Gamesbroughtchange but old problems linger

WHEN the eyes of the world fell on Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games in 2014, it was in the Calton ward where they first glimpsed what was to become the city’s greatest spectacle.

The Opening Ceremony at Celtic Park, and later the Emirates Arena, hosting events as the latest addition to Glasgow’s top class sporting facilities.

Millions of pounds was pumped into the east end to get it ready for the Games and to give the long neglected communities a real lasting legacy – but almost three years later, many are still waiting for the lifechanging regeneration.

Once the TV cameras, athletes and visitors left, for people in Calton and the surrounding communities life went back to normal.

Regeneration is a long-term project, and Clyde Gateway is showing success in bringing jobs and investment while housing has also been improved.

But the old stubborn problems remain.

Local people are still living amidst the drug addiction that has blighted this part of the city since the 1980s.

Crime, much of it drug related, is an issue and people want to see improvements that benefit them on a daily basis, not just the showstopping sports facilities.

Michael McCourt is organiser of Urban Fox, which runs community groups from Dalmarnock Hub.

Crime and safety is a concern he picks up on.

He said: “There is very little policing in the area or street wardens, this needs to be improved.

“Lighting around the area is poor, from a safety perspective this is something that needs to be improved, particularly when it comes to our younger members, or equally the older ones.”

Many in the area have said the new sporting venues have been priced out of the reach for local people and local community groups and Mr McCourt wants to see more accessible facilities.

He added: “The football pitch and play areas are falling into disrepair. They could do with a revamp and a good clean up.

“In terms of schools, many of the kids need to get buses and public transport to their nearest school. I don’t find this to be a problem, I had to do it, but it worries parents when the dark nights come in.”

The Calton ward also includes Bridgeton, Dalmarnock, Camlachie and Parkhead and it will elect four councillors.

In 2012, it had three councillors and Labour took two seats to the SNP’s one.

Labour will try to defend the two it has while the SNP will be hopeful of overtaking its rival. Alison Thewliss won the sole SNP seat in 2012 and then resigned after becoming an MP in 2015.

The SNP won the resulting by election on first preference votes, putting them in pole position for this year’s election. LORRAINE YOUNG, 64: It’s the people that are best they are very friendly, go out their way to help each other.

There are no police. We can’t walk up the street at night after our work, we have to get a taxi.

The police station is only along the road, but I think I’ve seen them once. It just needs smartened up a bit. We need more communication. It’d help if there were more surgeries.

I’ll vote. Or it’ll stay the same. STEPHANIE LYNNE, 20: The best thing is being so close to the town centre. The worst is the drug addicts. Calton needs more police patrols, to deal with the drug addicts and the house break-ins.

The council have an influence in the area, and I think the housing should be better.

It used to be a well sought after area and it’s not like that anymore.

I always vote.