Housing group say it’s good to talk

The chair of the East Kilbride Housing Forum has praised South Lanarkshire Council – for opening up a dialogue with the town.

Chair Joe Allan was delighted to meet with local authority chiefs at the group’s last meeting.

Mr Allan was among a number of people who raised concerns about the loss of major town landmarks, including the likes of Atholl House, and the ongoing debate around a potential Lidl store being built on the land.

However, he feels that the move to talk to the forum was a positive step.

“At the meeting we discussed a number of things that South Lanarkshire Council were proposing,” Mr Allan told the News.

“It seems that they plan on changing some of their administrative habits and opening up greater levels of communication. “We would welcome that. “They outlined proposals to canvass opinion, and get public opinion, on what they are doing right and wrong.

“I think we would all like some of the projects to consult the public more frequently.

“We enjoyed hearing what they thought and didn’t find anything objectionable.”

Mr Allan also hoped to increase the number of members at the forum and boost the opportunity for people to participate”.

“We regularly have one or more councillors at our meetings,” he added.

“We would welcome new people and giving them a chance to actively participate.

“It is a chance to discuss spend and establish any concerns or queries.”

The next meeting of the group will be on Wednesday, March 28 at East Kilbride Civic Centre from 3pm.