Cambuslang’s problems need addressed

It seems barely a week goes by without the Reformer reporting on residents concerns surrounding the future of Cambuslang.

Parking, lack of facilities, the variety of shops, the state of the pavements these are all issues that have been raised this year.

Back in February, the town was stunned by the news that one in five traders were thinking of quitting the town while 40 per cent had experienced a drop in earnings.

Cambuslang Community Council’s bombshell survey triggered the start of serious talks between the group and council officers.

Now, thousands of people have signed a petition calling on the new council leader, John Ross, to take action. The petition says the town has no beating heart.

Cambuslang is a fantastic town, but there is little doubt it has been let down over the past two decades. The parking situation has been allowed to fester while the design of the Main Street is, to put it mildly, dreadful.

So it is heartening to hear Councillor Ross re-affirm his commitment to the town. We will watch closely to see what plans are put forward to create the vibrant town centre Cambuslang deserves.

It is no longer good enough to simply dismiss the concerns of residents by talking about high streets all over the country struggling. Cambuslang Community Council deserve enormous credit for the work they are doing. It is time for the local authority to match this enthusiasm and ambition and make sure Cambuslang’s heart is beating once more.

You can read our special report on the petition and what the council had to say on pages six and seven. Douglas Dickie