Politicians join Scout hall battle
A CAMPAIGN to save a popular Glasgow Scout hall has been backed by politicians.
The 44th Scout Group hall in Kelvindale has been earmarked for development by its owners.
Plans to demolish the building have been put on hold by MacTaggart & Mikel Homes after the high-profile campaign.
Two motions have been raised in support of the hall at Holyrood and the UK Government.
A CAMPAIGN to save a Glasgow Scout hall with a 60-year history has reached Westminster.
The company which owns the land the 44th Scout Group occupies in Kelvindale wants to develop the site, potentially for housing.
MacTaggart & Mickel Homes said the scout group had used the land at Ripon Drive “rent free” for the past 60 years.
The Scout group and l ocal residents have now mounted a campaign to save the “valued community asset.”
Two separate motions have also been raised in support of the Scouts’ campaign at Holyrood and the UK government signed by politicians including Bob Doris, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, James Dornan, Patrick Grady and Carol Monaghan.
However the company has said it is willing to consider “all options” including replacement or relocation.
It is understood that demolition was due to get under way in the next few weeks but the work has been suspended.
Gillian Agnew wrote on Twitter: “So many different communities use this venue. It benefits over 200 children in the community.”
The councillor for the local area, Martin Rhodes, has also written to the firm asking it to rethink the plans.
The first scout hall was built in the land in the1950s and replaced by the Scout Association in 1994.
The Glasgow group took over the building in 2003 when it was vacant and in a state of disrepair and upgraded the building to Care Commission standards.
Craig Ormond, director at Mactaggart & Mickel Homes Ltd, said: “We have owned this land at Ripon Drive since 1943 and the 44th Scout Group have stayed here, rent free during their entire 60 years.
“Following careful consideration and discussions with Glasgow City Council, we are willing to consider all options for the Scout Group which includes replacement or relocation if a suitable facility can be found.
“We will continue to work with the scout group to draw up a formal arrangement which will secure their tenure in the meantime.”
However, not all local residents were unhappy about the plans.
Derek Porteous posted on Facebook: “If the land is developed the flats will be worth more.
“Also the Scout hall is ok for the folk that don’t live here, but for the people who do that can’t get their cars parked for Scout hall visitors leaving them abandoned all over the place and also the cars that have been bumped and scraped by people parking and turning in the road is nothing but a pain for those who live there.”