***CHAIRPERSON UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2024***
February was a busy month for the TRA, a lot of meetings, discussions, proposals and planning.
However, I would like to start by thanking Time for Tully for inviting me to their first Annual General Meeting last night at the Community Flat. An independent group which was established by parents to focus on creating facilities for children in the area, where things are currently minimal in comparison to many other estates. Throughout their first year they (1) arranged an Easter Egg Hunt, (2) took almost 90 Tullichewan residents to the Glasgow Science Centre, (3) goal posts installed at Bannachra Crescent, (4) hosted a Halloween Party and (5) gave away 10 Irn Bru Carnival tickets to children in Tullichewan. The group have further plans this year which they will announce on their own “Time For Tully” Facebook group. Well done to Nicola, Kim and the rest of the team for their hard work. Tullichewan TRA are more than happy to support as the group blossoms.
On TRA business, we held our regular walkabout (and first of the year) had taken place on Thursday 15th February. It was a day where we covered a lot of ground and spoke to many tenants and residents who initially reported concerns. Thanks to Kevin McCrossan, WDC Housing Operations Area Co-ordinator for his assistance on the day. As part of the process, there is now a “mid-meeting” where I meet with Kevin and other WDC officers to discuss the issues identified and steps ahead. This will take place on Tuesday 12th March.
Linked to this is a proposal for Tullichewan TRA to hold our own walkabouts in addition to the ones we have with WDC. This takes into consideration that those walkabouts aren’t suitable for many tenants and residents due to it occurring late afternoon (generally 2pm/2.30pm). Our initial proposal is for an evening walkabout hosted by the TRA itself and will give an opportunity for others to raise issues which then can be forwarded on. I have no doubt that we haven’t covered everything, so it’s a chance to fill these gaps. Initial response on Facebook for this proposal has been positive and we will take this forward to our next committee meeting to plan the next steps.
This month we also hosted an “Energy Advice Information Session” on Tuesday 20th February at the Community Flat. Facilitated by Jack Huey from WD Citizens Advice Bureau, a wealth of information was shared on energy bill support, benefit support and some help guides which will prove invaluable to many. For people not on Facebook (who see fairly regular shares from WD CAB), there are leaflets located in the office for anyone who needs them. I would like to thank Jack for a highly informative session.
Tullichewan TRA’s current ongoing commitments:
- Monthly committee meetings on the last Tuesday of each month (except July and December)
- Enquiries – including anti-social behaviour, repairs, waste services and general signposting advice.
- Free dog poo bag and food waste bag service.
- Representation at West Dunbartonshire Tenants & Residents Organisation (WDTRO) – monthly.
- Representation at WDC/WDTRO Liaison Meeting – bimonthly.
- Representation at WDC Joint Rent Group – monthly (except July)
- Representation at Alexandria Community Council – 6 weekly.
- Representation at Pre-Housing and Communities Committee (Pre-HACC) Forum – quarterly.
Tullichewan TRA thank tenants and residents, West Dunbartonshire Council Tenant Participation (Jane Mack and Ana Deevy), West Dunbartonshire Council Housing, Councillors Gurpreet Johal and Hazel Sorrell (Convener and Vice-Convener of Housing), Time for Tully, Knit and Natter as well as other working partners for their support. Special acknowledgements to West Dunbartonshire Tenants & Residents Organisation (WDTRO) and Alexandria Community Council who help strengthen links in the local area.
Bring on the lighter nights (and better weather).
Harry McCormack, Tullichewan TRA Chairperson
