East Whitlawburn will be a great place to live

East Whitlawburn will soon have people “queuing to return” after the green light was given for a £44million facelift of the area.

That is the opinion of Cambuslang West councillor Clare McColl who was part of the housing and technical resource committee who approved the plan last week.

The plan will see all 380 properties in the scheme bulldozed to make way for new, modern housing stock.

South Lanarkshire Council say the new homes will be a mix of social housing and properties for sale.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor McColl said: “As we know this is one of the most deprived areas of South Lanarkshire.

“For many years there have been extreme issues of dampness in these properties along with many other problems.

“I have attended all of the consultation meetings by the consultant company of Ironside Farrar which were well attended by the local residents. Many of the issues raised by these residents were taken on board.

“Along with the neighbourhood management and members of the committee, I have attended three already regenerated areas - namely Cathkin, Fernhill and Fairhill in Hamilton.

“I was very impressed with the high standard and quality of the new homes which have contributed to an enhanced quality of life for these residents, and the Scottish Government have recently increased the level of grant available for new build properties for councils to £59,000 per unit.

“If East Whitlawburn is finished to the same standard I could foresee a situation where people who had previously requested a move from this area now queuing to return.”

The Reformer first reported plans for the regeneration in June 2014.

Since then, three consultation events have been held along with informal ‘walkabouts’ and meetings with key stakeholders.

Over 300 residents took part in the consultation which culminated with 80 per cent supporting the full redevelopment of the scheme.

There are currently 380 properties that will be demolished, 95 of which are empty.

Whitlawburn was recently listed as one of the five per cent most deprived areas in Scotland and third in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

Councillor McColl said some older members of the community were unhappy with the decision to demolish their homes.

But she added: “I have been advised that everything possible will be done to ensure that suitable accommodation will be provided for the decant period of the new house building.

“I have also been informed that any assistance required during this time will be provided.” A new store will open in Rutherglen Exchange Shopping Centre next week.

The Salvation Army will open a store on Tuesday, October 25, at 10.30am.

Centre manager Jane Cowan said:“I am delighted to announce the arrival of this new addition to Rutherglen Exchange and I’m confident shoppers will enjoy the new shopping experience this store has to offer with funds going to a very worthwhile cause.”

The store is also on the lookout for volunteers, with interested residents asked to pop into the store after the opening day.

New shop manager Anita Hughes said:“I can’t wait to open now, we are all excited and we have fabulous products available at great prices. I have high hopes for the shop and I’m really looking forward to being part of the local community.

“I’d like to encourage anyone who feels they have the time to come and volunteer.

“Volunteering is a fantastic way to spend your time: not only is it helpful and a way of serving your community but it is also very rewarding.

“It is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and feel like you are doing some good’, and of course a cup of tea will always be provided.”