There have been some developments since the last update at the Committee meeting on the 17th March and the dedicated update meeting on the 3rd March.
We have now had a site meeting on the 20th March with Network Rail, which was brokered and attended by, Anas Sarwar, MP. So many thanks to him and his team for setting this up and for supporting us in getting NR to answer at least some of the questions we have asked! We walked the full length of Moray Place for the visit. Key information we have obtained is:
1. The reason that the fence is to be erected is to satisfy NR’s legal duty to ensure that no one can get onto the line. Their main worry at the moment seems to be that a child/children could get onto the line.
The proximity of schools is a major factor in their risk assessment – which we got a copy of on the day of the site visit. The number of incidents of trespass is also pertinent to the level of risk assigned – but NR could not tell us what these were.
2. There is to be no fence erected on the Darnley Road side of the track. The stone wall is deemed to be an adequate barrier. We did point out that in fact it is easier to get onto the line on that side, as the wall at points is very low and of course there is the low gate and steps that NR so handily installed!
3. The intention is to remove the wooden fencing from where it begins at the end of the stone wall approximately opposite Number 7/8 Moray Place. They are going to replace the gate giving access to the line at this point, too.
Then NR intend to install the 1.8m weldmesh fence from that point all the way along Moray Place, removing vegetation as necessary to do so. The fence will abut each side of the pedestrian bridge. It was pointed out that this would undoubtedly make it very easy for anyone who wanted access to the line, as the construction of the bridge side panels make very convenient footholds.
4. NR were clear that the fence would run along their boundary line, though they were unable to clarify exactly where that is! A map was produced with a line drawn along it, but it was completely inadequate in showing the level of detail we would want. Indeed, it didn’t show anything at all! It was pointed out that the issue of the boundary is crucial, as any fence they intend to erect, could compromise the property rights of those who live opposite the line.
5. NR do not intend to remove the black, hooped topped fence that runs on the road edge from the pedestrian footbridge to approximately number 50 Moray Place. They intend to erect any new fencing about three feet in from it towards the rail line. It was pointed out that the installation of any new fencing along this stretch would lead inevitably to the removal of most, if not all of the vegetation. NR claim that this is not the case and they only intend to ‘prune’ as necessary to allow the installation of any new fencing and perhaps move the fence closer or further away to accommodate some trees.
Apart from not being convinced that the installation of a 1.8m high fence in such a position would only require the ‘pruning’ of existing trees and vegetation, it was noted to them that this would have implications for property and boundary rights, as well as vegetation management. NR noted that they do not intend to repair or maintain the black, hooped top fence.
6. There was no clarity on vegetation removal, other than what has been noted in 5. above. They did note that if any vegetation (which of course includes all the trees along Moray Place) is removed, they have no plans for re-planting. They also noted that there are no dead or diseased trees identified for removal, but two trees would be removed to allow the fence to go in. A private contractor is to do any removal work, though we do not know which one. NR also noted that they have applied for a road closure to do the work, though they are not planning to do anything before the Autumn.
NR were resistant to alternative siting of any fence i.e. closer to the line, where it would be less visually intrusive and which would not require the removal of as much vegetation. I must say that Anas Sarwar tried hard to persuade them of this course of action! But they insisted that the fence should run along their boundary line. They were also not persuaded about planting suitable species to form a vegetation barrier all along Moray Place, even though it was pointed out to them that their website notes this as a viable and acceptable type of barrier! However, they did note that a lower fence (1.4m) could be put in and/or a different type – palisade.
The representatives from NR who attended the site visit were: John Duncan, Area Manager, Lindsay Sadler, Area Director and Niamh Heggarty, Customer Relations.
The position at the moment is NR have agreed to provide the following information:
A. A precise and detailed map, showing exactly where their boundary line is and their legal title to this boundary.
B. The number of incidents of trespass there have been on the line and when and where on the line these have occurred.
A further meeting is to be arranged for June, the date of which is to be confirmed.
We have insisted that nothing should be done until the issue of the boundary is clarified and also that they should work closely with ourselves (i.e. consult with us) to find a way to satisfy their legal duty to ensure the safety of the line and the need to honour environmental and conservation principles, policies and law, which we and other communities along the length of the railway line also need to have upheld.
Many thanks to Ann and Andrew Downie who set up and ran a stall at our Spring Fling event yesterday on the NR proposals and gave out information on where we are at present and how you can help your community by being involved.
Hope you can make the update meeting on Tuesday 31st March 2015 7.30pm – 8.30pm at McMillan’s, corner of Pollokshaws Road/Titwood Road, to hear more. A huge ‘thank you’ to all of you who are doing various tasks related to this. See you Tuesday!
Although the weather yesterday was rather dreich and dull, it didn’t dampen the upbeat atmosphere of the Spring Fling. All the wonderful art work on display from our budding artists would have brightened anyone’s day! Many thanks to the artists Avril Paton and Karen Cairns for presenting the prizes to the winners of the competition and for all their support of this event. Thanks also to all our stallholders who came along and added so much interest to the event.
This year we had a petting zoo, which was a big hit with children and adults alike – some of them even got close to the insects and snakes! Special thanks to all of you who helped to set up and run the event – we couldn’t have done it without you and all your efforts are much appreciated! Watch out for more on this in the next Newsletter.
The Strathbungo Society’s SPRING FLING 2015 at
Queen’s Park Baptist Church Hall
180, Queen’s Drive, G42 8QD
(Next to Rainbow Nursery)
SATURDAY 28TH MARCH 10.30am – 1.30pm
Entry: £1 (includes tea/coffee/cake), children FREE
**Can you DONATE any of the following:**
If so, please contact: chair@strathbungo.com
If so, please contact: chair@strathbungo.com
Please contact: chair@strathbungo.com
You can also bring any donations for the chocolate tombola, teas/coffees to Queen’s Park Baptist Church Hall on Tuesday 24th March 2015 between 7 and 9pm. If you want to let us know about any time you can donate – please pop along and see us!
Many thanks and look forward to seeing you all at the Spring Fling!
Calling all children & young people 0 – 16 years:
Get out your pencils, pens, pastels, paints, crayons and any other media to enter our fantastic annual FREE art competition!
The competition is open to all in the following age groups: Under 5, 5 – 8 years, 9 – 12 years, 13 – 16 years
The artwork can be in any media and paper size on the theme “Strathbungo: Now Or In The Future”
Great prizes include:
All prizes will be presented at the Spring Fling on Saturday 28th March 2015, Queen’s Park Baptist Church Hall, 180, Queen’s Drive.
All entries will be displayed at the Spring Fling and you’ll have the chance to vote for your favourite entry. The entry with the most votes will be used as the poster for Bungo In The Back Lanes in June! Plus, every entry will be in the draw for a special art materials prize!
Check out the documents below for entry forms ,competition details and guidelines:
2015 Strath Soc Art Comp Comp guidelines and conditions of entry
Under 5 Entry Form Strath Soc Art Comp
5 – 8 years Entry Form Strath Soc Art Comp
9 – 12 years Entry Form Strath Soc Art Comp
13 – 16 years Entry Form Strath Soc Art Comp
We will be holding another update meeting re Network Rail on Tuesday 3rd March 2015, 7.30 – 8.30pm at McMillan’s (corner of Titwood Road and Pollokshaws Road). If you haven’t been before and want to be involved, please feel free to come along. Look forward to seeing you next week and many thanks to those of you who have done so much work already!
Teresa
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