A Govanhill community group has ensured locals have additional space to socialise after seeing picnic benches installed in Queen's Park.

One of the busiest greenspaces in the city, the Southside park was a focal point for people to meet during lockdown.

Now activists from the Roma community have collaborated with Glasgow City Council to gift the benches placed in the park.

And they hope that action taken by their group will help challenge negative stereotypes of Roma people - and tackle isolation in the area. 

READ MORE: Roma young people on life in Govanhill

They are from Community Renewal: Rom Romeha and their Local Conversation group.

Marek Balog, Community Renewal’s project lead, said the group, funded by People’s Health Trust using money raised by Health Lottery Scotland, listened to local residents to determine what they needed in the area.

He said: “Over the years, the forum has organised lots of fun events in Govanhill.

"They also regularly connect with community organisations to try and influence decisions that benefit residents and families in the area.

"As well as benefitting the local community, our hope is that the positive action taken by the group will challenge the negative stereotypes that are sometimes voiced about Roma people.”

Braving the summer rain, an official unveiling of the benches took place in Queen's Park yesterday.

Marek added: “Our role is to support the forum as they develop a shared vision for their community and take local action on issues that matter to them.

"They meet regularly at Community Renewal: Rom Romeha’s office just off Victoria Road but also listen to the wider community of Govanhill through surveys and events.

Glasgow Times:

"One thing that kept coming up was usable space.

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"As most residents in the area live in tenement buildings, Queen's Park is the nearest green outdoor space, and it was felt that park picnic benches would provide more space for friends and families to meet.

"The group discussed this feedback and decided to take it further."

The benches have been in place for a few weeks now and are proving popular with locals.

Community forum member, Sona Balogova, added: "We are delighted to see the park benches in place – and just in time for the summer.

"We progressed this after listening to what people in the area wanted, and we feel proud to have facilitated something good for the community of Govanhill."

Stephen Egan, head of parks and streetscene at Glasgow City Council, added: "This is a great example of the community getting involved in the management of their local greenspace and helping to improve the amenities for their benefit.

"Queen’s Park is one of the city’s most popular parks and the new benches are sure to be a welcome addition to the facilities for visitors to the park."

David Jones, director of grant programmes from People’s Health Trust, which funds the Local Conversation, was full of praise for the groups’ latest venture.

David said: "This is a fantastic achievement and a great example of the local council listening to community groups to understand the needs of residents.

"The installation of new benches will mean more space to socialise, helping to tackle isolation and bring more people together."