Newsletter from the Mains Estate Residents’ Association (MERA) – 6^th December 2020

SAVE OUR GREENBELT – BACK THE COUNCIL PLAN

Final Consultation on LDP2 – deadline Friday 15^th January 2021

Our greenbelt is still at risk from developers unless you act now!  

If you love our green surroundings, then we we strongly recommend that you respond to the Council’s final consultation on the Local Development Plan (LDP2), using the key points detailed in our full newsletter available at 

http://mera-milngavie.co.uk/docs/Newsletter201206.pdf  

Hardcopies of the newsletter will be distributed over the next week.

The Council’s Representation Form is available at
http://mera-milngavie.co.uk/docs/RepresentationForm.docx

We have made a short explanatory video, available on Facebook and Twitter 
https://www.facebook.com/MERAMilngavie/posts/2881548372076310

Coverage of the consultation can also be found in the Bearsden and Milngavie Herald
https://www.milngavieherald.co.uk/news/environment/builders-eye-greenbelt-sites-milngavie-and-bearsden-3057962

Thank you

The MERA Committee

Ways to keep in contact with MERA
By email secretary@mera-milngavie.co.uk
On Facebook at MERA Milngavie.
On Twitter @MeraMilngavie.

 

Newsletter from the Mains Estate Residents’ Association – 

8^th November 2020

HOT TOPIC!  - Local Development Plan 2 - online information sessions 

East Dunbartonshire Council is seeking representations on the next Local Development Plan.  MERA will provide residents with guidance on how to respond shortly.  In the meantime, the Council has organised online information sessions for Milngavie residents on:

Thurs 19 November 2020, 7.00 pm - 7.45 pm

There is also an information session for Bearsden residents on:

Wed 11 November 2020,  10am - 10.45 am

If you would like to attend one of these briefing sessions then please send an email to development.plan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Once registered, the Council will send joining instructions. The sessions will be hosted using Microsoft Teams software.  Please note that you can join a Teams meeting free-of-charge from any device, whether or not you have a Teams account.

Please note that there will be no face-to-face meetings for this stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For further details please see https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/proposed-local-development-plan-2

Mains Estate Park

We are grateful for the work of the Council's 'Streetscene' team.  They have been undertaking an annual grass cut in the wetland area at the bottom of the park and have also been removing rushes.  

Ways to keep in contact with MERA

By email secretary@mera-milngavie.co.uk

On Facebook at MERA Milngavie

On Twitter @MeraMilngavie

Finally, we would be extremely grateful if you could check with your neighbours that they know that they can register for MERA newsletters by email on our website on the ‘Events’ page 

http://www.mera-milngavie.co.uk/events.html  

 

Newsletter from the Mains Estate Residents’ Association – 25^th June 2020

Helping the Mains Estate Residents’ Association (MERA) to connect

We are sorry that we cannot hand deliver printed newsletters at this time.  So, if you are a member of a street WhatsApp Group we would be extremely grateful if you could let your neighbours know that they can register for MERA newsletters by email on our website on the ‘Events’ page http://www.mera-milngavie.co.uk/events.html   If they wish to unsubscribe at any time, then they will find the details at the foot of the newsletter.

COVID-19 Bus Update

From Monday 22 June 2020, Glasgow Citybus Service 15 (Milngavie – Gartnavel Hospital) will operate an increased service Monday to Saturday.  Departures from the Mains Estate to Milngavie Station are currently at 08:18, 09:18 and then 9:57, 10:57, 11:57, 12:57, 13:57, 14:57, 15:57, 16:57 and 17:47.  Departures towards Gartnavel are currently at 08:36, 09:36, 10:36, 11:36, 12:36, 13:36, 14:36, 15:36, 16:36 and 17:20.  However, please note that the last bus terminates at Anniesland. Please check the timetable for the latest information https://www.westcoastmotors.co.uk/services/GCB/15?all=on

First bus 60A operates Monday through Sunday.  First bus has announced that they will be increasing the frequency of the 60A bus on weekdays from Monday 29 June 2020, from hourly to every 30-mintues.  The current and the new timetables are both available by clicking on the ‘News and service updates’ tab at https://www.firstgroup.com/greater-glasgow/news-and-service-updates

COVID-19 Health Update

We are grateful to the East Dunbartonshire Public, Service User and Carer (PSUC) representatives’ group who have produced the following COVID-19 update:

http://mera-milngavie.co.uk/docs/COVID-Infosheet-June2020.pdf

COVID-19 Waste Update

For updates on waste services please refer to:

https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/residents/council-democracy/covid-19-waste-update

Brown, blue and garden recycling bins have all been reintroduced, although food recycling remains suspended.  It is recommended that residents dispose of food waste in your general waste (grey) bin. The Council recommend that you wrap food waste in newspaper or plastic bags before putting into your grey bin.

Mavis Valley Household Recycling Centre

We are grateful for all the work by East Dunbartonshire Council staff to reopen the Mavis Valley Household Waste Recycling Centre; as well as provide the additional temporary facility on Balmore Road, which has been a great success.  This has involved the temporary redeployment of council staff from other services.  We are grateful for all the assistance that has been provided.

Water Feature

It has been highlighted that water levels have been low in the water feature at the junction of Douglas Muir Road and Castlemains Road.  Hacking and Paterson have been made aware of the situation.  Due to the lockdown, Hacking and Paterson were unable to get anyone out to deal with the issue.  Hacking and Paterson are still working and are available, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.  If there are further concerns about the water feature, or something else, then Mr Allan MacLean from Hacking and Paterson will be happy to discuss on 0141 222 4978.

Milngavie Station – Improvement Work

Network Rail are undertaking a five-month programme of essential improvement works at Milngavie station, starting from 6 July 2020.  The works will see the extension of both platforms at the south side of the station from 141m to 205m in length.  This will enable more trains to be ‘stabled’ at the station to better support the timetable.  The trains themselves will not be any longer.  Work will be undertaken most nights to ensure that services continue to operate during the day.  There will be some periods of continuous weekend working in the late autumn, when the line will be closed.  The site compound will be within the station car park and use 32 car parking spaces.  The project is scheduled to be complete in time for the December 2020 timetable change.  Network Rail are sharing information on this project via twitter @NetworkRailSCOT

Scottish Water – Burncrooks Water Improvement Project restarted

Scottish Water has advised us that they have restarted their essential water improvement project.  The works will see the Mains Estate supplied by a new mains water feed from the Milngavie Water Works, instead of from the Burncrooks Reservoir in the Kilpatrick Hills.  You will likely have noticed the new earthworks north of Craigton Road and across Carneddans Road.

Glasgow Airport’s airspace change proposal programme paused until further notice

You may recall a proposal by Glasgow Airport to route departures directly over the Mains Estate and Douglas Academy.  The consultation and airspace design process are having to be repeated to meet a change in consultation procedures.  MERA has been engaged as a community stakeholder.  Given the current COVID-19 outbreak, Glasgow Airport has made the decision to pause the programme until further notice.  In the meantime you can find out more about the Airspace Modernisation Strategy by visiting https://www.caa.co.uk/News/New-Airspace-Modernisation-Strategy-launched-to-overhaul-UK-airspace/.  You can find out more about Glasgow Airport’s specific programme at https://www.glasgowairport.com/airspace/

Ways to keep in contact with MERA

By email secretary@mera-milngavie.co.uk

On Facebook at MERA Milngavie.

On Twitter @MeraMilngavie.

Newsletter from the Mains Estate Residents’ Association (MERA) – 28^th May 2020

We hope that you are enjoying the lovely spring weather.

Phased Reintroduction of Recycling Collections

Both brown and blue bins will be uplifted this week.

Green garden refuse bins will be uplifted from next week.

For updates please refer to:

https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/residents/council-democracy/covid-19-waste-update

Mavis Valley Household Recycling Centre to reopen

East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) has announced that Mavis Valley Household Waste Recycling Centre will reopen to the public, with restrictions, on Monday 1 June.  It will be open 7 days a week from 8am to 4pm and you must follow the important information and restrictions detailed below.

Please note:  Journeys to the Mavis Valley Household Waste Recycling Centre on Balmuildy Road, must only be undertaken if they are essential.  By this EDC mean the waste cannot be stored without causing risk of injury, health or harm.  No other reason for the journey would be considered a legitimate purpose.  EDC advise that if you can temporarily store your waste or recycling in a way that does not pose a risk to yours or others safety or human health, then you must do so.

In order to meet anticipated demand, and because the Mavis Valley Household Waste Recycling Centre can be accessed from both the Bishopbriggs direction AND the Milngavie/Bearsden direction (from Balmore Road), an additional, temporary facility has been secured at ATR skip hire so that recycling can be safely off-loaded from each direction.

ATR Skip Hire - Temporary Recycling Facility

Vehicles travelling from Bearsden/Milngavie via Balmore Road will use this facility.

Mavis Valley Household Waste Recycling Centre

Vehicles travelling from Bishopbriggs via Kirkintilloch Road/Balmuildy Road will use this facility, Covid-19 Important Information and Restrictions.

New restrictions have been introduced by EDC in line with advice on social distancing and the COVID-19 pandemic and these must be followed.

·       You should not visit the facility if you or a member of your household is/are unwell and have Covid-19 symptoms.  You should be following the 7-day self-isolation guidance if you are unwell, or the 14 day stay at home guidance if a member of your household is unwell.

·       A maximum of two people from the same household will be permitted on site, to assist with and to speed up the process of unloading.

·       Only cars are permitted.  No access for vans, trailers or other vehicles will be allowed.

·       ID to prove East Dunbartonshire residence is required.  The driver should have their UK photo card driver’s licence or a recent Council Tax / Utility bill showing their East Dunbartonshire address.  If you do not have this, you will be turned away.

·       Opening hours are strictly 0800 - 1600.  No access will be allowed out with these times.  Drivers queuing prior to the sites opening will be moved on.  The latest entry to the sites will be 15 minutes prior to site closing at 1545.

·       Entrance is at the discretion of East Dunbartonshire Council and will be managed by on-site employees.

·       Please be patient, expect long delays and be prepared to queue.

·       Please remember to stay in your vehicle while queuing to aid with social distancing. Please do not leave your vehicle until you are instructed to do so by site staff.

·       Traffic management measures will be in place.  

·       Staff will not be able to assist with carrying items, please consider and only bring what you can manage to remove from the vehicle.

·       You must observe social distancing at all times.  If you do not comply with social distancing guidance, you will be asked to leave and the site may have to close temporarily.

·       Access will be limited to a set number of vehicles at any one time.

·       During busy periods or if you arrive near to closing time, you may be asked to leave and return the next day.

Non-Trade vans and cars with trailers will only be accepted from Monday 8th June and only during the following restricted hours.

·       Morning     0800 – 1000

·       Afternoon  1400 - 1600

Helping MERA to connect

We would be grateful if you could email this newsletter to your neighbours as we are not currently in a position to hand-deliver newsletters.  We would be grateful if as many residents as possible could register for the newsletter, so that we can keep in regular contact.  Your neighbours can register for future newsletters on our website on the ‘Events’ page http://www.mera-milngavie.co.uk/events.html  If you wish to unsubscribe at any time, then you will find the details at the foot of the newsletter.

Ways to keep in contact with MERA

To contact us by email please write to secretary@mera-milngavie.co.uk

You can also find us on Facebook at MERA Milngavie and on Twitter @MeraMilngavie

#MainsEstate  #Milngavie

Newsletter from the Mains Estate Residents’ Association (MERA) – week beginning 27^th April 2020

We would be grateful if you could email this newsletter to your neighbours as we are not currently in a position to hand-deliver newsletters.  We would be grateful if as many residents as possible could register for the newsletter, so that we can keep in regular contact.  You and your neighbours can register for future newsletters on our website on the ‘Events’ page http://www.mera-milngavie.co.uk/events.html  If you wish to unsubscribe at any time, then you will find the details at the foot of the newsletter.

Phased Reintroduction of Recycling Collections

We are pleased to advise that East Dunbartonshire Council have reviewed the current arrangements for waste collection.  They are now in a position to reintroduce recycling collections, in a phased approach over the next six weeks.  This week the brown bins used for glass, cans and plastic, will be collected.  In two-weeks time the blue bins used for paper and cardboard will be collected.  In four-weeks time both brown and blue bins will be collected.  The latest COVID-19 updates are posted here:

https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/residents/council-democracy

In the meantime, please can all residents refrain from putting household waste into street litter bins.  There has also been an issue with fly-tipping of garden waste and building materials in the Estate woodland.  The Estate woodland is privately owned; much is owned by residents.  If you observe fly-tipping in the woodland, please report to the Dumb Dumpers Stop Line: www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/DumbDumpers

If the incident is on-going, or is believed to be a hazardous nature, or is near a watercourse, then the Dumb Dumpers Stop Line will pass the information to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or Police Scotland, as appropriate.  If the incident is not urgent or the waste concerned is non-hazardous, then the information will be passed to the local authority for investigation.  Thank you for helping to keep the estate clean and tidy.  Thank you also to our wonderful volunteers that remove litter from the Estate woodland on a weekly basis.

Rats

Over the past few weeks, residents in a number of streets have observed rats in their gardens.  We would urge anyone who spots vermin to continue to contact East Dunbartonshire Council.  We would also suggest that you consider temporarily removing bird feeders, which can on occasion attract vermin.  Any waste being stored should be in sealed bags or containers, and preferably stored in a garage or garden shed.

Ways to keep in contact with MERA

To contact us by email please write to secretary@mera-milngavie.co.uk

You can also find us on Facebook at MERA Milngavie and on Twitter @MeraMilngavie

#MainsEstate  #Milngavie

News Update from the  Mains Estate Residents’ Association (MERA)

Waste and recycling

MERA has contacted East Dunbartonshire Council to enquire about the possibility of increased waste/recycling uplifts during the lockdown.  The latest COVID-19 waste updates are posted here:

https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/residents/council-democracy/covid-19-waste-update

In the meantime, please can all residents refrain from putting household waste into street litter bins.  Several of the bins on the estate are overflowing with bags of household waste.  Thank you for helping to keep the estate clean and tidy.

Temporary Restriction to Dumbrock Road

There will be a temporary restriction from 47 to 49 Dumbrock Road on Monday 20 April 2020 between 09:30 and 15:30.  This is to enable Scottish Water to repair damaged ironwork.

East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership - Public, Service User and Carer (PSUC) group - Newsletter - Spring 2020

Please see the Spring Newsletter from PSUC

http://www.mera-milngavie.co.uk/docs/PSUC_Spring_2020.pdf

Emergency numbers for utilities

National Gas Emergency Tel 0800 111999

Scottish Power Energy Networks Tel 0800 0929290

National Power Cut Number Tel 105

Scottish Water 0800 0778778

Ways to keep in contact with MERA

If you, or your friends and neighbours, don't yet receive our newsfeed blog by email and would like to do so then you can Register on our website on the ‘Events’ page http://www.mera-milngavie.co.uk/events.html  If you wish to unsubscribe from automatic updates at any time, the details are at the foot of the newsfeed.

To contact us by email please write to secretary@mera-milngavie.co.uk

You can also find us on Facebook at MERA Milngavie and on Twitter @MeraMilngavie

#MainsEstate  #Milngavie

Coronavirus: COVID-19

At difficult times like these, it’s more important than ever that we come together as a community and look after one another.

So if you are unwell with possible Coronavirus virus symptoms, please follow the guidance on the NHS Inform website.  Don’t go directly to your GP, hospital or other healthcare environment.

If you are at home and need some help with transportation, grocery shopping, emotional/social support or information/advice, you can find local support here.

If you are well and not at risk, and would like to help those affected by Coronavirus in our community, there are volunteer roles you can sign up for.  Volunteer Scotland's website lists all the volunteering opportunities available in our area.  Another good contact is East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the MERA AGM will be postponed until further notice.  We hope to reschedule as soon as possible, and will keep the community updated via our social media channels and this blog.

In the meantime, we hope you and your family stay safe and well, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Ways to keep in contact with MERA

If you, or your friends and neighbours, don't yet receive our newsfeed by email and would like to do so then you can Register on our website on the ‘Events’ page.  If you wish to unsubscribe from automatic updates, the details are at the foot of the email.

To contact us by email please write to secretary@mera-milngavie.co.uk

You can also find us on Facebook at MERA Milngavie and on Twitter @MeraMilngavie

#Mainsestate  #Milngavie

#coronavirus  #COVID-19