Govanhill goes downhill

4 Aug 2008

Some £187 million is required to bring sub standard housing in the Govanhill area of Glasgow up to minimum habitation standards it has been reported.

Residents are in uproar over the deteriorating environment of the area, attributable to the accumulation of refuse in streets and closes from anti social tenants.

Additional concerns have been raised as to the poor or non existent maintenance of properties by landlords and overcrowding arising from the arrival of new immigrants.

Private landlords are not beholden to the same strict housing standards as the housing associations, leading to a steady decline in the quality of the built fabric.

Calls have been made for the district to be designated a “Housing Renewal Area”, such status would afford the council powers to either force owners to make repairs or carry out its own repairs.

Mike Dailly, of Govan Law Centre, said: "Housing Renewal Area status would greatly streamline the process, allowing the council to do what it needs to in terms of compulsory purchase orders, demolitions or repair orders."

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