* I attended a useful meeting of the Balgay Stakeholders Group today - the group allows all with an interest in Balgay Hill, Balgay Park and Victoria Park to meet and discuss issues of common interest. At today's meeting, there was a discussion about moving forward the proposal to have a proper memorial to mark the 'poor ground' - the graves of paupers - in Balgay Cemetery.* Tonight, I chaired the Friends of Magdalen Green committee meeting where we updated the group's action plan and other matters including membership and future projects, including a possible project with the Scottish Football Association that would emcompass a number of aspects including a repainting of the bandstand, upgrading the Riverside changing rooms to include a community facility and improved playing fields.
* Last month, I mentioned that the paper recycling facility in Cleghorn Street was to be removed following repeated vandalism problems. I am now pleased to advise that a new facility will be provided soon at a nearby location I proposed, thus ensuring the local area still has paper recycling facilities.
The Waste Management Department that it felt it had no option but to remove the paper recycling facility in Cleghorn Street as it had been fire-damaged on three occasions. For the many residents in the Cleghorn Street, Benvie Road, Lochee Road and Mitchell Street areas who made use of the paper recycling unit, losing the recycling facility was a blow. It is a great shame that the actions of mindless vandals should inconvenience the many residents locally who want to recycle.
I suggested to the Waste Management Department that if a facility was provided on Lochee Road near to the bus shelter at Mitchell Street, that is also adjacent to the Mitchell Street Centre, this would be a much better location as it is a busy area and well-lit, making vandalism less likely and any vandal likely to be spotted and caught.
I am pleased that the council has agreed to this request and will provide recycling facilities here, initially for a three month trial period to see how well it works at this location.
PART OF E-MAIL FROM THE RECYCLING PROJECTS OFFICER :
Subject: New NRP - Lochee Road/Mitchell Street
Dear Councillors
I am writing to inform you that we intend to install a Neighbourhood Recycling Point on Lochee Road, running along the fence line of the Mitchell Street Centre. This site we hope will go some way to make up for the loss of the paper bin facility recently removed from Cleghorn Street after repeated acts of vandalism.
Following discussions within our department and also with the Mitchell Street Centre, we have agreed on a 3 month trial for a bank of 4 bin units. … Once installed … we will closely monitor this site to check for any evidence of anti-social behaviour.
This site was proposed by Councillor Macpherson, and was approved by Planning last week.