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.