Bread oven project put on the back-burner after row

PLANS to build a communal bread oven in a city park have been met by anger from local residents.

Glasgow School of Art student Eleanora Jaroszynska decided to construct the oven in Garnethill Park after a series of successful pop-up events.

A crowdfunding page, which raised more than £500 for the creation, claimed that the local community would be strengthened by its presence.

Organisers have been forced to put plans on hold until September after residents objected to the build on local green space at a ‘heated’ public meeting.

Margaret Watt, co-founder of Friends of Garnethill Green Spaces, said: “The whole process has triggered a continuing conversation about planning.

“Eleanora held at least three events which were publicised and leafleted so everyone could attend.

“They were all really nice events in the sunshine and the rain. She’s been in touch with us throughout and there has been community council meetings.

“We’re really keen to see the green spaces being used because it makes the community stronger by coming together through gardening and sharing food.

“The materials actually come from the art school. It’s poetic because where there was once destruction through fire, there is now growth and life in the form of bread.”

Materials for the structure have been donated from the Glasgow School of Art including sandstone, a metal reinforcement bar and wood.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “There is already a lack of green space in Glasgow and they have chosen to build a bread oven in a significant part of the park. There has been no regard for community opinion and we were shouted down at a meeting in the park. It shouldn’t be allowed to go ahead.”

Following the most recent debate, it was decided that the oven would be made smaller and placed in a different spot in the park, despite construction having already begun.

Designer Eleanora plans to hand it over to the community once she has gained planning permission and the structure is completed.

Bailie Christy Mearns said: “A local resident recently contacted me to express their concerns, some of which were recently addressed at a public meeting in the park.

“I hope the bread oven will be a positive asset to the community, in bringing people together regularly to prepare food.

“However, I also understand the concerns that some have and I would want these to be addressed through the planning process, continued positive engagement, and assurances around fire and safety concerns.”