Springburn can replicate Strathbungo’s success

Glasgow[1] has become synonymous with many things over its long history - whether that be strong communities or industry - and nowhere embodies that like Springburn. But the history[2] of the north Glasgow area is one of betrayal, from the loss of industry to the motorway that was cruelly carved through it for the benefit of the rest of the city. Springburn locals[3], like the once proud Springburn Winter Gardens have faced challenges, but while the rhythmic chugging of locomotives leaving the forges no longer fills the air - the sense of pride and nostalgia for what Springburn was and could still be remains.

You only need to go onto one of the many local Facebook groups to see it.

Nearly every group is filled with happy memories of the area and its storied past. One group alone has over 13,000 members sharing their school pictures from the 1950s to pictures of parents at work. One comment stands out on a picture which shows a desolate area of the city: "The city fathers managed to do what the Germans couldn't do to flatten our dear place in ww2."

It likely cleared to make way for the A803 and M80, which carved its way through the heart of many a community and for which we are still feeling the effects. Most ironically, Springburn is now more isolated despite the motorway than it ever was before - suffering from poor bus services and sandwiched between two of the city's busiest roads.

While many groups, including the council, work out a plan to begin a southside style regeneration the area - a new speedbump has been placed in the road - the closure of the vital Springburn Post Office. Councillor Graham Campbell told Glasgow Live: "There is a lot of brilliant work being done in the community, but the town has just not recovered from being destroyed in the 70s and 80s.

The decline goes back over the last 40 years. "The winter gardens are a real particular source of anger with it effectively being left to collapse. The Winter Gardens Trust are doing its best to sort that out, and there is a lot of good work going to target issues that Springburn has been associated with, including addiction.

"So there is a lot of good happening here. But first austerity and then the banks closing, and now the Post Office has frustrated the good work and it is killing our town centre. "The Spirit of Springburn held a Christmas market, and we are slowly drawing people back to the shopping centre, so it is frustrating.

Over the last few years, we have seen more community engagement than we have in decades, and everyone is trying to turn the area around. "The community are doing their bit, but it has all happened during a challenging time where council finances are stretched, and we have been unlucky not to get the same funding as other parts of the city. "I think you only have to ask yourself what other town in Scotland has lost 85% of the buildings in the town centre.

That's what happened to Springburn. No town is going to recover quickly from that.

"Springburn was what Byres Road is today, but it was destroyed on the back of the area, providing the infrastructure to the rest of the city. Locals have a plan to revive the area, but it needs funding from the Scottish and the UK Governments.

"What we certainly can't do is allow a further restriction in fiances that the closure of the Post Office will bring." Councillor Thomas Rannachan added: "The people of Springburn are proud of the area and want to spend their money but there isn't much in the area. The loss of the Post Office and the banks previously have just made it harder to attract new business.

"There is a lot of progress being made in the area, especially around the Winter Gardens which has been a sore spot and something I have been banging the drum about since I got elected. We are looking at allocating money to allow the site to be made safe and looking at a number of options to bring it back into use. "It is all about getting the correct sort of growth for the area and part of that is getting buissneses that people will want to spend their money in the area, like cafes.

"Strathbungo is a brilliant example of what Springburn could be. It's a model that can be followed and with a bit of investment and getting the right people talking to each other to bring that prosperity - there is absolutely the desire. "Springburn, like the entire north, needs to see the type of investment that the south and other areas have seen in the past few decades."

Bob Doris, MSP said: "I welcome that momentum is growing to save Springburn's Post Office and I commend Spirit of Springburn for its efforts. I have raised the plight of Springburn's Post Office twice in the Scottish Parliament but the reality is this is a UK decision. "I have written to the UK Government and urged them to halt the process underpinning the closure threat."

The Spirit of Springburn have also launched a petition[4] to save the Post Office, which has garnered hundreds of signatures, it reads: "The Springburn Crown Post Office, located in Springburn Shopping Centre, Glasgow, is currently facing a threat of closure due to an ongoing post office review. "This is a vital resource for our community, serving as an essential access point for a range of services - from postal to banking. Closure would force residents, many of whom are elderly or have mobility issues, to travel longer distances.

It's also worth noting the importance of this facility to the whole community as the only access to banking, updating passport/driving licence and a social hub for many. Without it, the quality of life for local residents could be severely impacted. "The post office review is currently identifying post offices which could be closed or changed to a branch, therefore we need to show, as a community hub much this vital asset is needed.

By signing this petition, we are showing our support for the Springburn Crown Post Office and hoping to ensure its ongoing survival. Your voice can make a significant difference - we urge you to join us and ensure this much-needed facility stays open." Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here[5] to receive news and features direct to your inbox

Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here[6] and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

References

1. ^ Glasgow (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
2. ^ history (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
3. ^ Springburn locals (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
4. ^ petition (www.change.org)
5. ^ newsletter here (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
6. ^ Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)