Wyndford community reacts to possible demolition by Glasgow Housing Assocation

We reported earlier this week that GHA has launched a consultation process with tenants living in 120, 151, 171 and 191 Wyndford Road in Maryhill.

GHA want to use their suggestions for what should be done as part of the £54 million plan, which aims to build new energy efficient homes in place of the concrete blocks deemed ‘low demand’ and transform the community.

After GHA distributed leaflets to the flats asking for feedback, the Glasgow Times interviewed some residents about what they think if the regeneration goes ahead. 

Isabel Matthews, who has lived in 171 for 12 years, said: “It makes me a bit sad. I can see the logic if they want to transform them into better flats, but it is quite sad.

"I like living up there on floor 20 and am used to it, but life changes.”

Kelly Wilson, who currently lives in 171, is waiting on new accommodation but welcomes the change if it means improving the conditions and the area.

She said: “I’m moving again soon but I’m glad I am. I think the area needs work.”

One resident, who stays in 120 with his partner, said: “My girlfriend says it’s a good thing. They sent letters out and we were talking about it the other night.

"They say they want to pull the flats down and move the residents nearby if not in Wyndford, then still in the Maryhill area.

“She’s not in the best health and we are on floor 10 and she struggles to get up and down when the lift is broken, so we might be better living on the ground floor.

"If she is okay with it, I am."

When one resident of 151 was approached, they did not know about the plans. They said: “I haven't checked my mail, so I had no idea. I’m quite shocked by it to be honest. I’ve lived here for 3 or 4 years now so I am settled in.”

Another tenant said: “If I am guaranteed somewhere else to live, then I suppose it’s okay.” 

Wyndford Road.

Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn SNP MSP Bob Doris is in favour of a change, saying many of his constituents refuse to live in tower block properties or wish to live elsewhere. 

He said: “I welcome there will be major investment in the regeneration of the Wyndford estate. This is an important opportunity for residents to help shape that regeneration.

"That’s essential for all residents and particularly true for those residents in the four multi-storeys whose properties may be demolished.

“I am aware from my casework that many constituents often decline offers of being rehoused in the multi-storey properties as well as a significant number of residents there who would welcome alternative accommodation.”

He stressed that including residents in the process and keeping them in the loop is important, as well as making sure they have suitable alternative homes if their current home is demolished. Artists' impression of what Wyndford could look like after regeneration

He added: “The consultation must provide as much detail as possible to allow residents to take an informed view on regeneration plans.

"Should the multi-storeys be demolished, good quality alternative accommodation for tenants currently residing in the multi-storeys must be the priority. 

“This must include a meaningful discussion with those who wish to stay in the area or indeed to be rehoused or return to the Wyndford itself once regeneration is complete."

Meanwhile Jane Morgan, Scottish Labour Councillor for Maryhill, said: “If the information provided to tenants is as limited as that sent to me today, I expect many will be concerned. 

“New, better housing sounds great but residents of the blocks for demolition will want to know more about whether they can expect to live in the new houses or how their position would be addressed.  There are consultation meetings but why not say more now and try to avoid avoidable anxiety.”

The Wyndford Tenants’ Union (WTU) has objected strongly to the way the proposal has been relayed to them and claim that many residents they have spoken to agree.

Fiona Higgins of the WTU said: “What we have noted is that people conceive this to be a sham of a consultation.

"Asking people what they are most excited about when they’ve just found out that their home is going to be demolished is a shocking way to communicate with people.”

“We have been going door to door and unfortunately there were a lot of people who hadn’t even received a letter and found out from us asking.

“There are over 600 people living in these blocks and we think that GHA have greatly misled people when they say that the blocks are not in demand. Every door we have knocked on there has been someone living there.”

READ MORE: Glasgow's Wyndford flats could undergo £54m regeneration with residents' input

While the GHA have outlined in their proposal that they would support block residents in finding a suitable home, the WTU are concerned about how clear their objectives are.

Fiona added: “There’s no indication of the timeline of when this will happen or if it will, no indication of what this regeneration includes and what will be in place of these blocks.

“These are one-bedroom flats but there are multiple occupants and families living in these due to overcrowding and we have no idea where they will find the space to house 600 plus people.”

WTU plans to hold a public meeting on December 4 to discuss the consultation, and Fiona claims that there is great interest from residents to attend and protest the plans.

She added: “No one we have spoken to feels that this is a good idea. I spoke to people who have been decanted from their homes before.

“Some people may be under the impression they are going to immediately be given new housing and we don’t see how that can happen.”

Some residents have disagreed with WTU on their public Facebook page and agree that demolishing the flats is the best option for their current condition.

One resident commented: “These four towers are out of this age; they are disgusting and can't be taken up to today's level of comfort. They need to go and be replaced with more modern stuff.”

Another wrote: “I live in 120 and everyone I have spoken to is happy and agree the blocks are done in and have so many issues, especially with the plumbing.”

Doris added that he wants to become involved with the process to ensure that residents' ideas and needs are being considered. 

He said: “I will be meeting with the Chief Executive of the GHA in the weeks ahead to specifically discuss regeneration plans and would be keen to hear from as many local residents in the Wyndford as possible to inform those discussions.”

READ MORE: Jane Morgan: Community and voluntary groups make Maryhill strong

The GHA plan to operate the consultation process over eight weeks until January 14, 2022.

Chair Bernadette Hewitt has urged tenants to contribute their ideas and has said that they can receive assistance from the Tenant Participation Advisory Board (TPAS).

She said: “The consultation with tenants in Wyndford is well underway and we’d urge everyone who has received a pack through the post to read what we are proposing and tell us what they think of the regeneration plans.

“We’ve made it as easy as possible for local tenants to have their say by speaking with their housing officer, using the feedback form, by email, phone or by contacting the TPAS.

“The early feedback we’ve had from tenants has been very positive so far with many supporting our plans to invest £54 million transforming the community. Anyone who has any questions should get in touch with their housing officer or pop along to one of the drop-in sessions we’re holding in the community.”

A spokesperson for GHA said: “Earlier this year, tenants voted overwhelmingly to become part of GHA and these proposals included plans to kickstart a massive regeneration of Wyndford communities.  

“We are visiting all tenants living in Wyndford to discuss the plans face-to-face. We’re also holding a series of drop-in events where residents can find more details and have their say.  

“Despite previous investment, these blocks continue to be in low demand and often receive no bids when advertised. They have our highest rate of turnover at 23%, compared to the average of 7%, and more than a quarter of tenants who live there have already told us they want a move.   

“The blocks, which are made up of bedsits and one-bedroom flats, are made of reinforced concrete, with a structure that makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to make them energy-efficient.  

“As we’ve stated in the plans, the proposals would see us build hundreds of new energy-efficient homes.”   

He added: “It is an absolute guarantee that we will rehouse all tenants either in Wyndford or another area where we have housing stock of their choice and we will work with them on a one-to-one basis to work through the options.  

“The early feedback we’ve received so far has been very positive, including ‘It will be good for the area and good for tenants who live here’, ‘100% agree with the plans’ and ‘Fantastic idea for the area and about time’.  

“We urge all tenants in the area to tell us what they think of these plans by 14 January.”