Concern over spate of fires
Fernhill residents slam youths
Fernhill residents have expressed their concern after a spate of fires in the scheme.
At least three fires have been spotted in the scheme over the past few days.
Residents took to social media over the weekend to report seeing blazes on the site of the old Blairbeth Golf Club on Saturday and nearby Fernbrae Avenue on Sunday.
On Monday night, another fire was reported at on old bin shed on Shieldaig Drive. It is believed youths are responsible. Meanwhile, the former clubhouse at Blairbeth Golf Club is on schedule to be pulled down this month.
South Lanarkshire Council this week confirmed they were concluding checks before bulldozing the building, which closed a year ago this week.
However, no decision has yet been made on the future of the land.
Over 100 years of history came to and end on October 14, 2015 when the club was forced to close under the weight of crippling debts.
Since then, the land has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, becoming a den for under-age drinking and vandalism.
Annette Finnan, head of area services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “The demolition of the former Blairbeth Golf Club buildings remains on programme to start in October. A contractor has been appointed and pre-demolition checks are being concluded.
“At this stage, no decision has been made with respect to the future use of the site.”
Many locals have expressed their desire to see it retained as a leisure facility.
Community campaigner Davy O’Neil said: “Reading between the lines, I think it will be housing.
“Even if they kept part of it as a golf facility, like a driving range, something along those lines.
“It would be great to see something for the community.” Burnside Community Council will hold their next meeting on Wednesday, November 2.
Meetings take place in Rutherglen Lawn Tennis Club at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.