It has today been revealed that the Lord Provost has used over £17,000 of public funds to install two 'traditional' lampposts outside her home.
Jacqueline McLaren, an SNP councillor for the Canal Ward in Milton, has been criticised for using the funds which is a long-held tradition in Glasgow to mark the 'unique' role of lord provost.
The Glasgow Live reported that a freedom of information request (FOI) shared with them, shows that Glasgow City Council spent £17,353.32 on the work, which included resurfacing the pavement outside Councillor McLaren's home.
Diane McGinley, who lives a few streets away, told Glasgow Live she was 'disgusted' after noticing the work was being undertaken.
She said: "I had first thought they were installing fibre (broadband) on the street, because they had dug up a large section of the pavement. We take the kids to primary school nearby so it was a bit of a hassle getting past because they put up barriers which blocked the path for about two weeks.
"It was surreal when we saw the lampposts because I immediately recognised them from others in the city, marking out where former lord provosts of Glasgow live.
"I submitted an FOI to the council out of curiosity and was told that it was a 'longstanding tradition' so nobody was required to ‘sign-off’ the associated spend. It just seems tone-death to spend nearly £18,000 in the current climate we are in, with budget cuts being made across public sector organisations, on something, that someone, views as a ‘tradition’?
"We’ve had constant issues in the surrounding streets with potholes and the local play park, which is just at the end of her street, is a mess. Surely this money could have been used more effectively, that the wider community would have benefited from?
"It’s so shocking and blatant that the only part of the area that is in pristine condition is outside her flat. As a family, for the amount of council tax we pay we don't see any benefit or improvements being made in the area.
"It's unbelievable that the council think that this is a priority - they should be embarrassed.’
A council spokeswoman responded: “It’s a long and proud tradition that individuals who have served as First Citizens and ambassadors for Glasgow, in the unique role of Lord Provost, receive honorary lamp posts at their residences. Glasgow is famous for its rich architectural heritage.
"These lord provost lamp posts form part of that history; a discreet symbol of the city’s social history in recognition of a long line of lord provosts’ legacy of public service. ”
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