ACCESS DENIED
Residents divided over Clydeside fence
ACOMMUNITY may soon know the future of a fence in Dalmarnock village which has been in place since the Commonwealth Games.
THE future of a fence that has divided opinion in an East End community after it was erected for the Commonwealth Games is expected to be decided soon.
City Legacy has prepared a plan to provide partial fencing where the Dalmarnock village perimeter adjoins the Clyde Walkway.
It comes after lengthy discussions at various community groups over the future of the fence.
Some living in the village say they did not want to live in what feels like a gated community. They have also complained that the fence blocks access to the walkway.
Others have argued that the fence offers protection for children playing in the various parks dotted around the walkway. They are worried that without the security which exists now, a child may fall into the water at the River Clyde.
Now City Legacy has confirmed plans for the fence that will be put into place once Glasgow City Council approves them.
They organisation says they will replace the fence with partial fencing that does not exceed one metre in height.
A spokeswoman for City Legacy said: “Following feedback from the local community, City Legacy together with the local councillors and the local planning officer, prepared a plan to provide partial fencing where the Village perimeter adjoins the Clyde Walkway.
“There are four play areas at the perimeter that adjoin the Clyde Walkway. Under these proposals, all existing palisade fencing will be removed and new fencing will be provided at the play areas to a height not exceeding one metre.
She added: “All new openings will be formed to gain access on to the walkway from the village, in accordance to Glasgow City Council’s accessibility and sustainability strategy. Glasgow City Council’s planning department is in the process of formally approving these plans and work will begin shortly.”
Dalmarnock village was originally the housing used by the athletes during the city’s Commonwealth Games in 2014. The fence was erected for security reasons and left behind when the residents started moving in.
The fencing on the Springfield Road side of the village has been removed.
But the other side, close to the Clyde Walkway, has caused much debate in the community.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “I didn’t move to the Games village under the impression it would be a gated community, so it’s great to know the fence is finally coming down.
“And with partial fencing near the play areas, hopefully everyone is happy with the proposed plans, and we can now begin to enjoy the bene- fits of being lucky enough to live so close to the Clyde.”
Robert Murray, who sits on Bridgeton and Dalmarnock Community Council, said: “I think there should be more consultation with the community before any plans are put through.”
Councillor Greg Hepburn welcomed the plans. He said: “I’m very pleased to hear that we’ve been able to find a solution to the long running village fencing issue. Local residents had a number of competing concerns, such as ensuring safety around the children’s play areas, securing access to the Clyde Walkway and getting rid of unpleasant palisade fences.
“This compromise will mean that the play areas are protected from the riverside, local people can enjoy access to the Clyde Walkway and also that any remaining fencing will fit in with the aesthetic of the village, rather than temporary palisade.”