Christmas waste collections

Please note that your large grey bin collection and food collection which would be due for uplift on Christmas Day will be collected two days later on the Saturday 27 December 2014.  The same will also apply the following week when the two recycling bins would be due for collection along with the food bin on 1 January 2015.  These will again be two days later on 3 January 2015. For further information, please see the EDC website

We would also ask residents to be careful at this time of year when placing bins out, so that they do not get blown away in times of high wind.  If a neighbour is available, and you are out at work all day, perhaps you can make an arrangement for your neighbour to bring in your bins once they have been emptied.  If you are at home, perhaps you can offer to do this for a neighbour who is out all day.

Everyone at MERA wishes our fellow residents a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2015.

Police warnings

Police Scotland are warning householders to be aware of bogus workmen and not to engage with workman who call to your property uninvited.  Also watch out for elderly neighbours who can easily become victims of bogus workmen.

Also residents should watch out for suspicious calls where callers pretend to be from their Bank.  They then ask the person to hang up and phone their bank for security reasons, however they do not hang up at the other end and even play a dialing tone.  It is recommended that you hang up and leave some considerable time before checking with your bank if using the same phone.  Do not agree to move funds.

Police Scotland are also introducing a new marking system for your property which can be purchased for £15 from the Police. This new security product is effective for small items such as phones as well as larger items. Once MERA have more information on this we shall update you accordingly.

A81 congestion

A member of the committee took part in the EDC workshop regarding the A81 transport strategy.  Those of you who use this route will know that it can become severely congested at times. It is understood that EDC intend to introduce a two way cycle lane along this route called Bearsway.  However, many feel that cycling needs to be taken off the road completely and less than 1% of the population cycle.

EDC also wish to encourage more use of public transport and it was emphasised that an Allander Rail Halt is required with provision for Park & Ride.  This would hopefully ease the parking congestion around the village caused by commuters and provide long stay parking for workers in the village and those visiting/walking in the area.  With the introduction of the new charges for parking next year it is hoped that shoppers will be able to get parked more easily to shop locally. Bearsden Community Council have had a Report carried out into the feasibility of the Rail Halt and this has been submitted to EDC who say they will include this in the draft Local Development Plan which will be available early next year.

Craigton Woods bat survey

MERA have arranged for an independent bat survey to be carried out in Craigton Woods as it was felt the Cala habitat survey was very inadequate and had not been carried out under proper guidelines.  This new report has confirmed our suspicions and will be submitted to EDC.

Leaf clearing and abandoned supermarket trolleys

Your MERA committee have asked several times now for the leaves to be cleared throughout the estate.  We have today had an undertaking from Councillor Gibbons that this will be done as soon as the resources are available.  We have been waiting for this for a month, since our first request.

The committee have also contacted Tesco and Marks & Spencer and have asked for the removal of four trolleys which have appeared in the woodland behind Douglas Muir Drive. Tesco will arrange for a Company to uplift theirs and M & S will arrange for the uplift of their trolley within a couple of days.

Practical Footpath Day - 30th October

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

Practical Footpath Day
Mains Estate, Milngavie, Thursday 30th October, 2014

For various reasons we had to cancel the last footpath day in Milngavie and have rescheduled the path maintenance day to Thursday 30th October.

Ramblers Scotland have been working with Clober Primary School to design waymarkers for a path on Mains Estate in Milngavie.  We are organising a practical footpath maintenance day to install waymarkers and make further improvements to the path, providing a great opportunity for volunteers to learn some outdoor skills and gain practical experience in dealing with minor path problems.

We’ll have the children from Clober Primary with us for part of the afternoon and would  love to have you with us if you’re free.

We will be installing waymarkers, improving drainage and cutting back vegetation. No previous experience is required.  All tools and equipment will be provided but you should bring suitable clothing for outdoor work.

Please let us know in advance if you’d like to come, by calling the Ramblers Scotland office on 01577 867744.

Children's Fun Event at Milngavie Heritage Centre this Saturday

Create a Time Capsule at Milngavie Heritage Centre!

An opportunity to take part in a fun activity for the whole family this
Saturday 4th October, at  Milngavie Heritage Centre, which is in the old
Court room, Milngavie Town Hall building.

Come to visit the exhibition and  see a real time capsule from 1896 which
was discovered recently in Milngavie and then have a go at making your own
time capsule. Materials will be provided.

Learn what makes a successful time capsule, be surprised by the sort of
things you could store for future generations and have fun drawing and
writing about yourself, family and friends in a message to the future!

Time Capsule workshop at the Milngavie Heritage Centre is a drop in event,
run on Saturday 4th October from 10.30am until 3.30pm. All children under
8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: 50p per capsule.

For further details please call Helena Koumbouzis on 07531438282

Changes to postal collections

You may have noticed that some of the post boxes around the estate have stickers on them advising of changes to collection times.  There is not much information on the boxes themselves, but more can be found on the Royal Mail website at:
http://m.royalmail.com/mt/www.royalmail.com/personal/help-and-support/postboxes-faqs

Craigton Woods – CALA TP/ED/14/0673

Many of you asked to be kept up to date with Craigton Woods.

The Association would now advise that Cala have submitted a formal planning application. It can be viewed at
http://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/system_pages/planning_applications/planning_application_search.aspx
and enter TP/ED/14/0673 in the search box.

The proposal comprises the construction of 24 detached houses and 10 affordable homes. The affordable houses take the form of 2 no. cottage flat blocks (8 homes) and 2 semi-detached homes. Associated works include tree felling, new tree and hedge planting, landscaping, roads, paths and drainage (including SUDS proposals).

If you wish to make any representation against this application, you should write or e-mail to the contacts detailed below.  The Association would recommend that you do this, as a matter of urgency, before the end of September as we understand that there is a planning meeting of East Dunbartonshire Council soon, although we have recently discovered that we may have until 9 October 2014.  Please quote TP/ED/14/0673 on all correspondence you send. Otherwise your comments may not be considered.

Contact Details:

Planning
Development and Enterprise
East Dunbartonshire Council
Broomhill Industrial Estate
Kilsyth Road
Kirkintilloch
G66 1QF

Tel: 0141 578 8600
Email: planning@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Some residents have asked for information on what they should include in their response and we have detailed below some of the main items to include, along with your own points. We would stress that there is not much time and you should get any comments you wish to make sent off. Your comments should include the following :-

Craigton Wood currently has the following designations in the existing Local Development Plan and I/We would request that these are maintained in the new proposed LDP.  The area is also included in the Local Biodiversity Plan for the area.

The designations are:-

Historic Garden and/or Designed Landscape
Important Wildlife Corridor
Local Nature Conservation Site
Existing Greenbelt
Area of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
Ancient Woodland

Overall this area is used and valued by the community and visitors to the area. Any development at all will change this.

Doors Open Day, 13th September

A programme is now available for activities taking place at Kilmardinny House as part of Doors Open Day. It can be found on our website.

Further information about Doors Open Day can be found on the EDLC website and also in our blog post of 28th August.

Stone carving workshops in Kirkintilloch

There will be a stone carving workshop on Saturday 13th September 2014.

Please note that booking is essential.

Further information at
http://www.mera-milngavie.co.uk/docs/DOD%20stone%20carving%20workshop%20130914.docx

Doors Open Day and Milngavie Exhibition

Doors Open Day will be held on 13th September this year. The brochure can be downloaded from
http://www.edlc.co.uk/pdf/Culture/Doors%20Open%20Daylowres.pdf

Starting on the same day is an exhibition in the Town Hall, "The Changing face of Milngavie," which will describe the growth of Milngavie from "Mill toun" to present day. It will be open from 10am to 5pm daily from 13th to 20th September except 14th & 18th, and admission is free.

During the exhibition, Donald Shankland will lead a town walk relating to the displays, entitled "After Woodburn: Milngavie in the 20th Century". This will start from the Heritage Centre, Milngavie Town Hall and will take place twice: on Tuesday 16th September and Saturday 20th September, both at 2pm.

The Heritage centre will also be open on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm starting from the following dates: 27th September, 4th, 11th 18th & 25th October.

Practical Footpath Day, Mains Estate

We have received the following from the Ramblers:

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

Practical Footpath Day
Mains Estate, Milngavie, Saturday 27th Sept 2014

Following the work we started in Mains Estate in Milngavie earlier this
year, Ramblers Scotland is organising a second practical footpath
maintenance day in Milngavie providing a great opportunity for volunteers
to learn some outdoor skills and gain practical experience in dealing with
minor path problems.

We will be installing waymarkers designed by children from the local
school (Clober Primary), improving drainage and cutting back vegetation.
No previous experience is required.  All tools and equipment will be
provided but you should bring suitable clothing for outdoor work.  Please
let us know in advance if you’d like to come by emailing Jeannie
Cranfield, jeannie.cranfield@ramblers.org.uk or call the Ramblers Scotland
office on 01577 867744.

Open Spaces consultation meeting

Milngavie Community Council are holding a consultation meeting with EDC regarding Open Spaces. This meeting is open to the public and will be held at 7 p.m. within the Fraser Centre on Wednesday 20th August 2014.

This gives the public an opportunity to highlight the areas that they value which includes, parks, even Mugdock Country Park, green areas, core paths, flower beds, grass cutting and many more.  Whilst it does not include proposed housebuilding, as that is a different department, it will give the public an opportunity to identify and protect areas important to them, no matter how big or small.

This input will then form what is included into the Local Development Plan by this section of EDC.

Access to Douglas Academy

MERA has been advised by Mactaggart Mickel that the Falloch Road access to Douglas Academy will be open for pupils returning this week.  This is a pedestrian access to the school only, as is Douglasmuir Drive.

The main entrance to the school is off Craigton Road and this provides both vehicle and pedestrian access together with a drop off point. The Association would recommend that only these three identified routes should be used by pupils.

Watch out for wildlife

During the past two weeks there have been several sightings of colourful Cinnabar caterpillars in Milngavie, one of which was in the Mains Estate.

The brightly coloured Cinnabar moth is mostly a southern species in Britain but is also found near the coast in Scotland and more rarely inland. Its usual food plant is the much maligned Ragwort, which is also the primary food plant for several other moth species.

Kingfishers are rarely seen in the area, but I happened to see one of these brightly coloured but normally shy birds fly under the bridges between the Tesco store and car park, despite the presence of numerous shoppers.

The river outside Tesco's is also a good place to see Dippers. These white-chested birds are as happy in the water as on land.

Local Development Plan newsletters

Local Development Plan Newsletter 22 has now been released and can be viewed via the Emerging Local Development Plan page on the Council website.

Newsletters 1 to 21 are also available via the same link, so we will be removing them from the MERA website.

Open Space consultation meeting change of date

Please note that the Open Space consultation meeting which was to be held tomorrow has been changed to 20 August 2014 at 7 p.m. within the Fraser Centre.

Please attend this meeting if you possibly can, as it is important that we identify to EDC the areas that are valued as green and open spaces, which include areas large and small like our park, Mugdock Country Park, Craigton Woods etc

Queen's Baton Relay route

Queen's Baton Relay route
Day 36: 19 July - East Dunbartonshire

The itinerary for the day will be as follows:
07:55 Bearsden
10:00 Milngavie
11.30 Bardowie
12:05 Lennoxtown
13:30 Milton of Campsie
15:00 Kirkintilloch
17:35 Lenzie
17:50 Bishopbriggs

For full details of the route and places visited,  please see:
http://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=23363

Further information and details:
http://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/news/latest_news/let_the_qbr_fun_and_festivitie.aspx

In addition we have received notification from the council of an art exhibition beginning this Saturday at the Lillie Art Gallery in Milngavie. "Organised by The Balmore Trust, the display showcases artwork from Namibia, one of East Dunbartonshire's 'Second Teams' in the Commonwealth Games and a country with which our area, through The Balmore Trust, has a long-standing relationship."

Shots heard 2

We have received the following communication from the council:

The farmer at Balvie Farm is using auditory bird scarers which imitate the sound of gunfire to protect newly planted crops from damage by wild birds.

This is common practice in the farming community although I understand that bird scarers have not been used at this farm in the past. Consequently their operation has caused concern to some local residents.

There are two types of scarer being used at the farm. A firework blast is set off once in the morning and once in the early evening which creates a very loud single bang - this appears to be the one causing the most disturbance to local residents.  The second type is best described as a firecracker which emits a lower level bang every 15 to 20 minutes.

Alternative means of scaring the birds have been attempted by the farmer, however these have been ineffective.

The main reason for complaints from some of the local residents has been the early start time of the firework blast in the mornings.  It is recommended that auditory bird scarers used in the vicinity of residential properties are not used before 7am or after 10pm and should not be fired more than four times in any hour.  I understand that the firework has been set off before 7am on occasions, however after visiting the farm I have been assured that this will not happen again.

I have requested that the farmer does not use the firework before 8am on Mondays to Fridays (fired between 8-9am) and 9am on Saturdays (fired between 9-10am) with no firework blasting on Sundays.  The evening firework blast will take place between 5 and 6pm every day, with the exception of a Sunday.  The farmer will only use the lower noise level firecrackers from 7am every day as this is necessary to protect the crops while they are most vulnerable.  The use of the scarers will gradually reduce over the next few weeks and their operation will cease by the end of July, therefore any disturbance will be short lived.

The farmer has been asked to inform this Service in advance of any future bird scaring operations, this information can then be passed onto yourself so that nearby residents can be made aware of the situation.

I hope this information is of assistance.

Shots heard

MERA have received several concerns regarding shots/blasting being heard, especially early in the morning including Saturdays and Sundays and throughout the day.  It would appear that this is also distressing some family pets.

MERA contacted the local police on 2 July and to date have not had a response.  We also contacted the local quarry who have confirmed that it is not them.  They have received several phone calls regarding this.  We believe the sound is coming from a local farm, and is taking the form of controlled explosions to scare the birds.  We have taken the issue up with Lorraine Darling of EDC also and have sent a reminder to the Police.  As soon as we have more information we shall advise accordingly.

We have been assured that it is not gun shots.

Plants in Craigton Woods

A provisional species list of plants in Craigton Woods is now available at
http://www.mera-milngavie.co.uk/docs/craigtonwoodsplantlist-20140806.pdf

If you can add to this list, please let us know.

Council Meeting – 26 June 2014. Further information

For further information on this meeting please see also the Dougalston Woods blog at
http://dougalstonwoods.wordpress.com
This is well worth reading as it includes information which is not available on our blog.

They include an excellent biodiversity report for Dougalston Woods.

Queen's Baton Relay itinerary

The council have now published details of the itinerary of the Queen's Baton Relay in East Dunbartonshire on July 19 2014.

It can be found via the following link:
http://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=23363

Council Meeting – 26 June 2014

East Dunbartonshire Council will meet within Tom Johnston Chamber, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch on Thursday 26 June 2014 at 6.00pm to discuss the Local Development Plan Proposed Plan – “Where We Live” Section. The report is now confirmed on the agenda and is available on the Council website at:
http://www.dbs.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/Web%20Site/Live/Online%20Services/EDCCmtt.nsf/0/5400BBBDB45EAAA980257CFD005F703B?OpenDocumen
(Please refer to Booklet 2A, Agenda Item 12 which is at p.69)

We would urge members of the public to attend.

Although, members of the public cannot usually speak at these meetings, it is good to let theCouncillors know you are watching.

MERA AGM tomorrow

Just a reminder that the MERA AGM will be held tomorrow, Wednesday 11th June, at 7.30 p.m in Clober Primary School. All residents are welcome to attend.

Bears Way Cycle Corridor

Information on the proposed plans for 'Kessington Travel Hub' and phase 1
of the 'Bears Way Cycle Corridor' is now available online at:
http://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/content/council_and_government/consultations,_complaints_and/consultation_and_engagement/current_consultation_activity/bears_way.aspx

This is a proposed cycle corridor and transport hub at Kessington as part of the A81 cycle link.

Flowers of Craigton Woods

A small selection of the many plant species in Craigton Woods which are missing from the Cala habitat survey.

All photos were taken in Craigton Woods.

Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
With tiny white flowers above leafy whorls, this plant has a hay-like scent which is only apparent when dried. Dried bunches are used both to give a pleasant scent and in cupboards to deter moths. The dried plants can also be used to flavour liquids.
A native perennial which likes shady places and is considered a good indicator of ancient woodland.

Three-nerved sandwort (Moehringia trinervia)
Each leaf has 3 veins. A native annual which is less common in Scotland than in the rest of Great Britain, it likes bare places in old woods and is considered an indicator of ancient woodland.

Bugle (Ajuga reptans)
A native perennial which can grow in a wide variety of habitats, often in large numbers.

Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
A native perennial which spreads by runners. In Scotland it is found mainly in the central belt. It has been used in the making of beer and in herbal teas.

See our Flowers of Craigton Woods page for more pictures

Craigton Woods meeting

A meeting was held today by Cala regarding their proposed development of Craigton Woods.

Information about this meeting can be found on the website of the newly formed Craigton Woods Volunteer Group at http://www.craigtonwoods.com/

See also the EDC website

Those attending the meeting had the chance to complete a comments form. If you were unable to attend, or did not take a form and would still like to make comments, this can also be done via the Cala website at
http://www.cala.co.uk/craigtonroad
There is very little information on either the Cala or the EDC website and although information was made available at the meeting, no copies could be taken away. However, there is some information and a copy of the map of the proposed development on the CWVG website at
http://www.craigtonwoods.com/#!bastion/c1dka
The form on the Cala website does not include the questions on the comment form that was available at the meeting, and you may wish to bear these questions in mind when responding. They were as follows:

What are your impressions of the proposed development?
Which elements of the proposal do you like?
Which elements of the proposal would you like to see amended?
Do you think more family and affordable homes are required within the area to meet housing needs?
Do you have any other views on the layout design?
Do you think our consultation with you has been helpful?
Other comments

Please note that any comments must be submitted by 28th May

More East Dunbartonshire sites under threat

East Dunbartonshire Council have just released a list of more sites that are under threat and that have been identified under the Local Development Plan.  Whilst EDC are not promoting these, landowners and developers are.  The one that affects MERA is LDP 184 and is a small development, however others have implications throughout Milngavie.

For the background to this, see the Emerging Local Development Plan page on the EDC website.

The full details of the new sites can be seen at
http://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/pdf/DE%20Planning/DE-P%20Additional%20MIR%20Sites.pdf

MERA AGM and newsletter

The MERA AGM will be held on Wednesday 11th June 2014 at 7.30 p.m in Clober Primary School.

It is hoped our local Councillors will be in attendance, together with the local Police. Mr Gorman from Hacking & Paterson also plans to be there.

Topics for discussion will include the Local Development Plan and Craigton Woods.

The MERA spring newsletter (11MB) is now available on the MERA website.

Forthcoming meetings

Wednesday 7th May 2014
Milngavie Community Council will be holding their AGM within the Fraser Centre.  A notice will be placed in the local paper advising of time and in the notice board within the precinct.  This is an opportunity for residents to go along and raise any issues that they would wish the Community Council to address.  Thomas Glen from East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust will be providing an update on the Allander Sports Centre.  Start time will either be 7 or 7.30 p.m.
see also the Milngavie Herald

Wednesday 14th May 2014
Cala have changed the date of their consultation on Craigton Woods from 13th to 14th May 2014 still in the Lesser Hall within Milngavie Town Hall between 12 - 6 p.m.

Friday 16th May 2014
Milngavie Heritage Centre will be holding their AGM in the Centre within Milngavie Town Hall at 7.30 p.m.

Recycling collection arrangements over Easter

Please note that there will be some changes to the bin collection days over the Easter period. More information is available at:

http://www.milngavieherald.co.uk/news/local-headlines/collection-day-change-for-recycle-of-rubbish-1-3373126

Craigton Woods under threat again

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE FOR THIS MEETING

This ancient woodland is under serious threat from development again. CALA Homes have submitted a proposal for a residential development of private detached houses over the entire section of Craigton Woods from Hunter Road to the service road for Douglas Academy.

A public exhibition is planned for 14th May 2014 (NOT 13th) from 12-6 p.m. at Milngavie Town Hall, and we would urge everyone to attend if they possibly can. Even if people cannot attend, we would urge them to make comments. Further details will appear in the press, and we will do our best to keep you informed.

Committee meeting change of venue

Please note that, due to the school holidays, the venue for the MERA committee meeting on 16 April has been changed to the Community Education Centre.

Volunteers required

The Ramblers are carrying out path repairs and improvements to the Core Path which surrounds Mains Estate.  They are looking for volunteers to come along to assist on 5th April 2014.  Please wear suitable outdoor clothing, all tools and equipment will be supplied.  This is an ideal opportunity for anyone wishing to learn how to deal with path maintenance, drainage etc.  It is also an opportunity for the many walkers, runners, cyclists etc. who enjoy this area to help look after it.  If you are interested, please contact the e-mail on the information poster or telephone number 01577 867744.  The area that they propose working on is near the Chestnut Lane side of the path in the area of the field near the bottom of Dumbrock Road.

Full-size poster available here.

With regards to the other areas that require maintenance we have invited a representative from Hacking & Paterson to come to our AGM in June to advise on what maintenance is proposed for the other sections of the path under their management.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2014

We've received the following from the Council Sustainability and Energy Officer:

"With just four days until Fairtrade Fortnight kicks off, supporters up and down the country are gearing up to take action. To help you make the most of this high-profile opportunity, we have prepared a list of ideas for churches and community groups"
- now available on the MERA website.

"We've been made aware of a rare opportunity for local groups to meet Foncho, who is the face of the Fairtrade Fortnight banana campaign. He will be in Glasgow on Saturday 8 March and *may* be available to come to East Dunbartonshire later in the day, if there are any events for him to link into."
If you are planning something and would like to invite Foncho, please let them know at the contact details in the above document.

There is also a flyer from Just Trading Scotland to provide further detail on the 'Paisley to Karonga' rice challenge mentioned in the ideas list.

Temporary footpath

Following a meeting with Mactaggart Mickel and EDC, the identified routes to school remain as - Craigton Road for pedestrians and vehicles, Douglasmuir Drive for pedestrians and Falloch Road for pedestrians. However, Falloch Road is temporarily shut and Mactaggart Mickel are looking to get this access open as quickly as possible. Meantime youngsters walking should use the other two identified routes.

Forthcoming meeting about temporary footpath

There will be a meeting at Douglas Academy on 29th January 2014 at 7 p.m. for those residents affected by the proposed installation of a temporary footpath at Ardlui Gardens, Achray Place leading to Kilmannan Gardens resulting from the temporary closure of the Falloch Road pedestrian access to the school.

Local Development Plan newsletter

The latest Local Development Plan newsletter (no.17) has been released.

Along with earlier newsletters, it is now available on the council website.