‘It takes a community to raise children and young people’

Community leaders in Cambuslang have backed calls for more services to be made available for teens, while also urging the whole community - irrespective of age - to value the town’s parks and green spaces.

Michelle Farmer, a member of Cambuslang Community Council, said she believed existing facilities within Cambuslang could be used to better serve young people.

She said: “Some areas in Cambuslang lie within the top five per cent of the most deprived areas in Scotland, yet there are very limited resources for young people at night during the week and at weekends. So then, it can be argued the structures are very poor indeed.

“There are of-course some great youth clubs and sport groups but these are small in numbers and are not opened at weekends. There is clearly a need for more youth provision in certain areas.

“It takes a community to raise children and young people. It becomes everybody’s problem when there are no facilities as we can see in Cambuslang Park and in several other areas in Cambuslang.

“It is not impossible for people in the community to work together to provide better services for young people. The council can’t be expected to do it all, however collectively it can be done, without a shadow of a doubt.”

Edward Cais, chairman of the Friends of Cambuslang Park, said excessive rubbish at the park is wasting the time of community volunteers and the hard working staff at South Lanarkshire Council, who are better employed maintaining and improving the park rather than collecting litter.

Mr Cais said: “What I would say to people is: think of other people, the many people in the local area, families and friends, who enjoy the park. You are spoiling it for them.

“Children are at risk from the broken glass bottles you leave behind and dogs have sustained injuries to their paws. Think what if it were a relative’s or a friend’s child who was hurt because of your thoughtlessness.

“If you are having a good time, you can still hold onto the bags you bring your drinks and food in and either put your rubbish in a bin or take it home. And don’t make a noise at night, so that people can get a proper night’s sleep.

“These are basic things that will ensure the park can be enjoyed by everyone.”

The council can’t be expected to do it all