Community resource group working to make a difference
Springhall was recently named as one of the most deprived communities in Scotland.
Much of it is amongst the worst five per cent for deprivation.
But the Springhall Community Resource Group believe that can be turned around.
They are hoping to clear up the area behind the shops and have earmarked an extension of the cage area as they look for funding.
They also want to see facilities at Loch and St Anthony’s schools more easily available for the community.
Addressing the individual concerns, a spokeswoman for South Lanarkshire Council said:“South Lanarkshire Council has undertaken considerable housing and environmental investment in the Springhall area, with the 500 council homes benefiting from more than £4.9m worth of improvements in the last five years alone, resulting in more than 94 per cent of the stock reaching the Scottish Government’s Scottish Housing Quality Standard.
“This has included the installation of new gas infrastructure and heating systems to 336 properties - ensuring they have warm and efficient homes fit for the 21st century - and more than £750,000 on external environmental improvements. More than £250,000 of investment is planned within the current financial year for a programme of external fabric refurbishment which will be phased over future years.
“The council is committed to creating safe and effective communities and, with our community partners, will take action to prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour and provide public reassurance. Regular patrols are carried out within the Springhall area by the council’s community warden service and the local housing team, and no ongoing issues in relation to drug paraphernalia in the area or closes has been detected.
“The council actively works in partnership with Police Scotland and would encourage the community to report any issues to the us via the anti social behaviour hotline on 0800 389 1105 or to Police Scotland on 101.
“The council’s tackling poverty team has sought input from the community to get a better understanding of aspirations for current and potential future use of the hall and library. And whilst there are no immediate proposals to invest in the facilities within the current capital programme, we are developing options and exploring the potential for external funding through the lottery-based‘Our Place’programme and other similar sources.
“In the meantime the council is committed to maintaining the upkeep of the hall and library with the limited resources it has at its disposal.
“In addition to the hall and library, the local schools are available for the community to book outwith school hours. St Anthony’s and Loch Primary Schools and Cathkin High school offer a varying mix of classrooms, meeting rooms, gyms, games halls and external provision and are available Monday to Friday from 6-9.30pm during term time with further access at Cathkin High school on Saturday mornings from 9am-noon.”