Tullichewan Tenants & Residents Association report reckless use of fireworks at Hallowe’en

Unfortunately, I need to start this update with a note of great concern and anger. Only last night was there reports of reckless use of fireworks from a close window. This also included claims of at least two near misses of passers-by including one with a child. Police Scotland were called and also reported to West Dunbartonshire Council, including Councillor Hazel Sorrell.

Considering that the 31st October was Halloween and many children would have been around in the area taking part in activities makes things even more of a concern.

Whilst the tradition of fireworks divides opinion in the community, Tullichewan TRA have no problem with this if it is done safely and within the law. However, reckless endangerment will not be tolerated and all reports of such is taken very seriously.

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The most recent walkabout with West Dunbartonshire Council took place on 7th October as we continued to see if actions were taken on current and historic issues while visiting areas just reported to us. The mid-meeting on actions had taken place on 19th October with some things resolved and others remaining active. Some issues like road repairs take a long time to be scheduled but they do get done in time. This is why it is important to keep updating us on such issues. Next walkabout is scheduled for Tuesday 2nd December 2pm outside Tullichewan Community Flat at 2 McGregor Walk.

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Both craft drop-ins continue at the weekends with many regular members attending particularly on the Family Craft Drop-In on Saturdays. Recent themes including hat making and painting. Tullichewan TRA thank committee member Jean Mackay for her continued work leading these groups. We also welcome new volunteer Jacob Tweedie who is assisting Jean on some of these sessions as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award course.

A special Halloween mini event at the Family Craft Drop-in took place on 11th October which was very popular. This included free face painting from PearlArt Face Painting. Christmas themed events are currently in planning.

Family Craft Drop-In is every Saturday 1pm to 3pm at Tullichewan Community Flat, 2/1 McGregor Walk. For legal reasons, all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Adult Craft Drop-in is every Sunday 1pm to 3pm at Tullichewan Community Flat, 2/1 McGregor Walk. Ages 18 and over.

In addition to this, Jean is requesting for the community to donate prizes for a special tombola to be scheduled in the next month. Proceeds of this will go straight into Jean’s Cards and Craft Fund which supports both of the Craft Drop-Ins including purchase of materials. If you are able to help out with this it would be much appreciated.

Jean can be contacted directly on 07927 433 615.

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Just as a reminder there is the upcoming public meeting on discussing on proposal for a dog area in Tullichewan. This event which will have Jennifer McKechnie, WDC Tenant Participation Officer in attendance, is just a chat to give an opportunity for tenants and residents to give their views. From previous comments taken, many in the community would like to have a specified area for dogs to walk and play safely. Others have raised concerns on how such an area would work in practice. The public meeting to discuss this has been arranged for Tuesday 11th November 7pm at Tullichewan Community Flat, 2/1 McGregor Walk. These discussions are at a very early stage and nothing concrete is proposed at this time.

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Tullichewan TRA will announce in the coming weeks with regards to our planned Christmas events. We look forward to sharing this.

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This month is also the beginning of West Dunbartonshire Council’s Rent Setting Consultation which ends on 23rd January 2026. The full details on this will be provided by a presentation shared on Tullichewan TRA Notice Board. There is an opportunity for a public vote on the 4 options provided and this can be done through text, email, Facebook and postal card which will be provided with the next WDC Housing News. This is an opportunity for tenants to have their say on their rents and considering the financial pressures on everyone, this is very important. The final decision will be taken by WDC and their full Councillor meeting in March 2026.

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Tullichewan TRA’s current ongoing commitments:

• Enquiries – including anti-social behaviour, repairs, waste services and general signposting advice.

• Free dog poo bag and food waste bag service (home delivery and drop-in)

• Family Craft Drop-In (every Saturday 1pm to 3pm)

• Adult Craft Drop-In (every Sunday 1pm to 3pm)

• Committee Meeting (last Tuesday of every month except July and December).

• Representation at West Dunbartonshire Tenants & Residents Organisation (WDTRO) (committee – second Thursday of month – except July and first Thursday in December).

• Representation at WDC/WDTRO Liaison Meeting (4th Thursday bimonthly).

• Representation at WDC Joint Rent Group (monthly for tenants, bi-monthly for joint working with WDC Housing Convener and officers)

• Representation at Alexandria Community Council (flexible 6-weekly pattern).

• Representation at Pre-Housing and Communities Forum – (first Monday every quarter).

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Tullichewan TRA thank tenants and residents, Time for Tully, Knit and Natter, West Dunbartonshire Council Tenant Participation (Jane Mack and Jennifer McKechnie), West Dunbartonshire Council Housing (Kevin McCrossan, Elaine Wyllie, Shaun Duffy and Ryan Wilson), Councillor Hazel Sorrell, West Dunbartonshire Tenants & Residents Organisation (WDTRO), Alexandria Community Council as well as other working partners for their support.

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