Pauline McNeill MSP
A Campaigning Voice for Kelvin
Standing up for the West End
In recent years I have become increasingly concerned about the way the West End is being developed with an over emphasis on pubs and clubs and an unsustainable housing mix threatening our open spaces and the still essentially residential nature of the area. I believe that there is now an over-provision of pubs and clubs in the area and that the late licence policy of 3am impacts on my constituents.
A new proposal for a permanent taxi-rank on Byres Road at Ashton lane has now emerged and you will see that I intend to make a submission to the Licensing Committee to try to ensure that residents are protected from the policy to extend the city-centre licensing regime to the West End. Glasgow Community & Safety Services have proposed a rank for 7 taxis which would operate between the hours of 10pm and 4am.
A copy of the plan is available from my website and all consultation responses must be received in writing by Thursday 16th July.
Please e-mail/write to me if you have a view on this proposal.
"Ashton Lane in the heart of Glasgow's West End"
Many people who come to live in the West End, do so because of its bohemian reputation and lively atmosphere, however, it does not have the infrastructure in place to become merely an extension of the city-centre and just as importantly I don’t believe there is widespread support from residents to turn the area into a destination only for pubs and clubs. That’s why I have been arguing the case for a West End Masterplan which after consultation with local people would map out the future development, policing and licensing needs of the area. I believe that this approach would empower the people who live in the West End and help preserve all that is best about this unique area.
As part of my West End Campaign, I have been involved in causes such as the fight to save Dowanhill Tennis Club, an open space which was threatened by plans to develop flats on the recreational site and the campaign to stop the development of another night club at the Botanic Gardens. I am also leading the campaign to improve safety around Byers Road and reduce noise for residents with the introduction of taxi marshals at busy times and the introduction of CCTV to support the police in tackling anti-social behaviour.
Deposit Protection Scheme
I am calling on the Scottish Government to implement a tenancy deposit protection scheme that offers the same protection to tenants in Scotland as is afforded to the rest of the United Kingdom.
A Greener Glasgow
I have campaigned relentlessly for the roll out of recycling provision to all parts of Glasgow Kelvin, regardless of whether the housing is detached and semi-detached, tenemental or in high flats.
Improving Public Transport
I succeeded in having the Number 92 Bus which serves many vulnerable and elderly people in Thornwood reinstated after the bus operator pulled the service which connects the area to shopping districts and local hospitals.
NHS Car Parking
With the constituency of Glasgow Kelvin having hospitals at Yorkhill, the Western and Glasgow Royal Infirmary as well as Gartnavel being extremely close by, I know that the issue of car parking at hospitals is an issue for a number of my constituents, whether they are patients, visitors or staff at the hospitals in and around the constituency.