Activists leave their mark

A WEST End thoroughfare was decorated with artwork by climate activists to promote “betterconnected” transport routes.

Campaigners from Greenpeace Glasgow hosted a Covidcompliant art drop on Kelvin Way at the weekend.

Locals left painted rocks and banners on the road’s bridge to celebrate Low Traffic Neighbourhoods – streets you can drive to, but not through.

Kelvin Way has been closed to motorists for much of the pandemic.

Activist Jim Griffin, from Partick, said: “Our art drop showed local councillors that we want more Low Traffic Neighbourhoods with safer streets, cleaner air and more space to walk and cycle.”

Kelvinbridge woman Danielle Banks added: “It’s wonderful that the Kelvin Way has been closed to cars. Over lockdown, it’s always packed with walkers and cyclists.

“It’s outstandingly beautiful and a great example of how a Low Traffic Neighbourhood in Glasgow, that’s properly cared for, incorporating nature, might create more space for people and reduce car pollution.”

A DEAF security guard was able to lip-read a thief mocking his disability as he did not have his Covid facemask on.

Alan Hedges took £209 of vodka and whisky from a Co-op in Glasgow’s Pollokshaws on January 19 and 20.

The 44-year-old took off security tags before putting the drinks in a shopping bag.

Hedges denied stealing and yelled at security guard Nadeem Ashraf: “You are a m **** , you are a f***ing m **** .

“You do not know what is in my pocket.

“You have always had a problem with me. It was not me, I have done f*** all wrong. I am coming back just for you.”

Hedges also brandished a bottle of prosecco and made a motion of pulling out a knife.

Prosecutor Aimee Doran told Glasgow Sheriff Court: “The guard could lip read as Hedges was not wearing his mask.”

He was later arrested, but claimed: “I have done f*** all wrong.”

Hedges, of Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, pleaded guilty to two thefts and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner aggravated by prejudice related to disability.