Minutes approved at 10 September 2008 meeting

Role & Remit of Working Group

The purpose of the group is to advise the process of regeneration.  It was agreed that decisions relating to the regeneration of Craigheads would involve the Steering Group (tenants, owners, & private landlords.)  The objective of regeneration is:

• Improve quality of the housing stock
• Improve quality of the environment
• Improve health, well-being, and employability

Those present welcomed the attendance of officers from Carts Greenspace, Housing, Environmental Health, Housing Maintenance, and CHCP.  However, it was noted that Parks & Cleansing should be invited to attend future meetings.  NB Adrian Baines of Park had been invited but was unable to attend.  Elected members, and in particular the Convenor of Housing, will be invited to attend future meetings.

Housing Stock

Danny McKendry confirmed that the Head of Housing & Maintenance Services (Iain MacLean) is keen for works within the Council’s Capital programme to be accelerated within the Craigheads area, commencing 2009.  This would be reflected in a more targeted approach to works in Craigheads.  (Plan was displayed showing current capital programme commitment for FY 2008/2009).

Andrew Tweedie gave a brief description of the works to be carried out this financial year.  He also gave an overview of some of the problems to overcome in this mixed tenure community.

Fire damaged stock is currently under repair - currently no plans for demolition.

Danny McKendry acknowledged the need identified for a revised stock condition survey and options appraisal to target spend from 2009 onwards.

Environmental Improvements

Small community garden project by Carts Greenspace has proved successful to date.  Ewan Kane of Carts Greenspace confirmed that the garden acts as a focal point, however, the objective is engaging with those in the community whilst building confidence skills, and pride in their community.

Danny McKendry agreed to identify future external funding streams for further appropriately complimentary environmental works and will liaise with Carts Greenspace and Paul McDonagh.

Community Health and Wellbeing

Established links between regneration and the health of communities.  Fiona MacDonald (Community Health & Care Partnership) gave a brief overview of health services & and information provision in barrhead.

CHCP are working with communities across a range of issues relating to poor levels of health in our local communities (alcohol and substance abuse, lack of exercise, reasons for inactivity eg antisocial behavior, housing, crime, fear of crime, etc).  Fiona also provided the meeting with the summary of the recently completed Auchenback Health and Open Space Project Report and highlighted the parallels with Craigheads.

Allocations

Graham Hall confimed that there was little demand at present for housing within Craigheads.  Tom McInally expressed concern that Craigheads has become a dumping ground for antisocial tenants and called for a letting initiative for the area.  Its is hoped that regeneration in the estate will improve demand for homes in the area.

Issues of concern or the community

• Fabric of properties
• Door entry systems
• Antisocial behavior of some tenants (private and council)
• Poor and faulty street lighting
• General repairs

Steering group agreed to look at future “themed” meetings to tackle the topics raised.  Meetings to run bi-monthly.  The next meeting (September) will focus on the housing stock, however work associated with the environnetal improvements and Community Health will continue in the background.

Also, we are always willing to make our equipment available free of charge to other local groups for fundraisers and community activities. If you are a local group and wish to use our equipment or need our help then just contact us.

Fundraising

To help us fund our projects we charge individuals wishing to use our Giant Games for birthday parties and other family occasions. All the money raised goes back into funding our projects and expanding our activities. You can hire our games for £8 or any 5 for £30. Currently we have available:
Giant Connect 4
Giant Snakes and Ladders
Giant on Target
Junior Table Tennis
Garden Quoits
Lawn Darts
Horseshoes
Moon boots
2 kites
Children’s seesaw

We have loaned out our giant games to many organisations, including Neilston Scouts, St. Mark’s Primary School fete, Barrhead Crime Prevention panel funday and car boot sale, Community Safety & Health Day at ARC, Netherlee Scouts, and the mother and toddlers’ group fun day at the ARC. Overall through various events, groups and partnerships, we have raised over £1000 for local groups.

Craigheads Partnerships

In addition to organising events and regenerating our neighbourhood, the people of Craigheads are forward-looking and work with others in Barrhead to organise special activities like Barrhead Community Sports and Arts Festival. We are also currently involved in restoring Dalmeny Youth Club.

Barrhead Community Sports and Arts Festival was set up in 2005 with the aim of promoting our events and all the sport and arts groups in Barrhead. The aim is to raise the profile of all local community groups, thus increasing the number of local people joining them and volunteering. We also aim to increase participation in the many fundraising activities, from car boot sales to sports days, which generate funds for local groups enabling them to expand their services and grow their groups. Over the years, through events like the Neilston Pad Race and Barrhead and Neilston Players, we have been able to generate over £1000 for local groups.

Repairs

Don’t put up with faults in or around your home! If you’ve raised an issue with the Council about a leaking roof, graffiti in your close, an ill fitted kitchen, or other problems such as dampness or poor ventilation, and nothing’s been done, let the Steering Group know. This doesn’t guarantee your problem will be fixed immediately, but the squeaky wheel gets the grease!

Craigheads patrol on duty

Craigheads Neighbourhood Watch

…is more than just a curtain twitchers convention! We aim to support you to tackle anti-social behaviour and have access to information and services which can be of use. Alongside the traditional elements of looking after your property when you’re away, the Craigheads Neighbourhood Watch helps organise the community events in Craigheads. And if you join Neighbourhood Watch, you could get a reduction on your house insurance. For more information on Neighbourhood Watch for Craigheads and Barrhead email localnhw@ntlworld.com or phone 0141 881 9065

For questions about this web site, email webmaster@craigheads.org.

This postcard shows the bottom of what is now Craighead Street and Main Street in 1903.

We hope you enjoy the site and welcome your thoughts.

The Steering Group is working to match the resources of the Council with the knowledge of Craigheads residents to help create the plans to regenerate Craigheads, and then to see it through.  The Steering Group is not a talking shop.  It is a group which will have a direct and visible impact on Craigheads for many years to come.

The Steering Group recognises that the issues facing Craigheads do not exist in isolation.  All of the issues our community faces all tie into each other, including

–Issues with housing stock, including roofing, roughcasting, fire damaged properties, and electricity
–Environmental issues, including lighting, landscaping, and common public spaces
–Community health and wellbeing, including safety, physical health, access to public transportation and services, and even the availability of garden areas
–Employability and training

The Group will seek to identify the best people and the best solutions to address each of these issues.

The Steering Group held their first meeting in July, and the next meeting is scheduled for September.

Barrhead Boys Club
Are looking for players of all age groups particularly for girls born in 2000 and 2001.
Please contact Archie Douglas 0141 571 4062

Barrhead Karate
Tuesday 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Saturday 9:30 - 11:00 AM Cost £3
Barrhead Sports Centre
www.tora-kai.co.uk
01505 359768

J Club
South and Levern Church
Sunday 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Cost £1
Contact Renee McDougall 0141 571 4384

Irish Ceilidh Classes at St John’s
Sundays 7-9 PM
St. John’s Church Hall
Call Margaret 0141 887 6949

Adult Art Class
Wednesday 1:00 - 3:30 PM
Arthurlie House Cost ££4.50
Call I Richardson 0141 580 2873

Barrhead Amateur Boxing Club
Mondays and Wednesday 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Barrhead Sports Centre
£2 for adults, £1 for under 16s
Call 0141 583 4725

1st Barrhead Boys Brigade
Activities on offer at the Boys Brigade include crafts, theme nights, party nights (Christmas, Halloween, Easter and Birthdays.) There is also games, nights out, football, dodgy ball and various other games and bible stories. Badge classes are also on offer. The 1st Barrhead Boys Brigade meet at Arthurlie Church. Company Captain Mrs Heather Cuthbert can be contacted on 0141 571 5308. Parents must come on first night.

Sequence Dancing
Thursdays 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Also on Fridays 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Barrhead Sports Centre £5 per month
Call Mr W Maxwell 0141 571 6017

The Barrhead Burgh Band
is a very active brass band, locally based and welcomes members to support our activities thoughout the year. The band meets twice weekly, Mondays and Thursdays. For details call Sarah Crangle 0703 265 463 and visit our web site
www.barrheadburghband.co.uk
email bandmanager@barrheadburghband.co.uk

Newton Mearns Baptist Church
Alongside Keep Fit for Women and our art class, we also provide activities available to young people across Barrhead, including sports, crafts, and cooking.
0141 616 2362
http://www.newtonmearnsbaptist.org.uk

East Renfrewshire’s Adult and Family Learning Service
We provide a range of courses in Barrhead including creative writing, job focus groups, computing, handling teenage behavior, personal development courses, and a range of exciting activities for the whole family.
0141 577 3306
http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/learner

East Renfrewshire’s Carers Centre
The Barrhead Group is on the 6th May, 2nd June, and 7th July at 1 PM-3 PM in the Civic Centre. We have Carers Week from 9-15 June 2008 where there will be nationwide events. East Renfrewshire Carers are planning a residential for adult carers later this year and more events will be planned nearer the time. For more information call Michelle on
0141 638 4888
Email michelle@eastrenfrewshirecarers.co.uk
The Gatehouse, Eastwood Park, Giffnock G46 6UG

Barrhead 10k Road Race
Entry fee and full details available on the web site.
http://www.barrhead10k.co.uk

Barrhead and Neilston Players
Our members come from all walks of life - some are cleaners, health professionals, dinner ladies, others are office workers, housewives or retired. Come and join the fun, no prior acting experience necessary.
Email paul.mcdonagh1@virgin.net.

Arthurlee Tennis Club
Springhill Road, Barrhead
Behind Arthurlie House
We are also looking for members
Call David Brown
0141 587 5910

The Salvation Army
Cafe on Main Street, Barrhead
Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
0141 881 2125
Charity shop on Cogan Street
Looking for clothes and furniture
Open Monday to Friday 9-4 PM, Saturday 10-1
Call 0141 881 7054

Barrhead Scrapbooking Club
A huge craft in America now hitting Britain in a big, big way. Held at Arthurlie House every second Thursday 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Cost: £6.00 (includes tutoring, use of tools and a cuppa).
www.barrheadscrapbookclub.co.uk

Barrhead Ramblers
Meeting place for all rambles is the car park opposite Barrhead Railway Station. Annual subscriptions £3 effective over the period from October to September in any year. 2 walks per month, one Saturday and one Sunday.New members are welcome.
Call Mrs Barbara McLaughlan
0141 883 7988
barrheadramblers@hotmail.com