Latest news with #PaulFerretti
Glasgow Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Milton of Campsie Fairy Woods transformed into fairy trail
The Milton of Campsie Fairy Woods, located between Alder Road and Hazel Bank, have been described as "a magical world of make-believe" thanks to new wood carvings. Carved fairies, toadstools, fairy houses, and woodland creatures can all be spotted in the woods. Read more: University of Glasgow to stage cosmic-inspired Scottish country dance Fairy doors can also be spotted along the path, hinting at the possibility of resident fairies in the East Dunbartonshire woods. The trail was created by Walk, Run, Cycle East Dunbartonshire (WRCED) with help from East Dunbartonshire Council's Streetscene Technical Support Team, with wooden sculptures crafted by Chainsaw Creations. (Image: Supplied) Councillor Paul Ferretti, convener of the council's place, neighbourhood and corporate assets committee, said: "This is a magical project and I'm really pleased the council has helped deliver this in collaboration with Walk, Run, Cycle East Dunbartonshire. "They are already a big hit with children whose imaginations have been fired by seeing these magical creatures come to life. "I am sure the carvings will bring lots of pleasure to local children and their families for many years to come." Cllr Ferretti recently visited the trail with members of the WRCED group, which was formed during the pandemic and now has more than 8700 followers. Read more: Free dinosaur and fossil craft workshop for kids at Dobbies Glasgow Lesleyanne Lindsay, who led the project for WRCED, said: "We are delighted to have delivered this project in collaboration with East Dunbartonshire Council. "We took on this project after a plea for help from local mum Lisa Cochrane, who set up the fairy trail during lockdown of 2020. "The trail was in danger of disappearing, and we thought that would be devastating for the local community after they had enjoyed it so much during and after lockdown. "Anything that encourages children and their families to the outdoors is to be encouraged. "The benefit of a daily walk and time spent outdoors is so vital to physical and mental wellbeing. "We really hope that everyone gets to enjoy them and feels the fairy magic."
Glasgow Times
07-07-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
East Dunbartonshire opens consultation on inclusion plans
East Dunbartonshire Council is seeking public feedback on its draft equality outcomes for 2025-2029, which aim to advance equality, eliminate discrimination, and foster positive relationships between diverse groups. The Equality Outcomes 2025-2029 Consultation runs from July 7 to September 5. Read more: Glasgow trio raises more than £11k for cancer charity weeks after loved one's death Councillor Paul Ferretti, convener of the Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, said: "We need your feedback to help ensure the council's equality outcomes truly reflect the needs and priorities of everyone in East Dunbartonshire. "This is your opportunity to let us know if we've identified the right outcomes and if they align with what matters most to you. "Please have a say and help us to create a more inclusive and equitable future for local communities. "The survey should only take a few minutes to complete." In addition to the online survey at residents can take part through drop-in sessions at community venues and direct outreach to community organisations. The council's draft equality outcomes are designed to deliver measurable improvements for individuals and communities who may experience inequality or disadvantage. These outcomes have been developed in line with the Equality Act 2010, which outlines nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. The council has worked with colleagues in education and the licensing board to identify the new outcomes, using data from previous consultations, demographic information, and reflections on the delivery of the 2021-2025 outcomes. Other sources include strategic plans from the East Dunbartonshire Community Planning Partnership, the council's own improvement plans, equality impact assessments, staff monitoring reports, and gender pay gap analysis. The consultation also considered feedback from recent planning exercises, including the locality plans, British Sign Language Plan 2024-2030, and Gaelic Language Plan 2024-2029.
Glasgow Times
21-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
River restoration works in Lennoxtown given approval
East Dunbartonshire Council's planning committee discussed an internally submitted planning application which proposed the work, which is part of a larger project to restore the ecological and physical condition of the river, which is a tributary of the River Kelvin. The works include the removal of hard banking at five locations, which will allow the river to flood more naturally, improving the habitat for wildlife and the general condition of the river. Sections of embankment are also to be removed, which will allow the river to inundate its floodplain on a more natural cycle, every one or two years. This will improve the transfer of sediments and reduce the amount of silt in the water, benefiting the growth of rare habitat such as wetlands and wet woodland. Two shallow ponds, known as scrapes, will be formed between the river and the John Muir Way path. These will improve water retention in the floodplain and create wetlands for the benefit of wildlife. READ MORE: New plan for landmark city centre building - here are the details Large wooden structures will be placed to stabilise the banks, extending at least eight metres into the river channel, again supporting the transportation of sediment. One relic of the area's industrial past will be removed, that being the remains of the collapsed Graystanes Weir. It has been targeted as it is causing erosion along the banks of the river and putting the John Muir Way path at risk while also obstructing fish migration. The safety of the Strathkelvin Railway Path is also currently under threat due to erosion of the north bank of the river, so a protective wooden structure will be installed. This will consist of two tiers of tree trunks with root plates. A smaller structure will also be erected on the south side of the river where bank erosion has resulted in the loss of some farmland and the landowner requested assistance. Tree management is also an element of this planned work, with selected tree felling and planting as well as the removal of invasive plant species such as Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Rhododendrons. A report to the committee from council officers recommended granting permission for the works, subject to a list of conditions, but the council had also received 73 objections during the application's consultation period. READ MORE: Are refugees given priority for social housing in Glasgow? Many of the objectors cited concerns over flood risk to properties with 77 points about this listed in the report, while other issues raised related to the impact on ancient woodland, the effect on habitat and wildlife, risks of spreading invasive species to other areas, risk of contamination due to the presence of pollutants from the area's industrial past, wider aspects of health and safety, the effect on nearby footpaths, opposition to removing the weir, the handling of the planning process, and more. As the committee considered the report, Councillor Paul Ferretti (SNP, Bishopbriggs North & Campsie) moved to refuse the application while convener Callum McNally (Labour, Lenzie & Kirkintilloch South) supported the recommendation in the report that it should be granted subject to conditions. Part of the report read: 'The proposed development will to an extent change the character of the site and of the woodland that it contains, including the Ancient Woodland, over the longer term, in view of the proposed river restoration works. 'However, it is considered that this change in character will have a positive impact on the site and of the natural environment that it contains, in terms of improving its resilience to climate change and in terms of the benefits that this will have in improving and enhancing its ecological diversity, improving water quality and improving the management of the woodland environment.' Councillor Ferretti said he was opposed to the application due to the impact it would have in the short term on the Glazert Valley area, as well as the ancient woodland and also the removal of the weir which he considered a historic asset to the village. In the resultant vote, nine members voted to grant the application while five voted to refuse.
Glasgow Times
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
Council to start enforcing pavement parking ban - here's when
The local authority announced it will start to serve tickets on Monday, September 1, 2025. The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 prohibits pavement parking, double parking and parking across dropped kerbs and powers have been granted to councils to enforce the legislation. The law aims to improve the safety of pedestrians, particularly those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and parents or carers with pushchairs. Additionally, pavements are not designed to bear the weight of vehicles, and persistent parking can cause significant damage, creating a trip hazard and leading to expensive repairs. Local authorities now have the power to enforce this law and issue fines through Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) of £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. The local authority is also launching a campaign across the area to raise awareness of the new regulations. READ NEXT: Police called to protest at letting agent as tenants claim eviction threat Councillor Paul Ferretti, convener of the council's Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, said, 'The message here is clear: pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and illegal. 'Many people face daily difficulties with pavement parking. It is dangerous and frustrating, especially for those with impairments or limited mobility and with mental health challenges. 'Pavement parking has serious consequences and can force people to take unnecessary risks. It can force people using wheelchairs, guide dogs or pushing buggies onto the road, putting their safety at risk. 'Even if you think you have left enough space, only parked two wheels on the pavement or you won't be parked for long, pavement parking can have harmful consequences to people who use the pavement. 'By not parking on the pavement it ensures our roads and pavements are safer and more accessible for everyone.' Exceptions include: Police, ambulance, Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, HM Coastguard, or naval or air force purposes Roadworks, removal of traffic obstructions, waste collection by local authorities, or postal services Urgent or emergency health care by registered medical practitioners, nurses, or midwives Assistance at an accident or breakdown Delivering or collecting goods, provided the vehicle is parked for no longer than necessary (up to 20 minutes). Additionally, a small number of streets in East Dunbartonshire will be exempt from the ban following a review. These locations can be found on the Pavement Parking page on the council's website.
Glasgow Times
10-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Six East Dunbartonshire businesses win Eat Safe Awards
Antonine House Care Home, Bearsden, The Broadcroft Hotel, Kirkintilloch, Cleddens Early Years Centre, Bishopbriggs, Lillyburn Care Home, Milton of Campsie, Milngavie Manor Care Home, and Thomas Muir Primary School, Bishopbriggs, were each presented with the prestigious Eat Safe Award. The East Dunbartonshire Council said in a Facebook post that the accolade is given only to establishments that exceed the legal requirements for food hygiene standards. Read more: Viral Glasgow food stall 'expecting' and set to open exciting new restaurant Pensioner hit bin man with his car during road rage incident Ex-Scots footballer reveals plans to open Italian restaurant in Glasgow The council's environmental health team decides the winners after carrying out their programmed food law inspections. Councillor Paul Ferretti, convener of the place, neighbourhood and corporate assets committee, said: "It was great to meet the recipients of the Eat Safe Award, and to celebrate their hard work and effort. "They have strived and succeeded in ensuring that food hygiene and food safety standards exceed those required by law - benefitting them and customers alike. "Congratulations to all six establishments - I hope others in East Dunbartonshire will follow their example."
