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Have your say on changes to North Glasgow fire stations

Have your say on changes to North Glasgow fire stations

Glasgow Times3 days ago
Residents were presented with two options for change yesterday at Balgrayhill Community Centre in Springburn as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) prepares to restructure.
In both cases, an extra full-time appliance will be added to the station in Maryhill.
Springburn Fire Station (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest) However, the first option would also include reducing the number of full-time trucks stationed in Springburn from two to one.
And the second option would not affect the building - instead, it would involve Cowcaddens and Govan stations.
Deputy Chief Officer Andy Watt explained that removing one truck from Springburn would not change initial response times.
But it would mean that the response time of a second appliance would increase by an average of one minute and 25 seconds.
On average, the first firetruck would be at the scene of a fire within five minutes and 35 seconds, while the second one would join in seven minutes and four seconds.
It was also noted that, according to data from April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025, only roughly 30% of calls needed a second vehicle.
The meeting in Springburn (Image: Sourced)
Have your say about changes to North Glasgow fire stations (Image: Sourced)
READ NEXT: Inside the public meetings over 'closure' of Glasgow fire station
SFRS representatives assured attendees that the difference would be slight but changes would allow the service to free up nearly £500,000.
Residents expressed concerns about what the money would be spent on, to which the officers responded that it would be spread out across Scotland with no specific plans yet.
Another issue raised was the landscape of North Glasgow, which includes tenements, Victorian buildings and assisted living facilities, all of which could be at increased risk of fire and make evacuation difficult.
One woman noted: "This would put more pressure and responsibility on the businesses to ensure evacuation and fire safety.
"The care sector needs huge reassurance."
Bob Doris, MSP, for Maryhill and Springburn, added: "We would also need reassurance that you have taken high-rises and disorder, minor fire raising into consideration.
"Sites like the Promat factory are at bigger risk."
(Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest) (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest) Fire officers explained that the review is needed so they can redirect funds for modernisation, training and prevention to respond better to changes such as the climate emergency and industry changes.
You are encouraged to share your opinion here.
We previously reported that option one would see Cowcaddens fire station rebuilt on Maitland Street, the sale of the current site, and the closure of Yorkhill fire station which currently has one appliance.
Option two would see the closure of Cowcaddens at its current site with the land sold off, but they would retain their Maitland Street site for possible future development. Yorkhill would remain open.
The SFRS Service Delivery Review consultation will run until September 16, 2025.
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time2 days ago

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Winking Willies: £10.50 15 Family-run Winking Willies stood out with terrific taste to score a 9/10 rating Credit: Richard Walker THE batter at this family-run shop certainly delivered a great crunch. The chips also had a good amount of softness on the inside without sacrificing the bite on the outside – no doubt thanks to the fact it is cooked in beef tallow. But it was the fish itself that really stood out, with a succulent flavour and great degree of flakiness. SCORE: 9/10 Harbourside: £11.20 15 Harbourside charged a high price, and thankfully the taste was worth it Credit: Richard Walker Like Willy's, this takeaway on the far end of the seafront also keeps things traditional by frying everything in beef dripping. Taste wise, it's worth it, and the chips had a great colour. I was also impressed by the size of the fish – though at £11.20 I wouldn't expect anything less. The fish was slightly greasy, but the batter was crisp. 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SCORE: 5/10 Papa's: £10.18 15 Boasting to be Britain's Best Fish and Chips, Papa's did not quite live up to the claim Credit: Richard Walker SITTING in a prime position on the seafront, a giant sign announces this as Britain's Best Fish and Chips. Unfortunately, it wasn't on the day I visited. Although the chips were decent, the fish was oily and not as good as many of the others nearby. But at £10.18 for a regular meal, it was one of the better value shops along the front. SCORE: 5/10 Carol's Plaice: £9 15 Carol's Plaice is hidden away from the seafront and was once visited by a top soap star Credit: Richard Walker A FEW streets away from the beach in a more residential area, this small family-owned shop is not chasing the tourist crowd – but it offered plenty of bang for my buck. The chips were generously portioned and the batter was a standout. It's no wonder that Gary from Coronation Street – actor Mikey North – once paid a visit. 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SCORE: 8/10 North Bay Fisheries: £12.50 15 There was a queue for North Bay Fisheries despite the price, and the taste showed why Credit: Richard Walker THE large queue snaking out of the door proved why this establishment, situated on the opposite side of town, is one of the highest-rated chippies in Scarborough. The batter and chips all scored top marks, and the fish was tasty too with a more meaty texture. By far the most expensive takeaway I visited but the portion size was very generous. SCORE: 9/10 Catch 55: £10 15 Catch 55 delivered on taste, and could have scored higher with a bigger portion Credit: Richard Walker JUST one road back from the seafront, this smart establishment offered a regular meal for a reasonable tenner. The batter was some of the best I'd had, and the fish was also tasty. But although the chips were great, they were let down by the fact that there were not as many in my box as other shops had served me. SCORE: 7/10

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