SPRINGBURN has undergone more physical changes than most parts of Glasgow.
In the 1960s new roads and housing transformed the area hugely. Once more it is at the centre of regeneration efforts in the city.
The Red Road Flats, an image that became as synonymous with the city skyline in the north east as the University and Kelvingrove Art Galleries in the west, brought tumbling down to worldwide attention.
It has created one of the biggest ever regeneration sites in the city ever with people hopeful for positive change.
The hope that once came with the building of the Red road flats was soon replaced with despair as unemployment and its accompanying social problems took root.
Much of it is still what occupies people’s minds today.
Drugs, anti-social behaviour and persistent petty but destructive, crime are all on the list of what local people living and working in the area want to see tackled.
Abul Jabair runs a local shop and sees on a daily basis the community going about its business.
He said: “I have had my windows broken twice. There needs to be more youth centres for kids to occupy themselves.
“I get a lot of under-agers that come in and give me abuse when I don’t serve them and they get nasty because they have nothing better to do with their time.”
He is concerned about drug addicts hanging around the shops and also about litter on the streets.
He said: “There is so much rubbish outside my shop as well, the streets are filthy all the time, and no one ever cleans them for weeks at a time.
“I have to brush the area outside my shop with a spot sweep myself because otherwise it would never get done.”
Mr Jabair thinks if there was more positive things for the young people to do they wouldn’t get caught up in anti-social behaviour and lured into drug taking.
The shopkeeper recognises the good in the community but fears they are fighting against the odds.
He added: “There is a lot of good people in this area but at the end of the day the bad outweigh the good.”
Agnes Dowling, 90, attends the Springburn Alive and Kicking project and he has seen more changes than most in the area.
She still loves her community and sees the good work going on.
She said: “The community also has so many good things like this community centre which is incredible with us, they entertain us with live music every Wednesday or barbeque or a holiday.
“We are truly a community here, and we are there for each other when the other needs and I am proud to call it my home.”
The Springburn/Robroyston Ward also takes in Barmulloch and Balornock.
It will elect four councillors to the City Chambers on May 4
Sandra McGuire, 52, Springburn.
They need a community centre for the young ones. They need something to do so they can stop causing havoc in the area.
“They need something to keep them busy.
We need a better shopping centre, more supermarkets like Asda or Tesco.
They need to build more houses more than than anything, there are not enough.
I will be voting Labour in the elections, I know what I am getting with them.
Jacqulyn Glesson, 78,retired, Springburn.
Springburn has always been my home the people are so friendly in the area. The team at Alive and Kicking centre are absolutely fantastic, they take care us.
I would there to be more money invested in the area to get newer building especially with buildings like the red road flats having been demolished. I want to see what all these changes will lead to. I am proud to be part of this community. Yes, I will be voting.
Amir Davood,44, owns Barber shop, Springburn.
There is constant litter on this street. No effort has been made since the Commonwealth Games ended. The City Council needs to deal with these issues instead of only acknowledging them when they are hosting massive events.
This place needs more cameras to ensure people’s safety, a little more security could make this place safer.
They need to also improve the shopping centre. I will be voting.
Daune Greer, 44, Springburn.
Glasgow City Council needs to do deal with the junkies, they are everywhere you go in this area, if they are not selling the drugs, then they are taking them or they are passed out somewhere on the streets.
I do like some aspects of living here. I am involved with groups such as Springburn network where we meet every second Monday. I will be voting in the elections,Changes need to be made to rectify perceptions of this place.
Yohannes Hadgu,29, Springburn
I have lived here for 10 months, I like it here so far, and it’s been great. I think the Glasgow City Council is doing the best they can.
They could try to add more shops since there isn’t really enough around here. I am not really interested in politics so I won’t be voting during the elections, I don’t usually find politicians to be trustworthy.
The community seems okay so far, no complaints. The council taxes are a little too high.
Population: 20, 807
HOUSING
Owner occupied: 2,880
Private rented: 1, 136
GHA: 2, 767
Other Social rented: 4,751
EMPLOYMENT
Economically active: 9, 490
Employed: 7, 344
Self- Employed: 503
Unemployed: 1,643
Economically inactive: 5, 159
Employee jobs: 20, 500
Full time: 12, 200
Part time: 8, 300
BENEFITS
Job seekers: 900
Employment support allowance ( ESA) and incapacity benefits: 2, 475
other benefits: 905
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