Sorry folks, failed to get report of the fourth discussion group at AGM out for last week (see Heather’s post 27th).  This group discussed how we might progress the ideas that came out of the Pollokshields charrette or community planning event, subsequent walkabouts for the Nithsdale Rd area (which includes the phone box) and the stall we ran at Bungo in the Back Lanes.  Since then very little has happened but recently we were informed by the Pollokshields Trust  that it has been approved funding in principle to help the local community develop proposals further – good news.

While it was acknowledged that numerous good ideas for improving the area had been collected, the unanimous view was we should develop proposals to redesign the Nithsdale Rd deadend as a whole, with a view to greening it and changing the road layout.   It was felt there was huge potential to improve the street from how it is at present to the benefit of the people who live there, local businesses and the wider local community.    The big idea here was there should be a line of trees down the centre (could be in planters) with parking on either side of this central line around which cars could circulate.  Coupled with this the pavement areas could be improved (eg removal of rubbish bins).

There was support for setting up a steering group to take this forward, with their first task being to consult and involve local residents and businesses in making the street a better place – with support hopefully from the Pollokshields Trust.  While this could include some smaller projects  – some “quick wins” (the phonebox?) would encourage people to get involved – central to this should developing proposals for street redesign.

And two new ideas were suggested, a city tree (see here) to reduce the pollution from Pollokshaws Rd and subterranean rubbish bins as happens in many parts of Europe.

If you are interested in getting involved contact treasurer@strathbungo.co.uk