I’m f leeing Nicola’s ‘hellish’ constituency after 30 years
Life in the area is unbearable, says respected community activist
A RESPECTED community activist who has lived in Nicola Sturgeon’s Govanhill constituency for 30 years has announced his family are leaving the ‘hellish neighbourhood’.
Raza Sadiq, founder of the Active Life Club, claims conditions in the area have become intolerable.
He said things have turned so sour his wife and children have given him the ultimatum – we’re leaving with or without you.
Mr Sadiq has been living in Glasgow for 30 years and his family marked the 20th anniversary of being Govanhill Housing Association (GHA) tenants on October 28.
After living happily in their flat, they claim a new resident moved in who began to make their lives a misery. Their neighbour has visitors at all times of the day and night and who bang on the close door, shout and throw bottles at an upstairs window to gain attention.
Mr Sadiq, who is on the shortlist for the Scottish Asian Business Awards 2018 for his services to the voluntary sector, described trying to hold the close door shut against someone attempting to force their way in. He said: ‘I have been living in Govanhill for 30 years and I have always contributed.
‘Now we feel like I have been forced to leave. My life has become unbearable to live where I am.
‘One person said to me, “I’ll break your neck and I’ll break your head.” He was trying to push his way into the close.
‘I phoned the police but it was 16 hours later that I received a call back from an officer. I feel like it’s a waste of time and public resources to call 101 or 999.’
The area, part of the First Minister’s Glasgow Southside constituency, has become notorious for slums, overcrowding and fly-tipping, despite promises made during her Holyrood election campaign in 2016.
Mr Sadiq said residents he knows are now ‘frightened to open their front doors’.
He added: ‘There are new faces coming in every day, at all times.
‘All types of people – Romanian, Slovakian, Indian, Pakistani, Scottish. I tell you, the hellish neighbourhood has managed more for integration and diversity where local charities have failed.’
Mr Sadiq is concerned that drugs are being used in the building but GHA said there was no evidence.
The building also has a problem with infestations of bed bugs, mice and cockroaches, the Sadiq family claims.
Mr Sadiq’s damning account of the area comes after a lifetime serving his local community, where he set up the Active Life Club to encourage young people off the streets and into sport.
His work also scooped an award from the National Black Police
‘Frightened to open their doors’
Association. He has served on the board of GHA and was a member of the Crosshill and Govanhill Community Council.
Annie Macfarlane, chairman of GHA, said: ‘The association is aware he has had some issues within his tenancy, to which the housing association responded.’
Miss Sturgeon said: ‘I am really sorry to hear about these issues.
‘My office was not approached for assistance in this case but we would be happy to help in any way we can.’