“One of the most deprived areas” in Glasgow has been described as a “desert” as it has no supermarket, needs a new road and kids have to get two buses to high school.

Councillor Robert Mooney says there is no point in a proposal to build new housing as there “is so much wrong” and the local shops “cost a fortune”.

The problems were raised by the local Labour councillor after he had heard housing association Wheatley Group were considering constructing new homes in the northern city neighbourhood.

Speaking at a council meeting this week, he said: “ If they can get the funding they are hoping to start it by 2027 but there is absolutely no point in putting more houses in Milton.”

Councillor Mooney continued: “There isn’t a supermarket in Milton. We need a new road in Milton which will enable better transport links so a supermarket can be built there. 

“It is one of the most deprived areas in the city and the local shops cost an absolute fortune – a lot more expensive than a supermarket would be. 

“There is just so much wrong.”

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He added: “You need two buses to get to a secondary school in Milton. You need two buses to get to a hospital in Milton.

"I always travel by public transport and regularly travel to Milton. There is a 12-minute bus service that I regularly wait between half an hour and 40 minutes for.”

One hopeful development is the plan for a new £3.2 million nursery and community centre. But councillor Mooney says he is still waiting to hear a start date. 

He continued: “It is a desert up there and before we look at any of this stuff we need to sort some of those problems out, especially the problem with public transport and the new road.”

The issues came to light as councillors discussed ongoing regeneration taking place as part of the North Glasgow Strategic Development Framework.

Replying to Councillor Mooney, a council official said connectivity within Milton is a “key issue”.

He said there is a proposal to connect Liddesdale Road to Springburn Road – improving access to Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch.

Commenting on the possibility for new housing for Milton, he added: “Increasing the number of people living in an area hopefully makes bus services more viable and regular.

“I totally appreciate the issues around Milton and the disconnect of Milton from the rest of the city.”