Parking in Strathbungo

This article was first published in 2019, but we are reproducing it here as the debate on pavement parking has resurfaced due to recent changes in legislation. The Society is actively seeking opinions on how to respond to the pavement parking ban that may (or may not) be applied to Strathbungo.

The adverse effect of traffic on the comfort and safety of the residents in this area has the same root cause as in any other urban area, i.e. too many vehicles in too small a space. However, the problem is aggravated in Strathbungo in that the streets were not designed to carry through traffic or fast traffic, or to be used for parking. The older streets, Regent Park Square, Queen Square, Marywood Square and the northern half of Moray Place were built on a scale adequate for access to the houses by horse and carriage. The result is we have an area which is totally unsuitable for the unrestricted use of motor vehicles, whether belonging to residents or to anyone else.

So said the Strathbungo Society in their fact finding report in 1972. It’s a common theme in Strathbungo that the concerns of today are little different from those of yesterday, but it has been brought into focus by this week’s announcement of legislation to ban pavement parking in Scotland. What effect will this have on Strathbungo? Will we need to ask for an exemption, or is this the very thing we have been waiting for?

In 1972 the Society conducted a survey of the numbers of cars and commercial vehicles parked in Strathbungo overnight, There is nothing like hard data to base a discussion on, and so I couldn’t miss the opportunity to repeat it. This is what they, and I, found.

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Spring 2024 Newsletter is here

The latest newsletter has arrived. If it hasn’t made it through your door already, you can

Read it now!

It’s a mixture of Window Wanderland, the history of Moray Park (where?), bins, Southside U3A and Bungo at the Bells.

Thanks to Kem Gammie for getting this one out. If you want to write something for the newsletter, or even better if you fancy helping edit it or laying it out, please get in touch.

You can also find the newsletter, and old ones back to the 1990s, at the BygoneBungo Newsletter Archive.

Window Wanderland is back!

We are thrilled to announce the return of Window Wanderland to the streets of Strathbungo on 24 February 2024. This beloved community event transforms the neighbourhood into an outdoor art gallery for one magical night.

Window Wanderland showcases the community’s incredible creative spirit and talent, filling the streets with families, friends, and art lovers as they wander about admiring the creative window displays. The event provides a platform for residents to express themselves, whether young or old, artistic or not, and share their creativity with their neighbours and spectators.

But the magic of Window Wanderland doesn’t happen in isolation; now is your chance to get involved! No matter your skills or experience, start brainstorming how to transform your windows into a work of art for the community to enjoy this February.

Join our Workshop!

Not sure where to start? We plan to host a collaborative creative workshop on 10 February from 2-4 pm to help spark your imagination, encouraging seasoned veterans and event newbies to share ideas and window decorating techniques.

Volunteering is a great way to meet neighbours if you’re a budding artist. Come along to The Point, Queens Drive on 10 February and lend your talents to help others create eye-catching windows. To get involved, express your interest by emailing: bungo.windowwanderland@gmail.com.

Window Wanderland, Saturday 24 February, 6pm-9pm.

Rubbish Issues – Solve them with this one clever trick (sort of)

Yeah OK, we don’t have solutions to all the ongoing issues with rubbish.

While we have had comlaints about overflowing bins, we don’t see too much of a problem in the Squares and Gardens, but suspect the main problems are on Pollokshaws Road and in the park.

There is one simple thing that can help a little, with minimal input from you, yet it isn’t widely known. So here goes.

Every GGC street bin now has a QR code attached. Scan the code and it takes you to a page where you can report an overflowing or damaged bin. It takes three clicks (scan, tick, submit) and you’re done. Your contact details are purely optional.

This has two advantages:

  1. The Council will (well, should) come and empty the bin
  2. The Council build up a picture of the most troublesome spots and can modify practice accordingly

So please lets all start reporting bin problems, and it might get more attention from the refuse folk at the council.

Would this work on domestic bins too?

Strathbungo Society AGM 2023

The AGM of the Strathbungo Society is set for tomorrow, Tuesday 7th November. The event is again in Queens Park Church of Scotland over on Queens Drive, and will begin at 7.30pm. Doors will be open from 7.15pm, with tea and coffee available beforehand and wine afterwards.  Do come and meet fellow residents of the area.

The principal business of the evening will be the Society’s report and accounts for the year. We also welcome Iain Morrison from consultants Ironside Farrar to talk about the southside consultation on improvements to Queens Park.

Documents here:

We are always looking for new blood on the committee. Every community organisation needs to reflect the diversity of the people living in the area, and always needs a variety of different talents to make the machine work. We meet 10 times a year, in the den of The Bungo Bar on Nithsdale Road, and you can contribute as much or as little as you like, according to your interests and skills. Beyond committee work, we also need volunteers to take part in Bungo Cleanups, to help organise local events like Bungo in the Back Lanes, or even introduce new ideas for other events. Have you any time that you can give to your local community? Have you new ideas, but need some help to get them going?

The Society is only as strong as those who contribute, so it needs your support.

Please contact us for further information, before, during or after the event.

Winter 2023 Newsletter is here

The latest newsletter has arrived. If it hasn’t made it through your door already, you can

Read it now!

It’s all Bridges, Back Lanes, Bam, and Bye-bye to Heather Alexander.

And then there is our AGM on Tuesday 7th November at 7.30pm. Along with the usual business there will be a presentation on the future of Queens Park, and the results of the recent consultation.

Thanks to Rhiannon and Paola for editing. If you want to write something for the newsletter, or even better if you fancy helping edit it or laying it out, please get in touch.

You can also find the newsletter, and old ones back to the 1990s, at the BygoneBungo Newsletter Archive.

Local cheese is the best five cheese shop in Scotland by the Times

Starter Culture artisan cheese shop in Shawlands has been voted one of five best cheese shops in Scotland by The Times (paywall).

At We Are Starter Culture, we know that cheese is more than just food; it’s a way of life. That’s why we’re passionate about bringing you the best products and experiences to satisfy your cravings, deepen your appreciation of artisanal cheese, and connect with others who share your passion. So don’t hesitate to explore our cheese shops in Shawland and discover the flavours and stories behind each cheese. Happy tasting!

Planning application for Nithsdale Street – steel container for open air cafe & takeaway

A planning application for the vacant ground at 47 Nithsdale Street has been submitted, and can be viewed at Glasgow City Council’s Planning Portal, using reference 23/01662/FUL. The application is titled “Use of land for siting of steel containers for use as cafe and hot food takeaway (Sui generis), includes installation of flue extract, with external seating area and erection of fence.”

Whatever your views, you can respond before the deadline of 25 September. You can find some useful guidance on responding to planning applications at Planning Law Blog.

It is worth noting that this vacant site sits within the conservation area, although, oddly, the adjacent buildings (World Foods, etc) do not (there is a map on the BungoBlog).

Full site plan including the two steel containers, and open air bench seating

And here’s the site as seen on Google Maps. It’s been tidied up and the gable end wall repaired since this view however.
View from google maps of site on Nithsdale Street

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