Since its heyday, the communities along the Glasgow Canal have
experienced significant decline and now face some of the most
significant social and economic challenges in Western Europe. For
example, according to recent surveys, somewhere between 61-82% of
those that live close to the canal live in the 15% most deprived
areas of Scotland.
And the area also suffers from some serious physical challenges
too. Here are just some;
- High voltage overhead electricity lines and pylons run
alongside the canal causing a health and visual blight and limiting
opportunities for redevelopment;
- The collapse of heavy industry and demolition of failing
housing estates has left a legacy of acres of vacant and derelict
land, much of which is badly contaminated;
- Poor visibility of the canal and shortage of opportunities for
access and crossing the water;
- And a general lack of awareness among the people of Glasgow
that the canal exists!
It's our job to try and address these challenges by working with
others to help breathe some new life into the canal, to benefit not
only local people but the rest of Glasgow too. We must however be
honest about the scale of these challenges, and the time it will
take to bring about change. But with the canal now prioritised by
the Glasgow Economic Forum, (a collaboration led by Glasgow City
Council and Scottish Enterprise), in its 'Action Plan to 2013' as
one of three areas in the City where a Step Change must occur, the
support is in place to help us deliver the vision.