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Glasgow Times
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
New speed limits set to be introduced across Bearsden
The new scheme will see widespread implementation of 20 miles per hour limits in residential areas, and also at stretches of several larger roads in the area. Public consultation held over February and March attracted 141 responses, including 94 valid objections and 47 letters of support. The vast majority of objectors claimed Switchback Road, Maryhill Road, Stockiemuir Road Duntocher Road, Drymen Road and Milngavie Road were distributor roads and suitable for higher speeds of traffic, while police said enforcement would be difficult without physical traffic calming measures. Supporters of the scheme feel that reducing speed limits for motor vehicles will create a safer environment for other road users such as cyclists, and also make streets more liveable for residents and local businesses, reduce emissions and also improve safety, especially near schools. The traffic regulation orders have been split into two groups, one being a list of residential streets across Bearsden where the limit will apply to their entire length, and the other focused on larger roads where specific stretches will be affected. Tabling the motion at the meeting, depute leader Councillor Calum Smith (SNP, Bearsden South) said this was not an example of the council hating cars and admitted that he personally had penalty points for speeding. 'When I first encountered plans to reduce speed limits to 20 miles an hour my knee-jerk reaction was the same as many. 'How can you do that? That'll never work. It's so slow'.' READ MORE: 'It is in desperate need of attention': Huge potholes on street set to be fixed He went on to say that over time he realised the importance of the road safety benefits and also of changing mindsets with regard to travel, and highlighted the massive difference for pedestrians being hit at 20 miles per hour versus 30, with the latter around eight times more likely to be killed. He added that in recent years the Highway Code had been updated to challenge the supremacy of the car in the hierarchy of road users, and that communities were not simply networks of roads to be passed through as quickly as possible but places where people should feel safe. He also said that people were very capable of quickly adapting to changes which initially seemed unthinkable, from compulsory seat belt use to banning smoking in pubs and back passes to goalkeepers. Councillor Alan Reid (Liberal Democrat, Bearsden North) moved for some alterations to the scheme, such as Maryhill Road where the dual carriageway has a 50 mile per hour limit on the Glasgow side of the local authority boundary, part of Stockiemuir Road leading out of Beardsen where there are no homes or businesses, and Milngavie Road, the main route through town, as slowing down traffic here would encourage drivers to use other streets as 'rat runs'. He added that otherwise he supported the proposals, and consensus was shared by Bearsden councillors as had been expressed at a recent meeting of ward representatives. The Scottish Government is providing funding towards the cost of implementing the new limits, such as funding, but also imposed a spending deadline which prevented any trial or pilot scheme. Three rounds of voting were held with the changes tabled by Councillor Reid treated as separate amendments 14-6, 15-7, but all were voted down in favour of the motion as presented by Councillor Smith.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
The EXACT time you should close your windows when it gets hot & why opening them could be making your home even stuffier
IT'S the first instinct for many people - to open the windows when it gets warm outside. And with temperatures set to exceed 28°C this week, there will undoubtedly be millions of people cracking theirs open in a bid to catch a break from the stuffy temperatures. 3 3 However, according to one expert, there are only two times during the day and night that you should actually open the windows. "The number one rule in a heatwave is to not open your windows when it's hotter outside than in," Alan Reid, double glazed doors and windows expert at Art Windows and Doors, explained. "Opening your windows is not cooling your home, it's just letting more heat come flooding in." So make sure that your windows and blinds are closed between 11am and 4pm - especially if your house is south-facing. And at 8pm, you can open your windows fully - this will allow the hot air to escape gradually when the temperature outside start to drop. It's then a good idea to leave your windows on night mode, if you have that setting on your vents. "Most modern windows have a built in vent lock or night catch which lets you crack the window slightly for airflow without leaving it fully open," Alan added. "Used at the right time when the outdoor air is cooler, it can help release trapped heat from your home." You can open the windows fully once again in the morning, before the temperatures rise again. There are some other ways you can help keep your home cool in the daytime during a heatwave too. Met Office issues heatwave warning as temperatures set to surge to 30C within days Five ways to keep your kids cool in the heat IT can be really difficult - and costly - to keep kids cool when it's hot outside. But Fabulous Digital Senior Reporter and mum-of-two Sarah Bull shares five ways to help, and they won't break the budget either. Strip them off It might sound simple, but stripping kids off at home can really help them regulate their temperature when it's warm outside. Just remember to regularly apply suncream, as more of their skin will be exposed to the sun. Cool down bedrooms before nighttime When it's hot outside, it can be difficult for kids to go to sleep - especially if their bedroom feels like an oven. If you have a room that's not in direct sunshine, keep the windows open to let in a breeze. It's also a good idea to keep the curtains closed, to prevent the room from heating up. Wear a hat Another simple technique, but one that really works. Make sure that if your kids are playing outside, they've got a hat on. It keeps their face and head shielded from the sun, and also helps if you've got a little one who struggles with bright sunlight. If your tot struggles to keep a hat on, try one with a strap that goes under the chin to help. Avoid the car The car can be one of the hottest places during a heatwave, and often takes a long time to cool down. If you have the option, it's better to stay at home rather than taking kids out anywhere in a hot car. Stay hydrated This is always important, but even more so in a heatwave. Make sure you're regularly reminding your kids to have a drink, and top them up with cool liquids whenever you can. Use ice too to ensure it's as cold as it can possibly be. Some are somewhat self-explanatory - don't use ovens or other heat-generating appliances during peak heat hours, and use linen or cotton bedding to stay cooler at night. But other ideas include having light coloured curtains and blinds, as this will stop them absorbing the heat, and will instead keep rooms cool. And if you've got a fan, you can turn it into a makeshift air cooler by putting a bowl full of ice in front of it. 3
Scottish Sun
18-06-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
The EXACT time you should close your windows when it gets hot & why opening them could be making your home even stuffier
If you're worried about insects getting in at nighttime, there's a clever trick to try too WINDOW RULES The EXACT time you should close your windows when it gets hot & why opening them could be making your home even stuffier IT'S the first instinct for many people - to open the windows when it gets warm outside. And with temperatures set to exceed 28°C this week, there will undoubtedly be millions of people cracking theirs open in a bid to catch a break from the stuffy temperatures. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Having your windows open during a heatwave could actually make your home even stuffier Credit: Alamy 3 Instead, wait until 8pm and then seize the opportunity to whack the windows open fully Credit: Getty However, according to one expert, there are only two times during the day and night that you should actually open the windows. "The number one rule in a heatwave is to not open your windows when it's hotter outside than in," Alan Reid, double glazed doors and windows expert at Art Windows and Doors, explained. "Opening your windows is not cooling your home, it's just letting more heat come flooding in." So make sure that your windows and blinds are closed between 11am and 4pm - especially if your house is south-facing. Read more Heatwave stories HOT LUCK Brits set to bask in 29C today as Met Office says heatwave likely this weekend And at 8pm, you can open your windows fully - this will allow the hot air to escape gradually when the temperature outside start to drop. It's then a good idea to leave your windows on night mode, if you have that setting on your vents. "Most modern windows have a built in vent lock or night catch which lets you crack the window slightly for airflow without leaving it fully open," Alan added. "Used at the right time when the outdoor air is cooler, it can help release trapped heat from your home." You can open the windows fully once again in the morning, before the temperatures rise again. There are some other ways you can help keep your home cool in the daytime during a heatwave too. Met Office issues heatwave warning as temperatures set to surge to 30C within days Five ways to keep your kids cool in the heat IT can be really difficult - and costly - to keep kids cool when it's hot outside. But Fabulous Digital Senior Reporter and mum-of-two Sarah Bull shares five ways to help, and they won't break the budget either. Strip them off It might sound simple, but stripping kids off at home can really help them regulate their temperature when it's warm outside. Just remember to regularly apply suncream, as more of their skin will be exposed to the sun. Cool down bedrooms before nighttime When it's hot outside, it can be difficult for kids to go to sleep - especially if their bedroom feels like an oven. If you have a room that's not in direct sunshine, keep the windows open to let in a breeze. It's also a good idea to keep the curtains closed, to prevent the room from heating up. Wear a hat Another simple technique, but one that really works. Make sure that if your kids are playing outside, they've got a hat on. It keeps their face and head shielded from the sun, and also helps if you've got a little one who struggles with bright sunlight. If your tot struggles to keep a hat on, try one with a strap that goes under the chin to help. Avoid the car The car can be one of the hottest places during a heatwave, and often takes a long time to cool down. If you have the option, it's better to stay at home rather than taking kids out anywhere in a hot car. Stay hydrated This is always important, but even more so in a heatwave. Make sure you're regularly reminding your kids to have a drink, and top them up with cool liquids whenever you can. Use ice too to ensure it's as cold as it can possibly be. Some are somewhat self-explanatory - don't use ovens or other heat-generating appliances during peak heat hours, and use linen or cotton bedding to stay cooler at night. But other ideas include having light coloured curtains and blinds, as this will stop them absorbing the heat, and will instead keep rooms cool. And if you've got a fan, you can turn it into a makeshift air cooler by putting a bowl full of ice in front of it.
CBC
23-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Kate's 5 fun things to do in and around Waterloo region: May 23 to 25
This weekend may be cooler and wetter than some like, but there are lots of events happening to put a spring in your step. Homer Watson House and Gallery is hosting its Spring Breeze Clothesline Art Sale Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be lots of art pieces, from small hanging sculptures to watercolour paintings, clipped to the line. Snacks will be available for purchase and there will be live music. Alan Reid will perform a concert of Scottish folk music Friday night in a concert by Wesley United Church and Mill Race Folk Traditions. Tickets are required. Royal City Rocks featuring The Kramdens is a concert being put on by Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute students to benefit Royal City Mission. Also performing are the Hydrotonics. This concert is Saturday evening and tickets are required. Tri-City Roller Derby have a double header on Saturday at the Grand River Arena, 555 Heritage Drive. The 5 p.m. bout will see Tri-City Thunder take on the Penn Jersey Roller Derby Devils, then at 7 p.m., it's the Tri-City Lightning against the Penn Jersey Roller Derby B-Devils. In local baseball action, the Kitchener Panthers play Saturday in Welland, then host the London Majors on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Jack Couch Park. The team also revealed a new on-site store for fans to purchase team swag. The Guelph Royals have their home opener on Saturday, hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs at 1 p.m. at Hastings Stadium. On Sunday, they hit the road to take on the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers. If you're driving, here are some local gas prices: Magic and Shenanigans Friday to Sunday Uptown Waterloo This new festival will take people on a walking tour of uptown with a comedian leading the way to unexpected venues. There, they will see magicians from around the world perform. Tickets are required for the tours but there will also be street performers people can watch for free throughout uptown Waterloo. Magic and Shenanigans website Plant sales GardenKitchener will hold is plant and bulb sale Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Rockway Gardens in Kitchener. Nature Guelph, Pollination Guelph and the Guelph Enabling Garden will hold their annual plant sale Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 57 Watson Parkway S. in Guelph. It's Planting Day at the Preston branch of the Cambridge Public Library (formerly Idea Exchange). They'll plant their garden and offer information about gardening and the seed library. Nourish Our Neighbours Festival Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Old Quebec Street Mall, Guelph This fundraising event for the Guelph Food Bank will include music, a fashion show, silent auction and a chance for people to help fill a van with food. Musical performances include The Foundation Steppas, KC Lee and His Checkered Past, Lennox and the Hotflashes and members of three groups: UkeJam Program, Silver Strummers and Rockmosa Strummers. The fashion show on Saturday at 2 p.m. will include hair and makeup work by students from the Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute's cosmetology program. Guelph Food Bank event page Disc sports open house Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kiwanis Park, Kitchener Waterloo Organization of Disc Sports along with Grand River Disc Golf will hold an open house to introduce people to ultimate Frisbee, disc golf and Kan Jam. The event is open to all ages and there will be hands-on activities, demonstrations, a longest throw competition and the May Days ultimate tournament finals will be happening and people can watch. Grand River Film Festival All weekend Various locations The Grand River Film Festival will run Friday to Sunday with films showing in Waterloo and Cambridge. Included is one from local filmmaker Sara Geidlinger called Hip Hop Hope. There will also be a free outdoor screening of short films at the Gaslight District in Cambridge from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bonus: Slam-Demonium Saturday at 6 p.m. The Aud, Kitchener There aren't many tickets left for this event (which is why it's a bonus on the list) but it's one local wrestling fans won't want to miss. Off The Ropes Studio is holding its biggest professional wrestling show to date to benefit KidsAbility. Local wrestling favourites like Daddy Davis, Sydney "Wild Wild" West, Warhed and Bad Nanny will be in the ring as will WWE alumni Savio Vega, Ring of Honor wrestlers Dynamite Kid Jr. and Soultaker and Rhyno (Terry Gerin) who wrestled in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and as part of an independent circuit. There will also be promotions at this event for the local documentary The Ref Didn't See It, where Kitchener's Colin Hunter learns how to become a wrestling referee.
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Scots loch once home to US nuclear subs becomes dumping ground for sewage
Data has revealed dozens of cases of potentially illegal discharges of sewage on dry weather days into the Holy Loch, near Dunoon. A west coast loch formerly home to US nuclear submarines has now become a dumping ground – for raw sewage. Data has revealed dozens of cases of potentially illegal discharges of sewage into the Holy Loch, near Dunoon, even on dry days. Under the law, untreated wastewater from the sewer system is only meant to be pumped into rivers and lochs during exceptionally bad weather to prevent flooding. So-called 'dry spills' are considered much more toxic for the environment and wildlife because discharges are not diluted by heavy rainfall. However, a report by watchdog Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) has highlighted 31 potential instances in 2023 where sewage was dumped at the Ardnadam sewage pumping station in the Holy Loch on dry days. The Scottish Lib Dems accused Scottish Water – and SNP ministers – of being 'woefully complacent' in tackling the issue. Alan Reid, the party's Argyll and Bute candidate for next year's Holyrood election, said: 'The ESS directly told Scottish Water and SEPA it was underestimating the scale of the problem. "So to sit on their hands and not at least investigate the potential issues raised in Dunoon is simply not good enough.' The sea loch, in the Firth of Clyde, was a key location for the US Navy during the Cold War, hosting a submarine base for its Polaris nuclear missile system from 1961 to 1992. Former US nuclear submarine commander Captain James Bush later admitted radioactive material had been dumped in the waters through the 1960s. In 1998, the Ministry of Defence launched a £5million multi-agency effort to clean up the Holy Loch. Scottish Water confirmed, via freedom of information, that it has 'not carried out any follow-up investigations' on the ESS' findings around dry sewage spills at the Dunoon loch. Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: 'To turn the tide on this scandal, Scottish Liberal Democrats have published plans for a Clean Water Act that would see a clampdown on discharges and get to the bottom of this disgusting practice.' Henry Swithinbank, of Surfers Against Sewage, said: "It's shocking that despite being provided with evidence about potential illegal spills, Scottish Water has done nothing to look into the issue or rectify it. 'This is symptomatic of a system in Scotland where Scottish Water seems to act with impunity.' Scottish Water said it 'takes its environmental responsibilities seriously', adding it was carrying out a study of wastewater infrastructure in Dunoon. A spokesperson said: 'This study aims to understand the problem by looking at flooding risks, how well our current infrastructure like pumping stations and sewer overflows are working, and the impact of rainwater on our system.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Regulator SEPA said investment to improve the sewer network will 'continue to prioritise combined sewer overflows, which are suspected of discharging in dry weather'. An ESS spokeswoman welcomed Scottish Water commitments to tackle the issue but added: 'Spills in dry weather should not happen.'
