Housing for all
Probably the major challenge facing Glasgow Kelvin is in the area of housing. Unlike other parts of the city, the central and west area faces an acute shortage of affordable homes to both rent and buy. This presents a major problem for young people looking for cheap rented accommodation in the city centre and west end while they are studying or working here and for local families from communities, such as Partick, who find first time buyer prices well beyond their reach. The three major reasons for this are that the desirability of our area is pushing prices up, the lack of suitable land for development, and the failure to push developers on building quotas of affordable homes when a site does become available. Too often developments consist solely of high density one and two bed roomed flats aimed only at the luxury end of the market.
That is why I work so closely with all our local housing associations to put the case for affordable housing in Parliament and to campaign for social housing elements in the plots that do become available, such as those I secured at Glasgow Harbour.
One of the hidden consequences of the current situatiuon in the housing market and the lack of suitable social housing for those who need it, is that local people who need adapted homes due to disability or medical requirements often have to wait far too long to be homed in areas, such as Whiteinch and Scotstoun, which in many cases they will have lived all of their lives.
The regeneration of once neglected parts of our city, such as in the city centre which is to be welcomed also brings its problems, with more and more residents concerned with noise, parking problems and environmental issues.
A Greener Glasgow
I have campaigned relentlessly for the roll out of recycling provision to all parts of Glasgow Kelvin, regardless of whether the housing is detached and semi-detached, tenemental or in high flats.
Improving Public Transport
I recently succeeded in having the Number 92 Bus which serves many vulnerable and elderly people in Thornwood reinstated after the bus operator pulled the service which connects the area to shopping districts and local hospitals.
Standing up for the West End
In recent years I have become increasingly concerned about the way the West End is being developed with an over emphasis on pubs and clubs and an unsustainable housing mix threatening our open spaces and the still essentially residential nature of the area.