We’ve been in contact, on behalf of residents on Nithsdale Rd, over the last few days with the engineering contractors working on the ground consolidation works. We’re pleased to say they responded really quickly to the issues we raised and have suggested a number of solutions. To give you an idea of the issues we raised and their response (in quotes):

1) The two-storey portable offices block out a great deal of light for residents in the blocks next to it on the north side of Nithsdale Rd.

“The whole reasoning behind the double stacking of the cabins around the mixing area is to offer as much protection as possible to residents and pedestrians from our works by reducing noise, dust and by providing a physical barrier. We believe that the advantages far outweigh any disadvantages..we will be more than happy to install temporary lighting for the close entrances and have already progressed the procurement of such.”

2) Cyclists used to using the cycle lane on Nithsdale Rd are now using the pavement. The Society has requested signage to remind cyclists the lane is no longer in use.

The company are in touch with GCC to resolve this problem.

3) We have also had several complaints about the noise coming from the generator at night.

“Unfortunately this has to run all night as, for obvious reason, we have a security presence. We have contacted the supplier who assures us that as it is a brand new generator it is as quiet as they come. We are therefore going to construct an acoustic housing for it.”

We’re also meeting with city councillors, the chair of the community council and Brian Parr next week to discuss the plans for the back lanes. In the meantime, here’s a picture of how the street used to look.

Letters were delivered today (or in the case of tenements, shoved under the close door) from the contractors carrying out the mine stabilisation works beneath properties in Queen Square and Regent Park Square. If you did not receive one, they outline the following restrictions:

1. A site compound will be formed at the end of Nithsdale Rd between the lane and Pollokshaws Rd. This compound will comprise cabins and offices for construction personnel and representatives of GCC. In addition to this a grout-making station will be constructed. From this area grout will be pumped to Queen Square and Regent Park Square. A small section north of the lane will be coned off to allow delivery vehicles to turn as well as other traffic. They will be accepting significant material deliveries to this compound on a daily basis. The occupation permit runs from 24/10/11 – 11/05/12.

2. Queen Square will be closed off to allow drilling works to take place. This will have an impact on parking and deliveries for residents. The road is closed now and is expected to be closed until 23/12/11.

3. Regent Park Square will be closed once work on Queen Square is complete. Indicative closure dates 19/12/11 – 09/03/11.

4. Access will have to be taken into some back gardens, depending on the geology encountered.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times to the front of properties. All pavements will remain open and fenced off from works. Access to the back lanes will be maintained, unless work is being carried out in gardens and it is not safe to do so.

Bin collections will remain as they are at present. Where works are being carried out, bins will be placed at back doors and moved to pick-up points and returned by Forkers staff.

The works will be noisy and may impose significantly on our daily lives. Please be careful around the works and remind children of the dangers inherent in and around construction sites.

If you have specific issues, the people to contact are:

Forkers (contractor), Gary Miller, garymiller@forkers.com 01506  466500

GCC, Donald Linn, Donald.Linn@drs.glasgow.gov.uk, 0141 287 7246.

Christmas is coming early to Strathbungo with two local Christmas shopping fairs planned for later this month.

First comes the annual Christmas Shopping Night at the Kildrostan St and Nithsdale Rd Shops. Kicking off at 6.30pm on Wednesday 16th November, it’s a great opportunity to get your shopping done early, locally and in the festive spirit.

There’ll be Christmas lights, carol singers, mince pies and a great opportunity to support local businesses and get some of the festive legwork over with early. Newcomers The Potting Shed will be opening along with most of the other local shops, selling ever-lasting plants and flowers, homewares and exclusive perfumerie from some of Florence’s oldest pharmacies. Floral Haven offer discounts on the night for anyone placing Christmas orders and if, like me, you normally shop with a buggy it’s a great chance to do some shopping while they’re tucked up in bed without getting in everyone’s way

If you’re free during the day, or work locally, do visit the following week’s Christmas Fair in the Crypt at Queens Park Baptist Church on Balvicar St. The fair, to raise funds for Rainbow Pre-School, takes place on Thursday 24th November from 11.30am-1.30pm. Why not pop along for your lunch or some home baking? There’ll be a number of crafts stalls, including one selling work made by the pre-school children, Phoneix Cards and wrapping paper, Usborne children’s books, Rosie’s Retro crafts, Traidcraft stall for fairtrade gifts and goodies, a Taste Of Austria stall, Tombola and a Christmas wreath-making workshop.

The eagle-eyed will have spotted the road closure notices that have sprung up around Strathbungo.

Part of Moray Place, Regent Park Square and Queen Square will be closed at various points from THIS MONDAY 7th November.

Not all the streets will be closed simultaneously. The exact wording is as follows:

“Glasgow City Council has made an Order under Section 14 (1) of the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984, as amended, which prohibits the use by vehicles as specified below ( except for local access and as required for the works ) on the undernoted lengths of road. The prohibition shall apply where indicated by the display of traffic signs prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations.

Prohibitions

The use of :-

1) Queen Square and Regent Park Square between Pollokshaws Road and Moray Place, is prohibited to all vehicles, except as required for the works and for local access.

Note: Only one road closure will be in operation at any one time

2) Moray Place eastbound from Marywood Square to Regent Park Square, is prohibited to all vehicles, except as required for the works and for local access.

Note: This closure will only be required during the second phase of the works ie. during the closure of Regent Park Square.

Diversions

All diversion routes will be signed. The Order shall come into operation from 0800 hrs on Monday 7 November 2011 until 1800 hrs on Friday 9 March 2012″

In short, Queen Square will be closed to traffic from 8 am this Monday until the completion of the first phase of the works (hopefully Christmas). Then Regent Park Square and Moray Place from Marywood to Regent Park Square will be closed.

What about alternative parking? The Council suggested Darnley Street and Titwood Road and there is the odd space available on the various Gardens, Nithsdales and March Street but it will be a free-for-all.

If your road is not closed, please be sympathetic to those struggling to find space – we’re all in for a testing time over the next few months. It’s probably a good idea to try to get parked on Sunday…and then give up the car altogether if you possibly can. A copy of the order is available here: queensqorder

Makingwaves – teaching children to swim

Lessons at St Bride’s Primary, Govanhill

Age 3 and over on Wednesdays & Sundays (without a parent in the water)

Age 18months – 3 years on Sunday only (with a parent in the water)

Please contact us via our website for more information

http://www.makingwavesswimming.co.uk

Enjoyed your taste of Love Club at Bungofest? Markus Makavellian hosts another popular evening of music, spoken word, tea, cake and knitting, this time paying tribute to the yearly Mexican mourning ritual in Markus’ trademark acerbic style.

Expect apocalyptic predictions from Amanda Monfrooe (How Keanu Reeves Saved The World – Arches Live ’10) and musical necro-felicitations from The Creative Martyrs, The Arches Community Choir and Julia And The Doogans.

There are no advance tickets for this night – just get your tickets on the door, this Tuesday at The Arches from 8pm. £4.

Permits have been granted by the Council for the batching plant for the ground consolidation works to be sited at the top of Nithsdale Rd. The plant will be directly outside numbers 1-13 Nithsdale Rd (essentially the current turning circle at the end of the street). There is a sign to this effect on a bollard at the end of the street but residents have not had much luck finding out more details.

The permit is in force from now until May 11th next year – but here’s hoping that’s a generous allowance for any difficulties plus the reinstatement works. And you never know, maybe once it’s all over we’ll get our lovely summer planters back.

The Glasgow nights are drawing in and the weather can’t be relied upon to be as benign and photogenic as in our blog photo, so what can we get up to over the next few weeks that can keep everyone occupied and only a short dash and splash from home?

For families, anyone with toddlers should equip themselves with the snappily-titled Baby Aware Manual For Glasgow South East. Not available online, anyone can pick up a free copy in pharmacies – they have a pile in Kitchin’s – and local libraries. It’s 28 pages of parenting gold as it contains as comprehensive and up-to-date a list of local toddler groups and activities as it’s possible to find. I’ll be using it over the next few weeks to update the under-5s section on this website but do get hold of a copy if you can as it  also has great health advice and financial tips.

There’s also the next Tramway Family Day to look forward to. It’s a full-day Halloween extravaganza with craft workshops, composting fun and games. It’s free and perennially popular.

The Old Barn in Pollok Park is holding a charity books sale on Sunday 23rd to raise funds for education projects in South Africa. Volunteers have painstakingly catalogued donated books and it’s a quirky building, so pop down to have a look if you can. Drop in from 11-3pm – it’s in the stables complex near the golf club entrance.

For foodies, Gusto And Relish are holding their monthly evening extravanganza on Thursday 27th at 7.30pm. This month’s theme is seasonal, ethical and local with chef Ian attempting to create a three-course meal using only food sourced within 50 miles of home. Book in advance and BYOB.

Cookie celebrates the return of Chef Wars on the last Sunday of the month with three amateur chefs attempting to tickle your tastebuds. Why not try it if you’ve not been before? Sunday 30th October, time TBC.

Listen In – Lights Out at the GoSlow Cafe celebrates All Hallows Eve a little early next Saturday. Tickets are £5 with costume and £7 without. Food is available but its BYOB with £1 corkage. 29th October 7-10:30pm.

On Sunday 30 October at 8pm in The Shed there is a screening of cult horror classic Night of the Living Dead put on by the Southside Film Festival. (1968, 96 mins, 15) The screening will be preceded by the Southside’s first ever zombie walk in Shawlands. There will be prizes for the best zombie, so do go along dressed to terrify. Tickets are on sale at Young’s Interesting Books on Skirving Street.

And why not venture into the warmth of Glasgow’s most eclectic museum? The Burrell Collection has some great themed tours and adult workshops coming up. On Wednesday 2nd November there’s a quilling candle cards adult workshop from 10-12 followed by a tour on candlelight at the Burrell. The 8th sees a themed Rodin course and Wednesday 7th December gives you a chance to try ancient clay work. If the weather’s good there’s also some great walking tours, one of which culminates in Christmas wreath making (December 4th) or find out more about the history of Pollok on Sunday 20th at 2pm. There’s also one of the Southside’s best-kept secrets – the family film showings at 2pm on the second Sunday of the month on their cinema screen. All these events are free but it’s advisable to book in advance, 287 2564 or BurrellLA@glasgowlife.org.uk

Please post a comment if there’s an event in the area you’d like to share with Strathbungo.

Hello

I am a resident in Strathbungo and I am looking to rent a dry garage to store a car for at least the winter period. Why not let that emty space you have help pay your winter heating bill? Happy also to help fix any repairs the garage may need. Look forward to hearing from you. Tel 07768 807407 Richard.