it also raises our profile.’
The partnership also involves educating BAE staff, she said.
‘It lets all the staff know exactly what Erskine’s doing, and they’re also going to donate a huge amount of manpower for us through voluntary hours, so we’ve got lots of projects in the offing that they’re going to help out with.
‘There’s a perception throughout the whole country that we are a hospital, that we look after old people who have World War II injuries, and that’s not the case at all,’ Catriona added. ‘We look after people who have been in the services and who have illness or injury.’
Erskine works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and Help for Heroes – in running a 12-bed unit in Edinburgh specifically for serving soldiers who have been injured but who are uncertain if they’ll remain in services or quit after they have recovered.
Erskine’s story is as much about those who are fighting in Afghanistan, who have served in Iraq and the Falklands as it is of Billy Menzies’ generation, Catriona said.
‘Find out more about Erskine, try and support the soldiers, the airmen, the Navy who are out there at the moment … they’re out there doing a job and they’ve had no say in what they’re doing and they really need the support of their country behind them.’

Scarborough makes big splash on the Clyde

 

The 90-metre long ship, commissioned by the government of Trinidad & Tobago (T&T), is one of three that form part of a £150m contract. BAE will take the vessels from scratch to sea trials on behalf of the Caribbean republic and will provide five years of in-service support.

The UK Ministry of Defence is providing T&T Coast Guard crews with training.

The Port of Spain – the Scarborough’s sister ship – has been launched at Portsmouth. The third ship will be built on the Clyde.

BAE’s Govan operation recently launched HMS Defender – the fifth of six Type-45 destroyers for the Royal Navy.

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