Govanhill residents appeal to Sturgeon to clean up area
GOVANHILL residents have put their fears and frustrations directly to the First Minister.
A public meeting was organised by Govanhill Community Campaign to allow residents to meet with Nicola Sturgeon, police, Roma community representatives and council cleansing officers.
Ms Sturgeon pointed to recent investments, such as an extra £2.5million recently announced for a property acquisition and repair scheme being carried out by Govanhill Housing Association.
But she agreed much work is still to be done in the area.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Progress has been made but not enough progress has been made.
“There are still problems that need more to address them, such as bad land lords and the state of the housing.
“Police are taking a slightly different approach to people lingering on street corners, which is a real concern for many residents.
“But we are in no way saying that is the problem solved.”
Ms Sturgeon also praised Govanhill for its community spirit.
She added: “There is a community spirit here that I don’t see anywhere else in my ward or indeed across the city.
“We need to try to make sure that the things that are good in Govanhill don’t get lost as well.”
Chief Inspector Graham McInarlin, who is Area Commander for southside central, said he had been surprised at the positive reaction to an enhanced police presence that has been in force in Govanhill since March.
Officers are now moving on large groups of Roma men who tend to congregate i n the streets of Govanhill and who some local residents find to be an intimidating presence.
Mr McInarlin said: “People have said to me that they notice an increase in police in the area and confidence in the police has risen. Many of the comments have been quite positive, which surprised me.
“But we are still hearing about people who are alarmed and intimidated by large groups of Roma men on street corners and so we have to listen to the public.
“We are now moving these groups on but we do not want to alienate members of the Roma community either so we are doing this in a sensitive manner.”
One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I have lived here since the 1990s and it has gone rapidly downhill.
“We know there are things being done in the area but it doesn’t feel like enough.
“We hope that the politicians have listened to us and taken on board how frustrated and frightened local people are.”