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.