A Group of residents in Pollok who were fed up looking at a 'no man's land' of overgrown plants and rubbish have helped to play a part in one of the area's most amazing transformations.
It is an example of what the Evening Times Streets Ahead Campaign is hoping to achieve in every corner of Glasgow.
All four of our partners – Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Housing Association, City Charitable Trust and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service – are already playing their part in helping to build a better Glasgow.
GHA chairman Gordon Sloan tells Ann Fotheringham why he hopes the new wildlife garden behind Broxburn and Linthaugh Roads in Pollok will inspire people across the city to get behind Streets Ahead...
It is hard to imagine the lovely wildlife garden at the back of Brockburn Road and Linthaugh Road as an overgrown, rubbish-strewn mess.
But the L-shaped strip of land between the flats and the local nursery in Pollok was once a haven for fly-tippers.
"It is a fantastic transformation of a piece of land that was lying there doing nothing," says Gordon Sloan, chairman of Glasgow Housing Association, which helped to fund the clean-up.
The association was carrying out work on the back courts when a group of residents asked if anything could be done about the area of 'no man's land' between their homes and Linthaugh Nursery.
They set up an 'estate action group' and worked closely with GHA to see how things could be improved.
Jim Mullaney, GHA housing manager, explains: "Residents were heavily involved throughout and had a real input into what was happening – and it has made a big difference."
The work was carried out by the association, which contributed £6000, Glasgow South West Regeneration Agency, Linthaugh Nursery and Howford School.
As well as clearing away all the rubbish, they planted wild flowers to attract birds and insects, installed seating and planters and repaired and repainted the railings.
"It was a mess – you wouldn't want to go anywhere near it before," says Lorraine McCormack, who has lived in Linthaugh Road for 17 years.
"Now it's lovely – what a difference it has made to us. I can't wait to get my eight-month-old grand-daughter Olivia out in the sunshine – it's great for the kids to play."
Lorraine and daughter Nadia, 17, say the new garden, with its seating area and planters full of summer flowers is fantastic for families in the street.
"It is much safer for the children, and it's a lot nicer than looking out on rubbish," adds Lorraine,.
Her neighbour, Dorothy Norwood, agrees. Her son John, 8, and nieces Gemma, 7, and Nicola, 4, regularly play in the revamped garden.
"And John is a dancer, so he practises his moves in the back courts now," adds his mum. "He has 27 trophies!"
Gordon Sloan sums it up, saying: "Streets Ahead is a great campaign - I hope it inspires people all over Glasgow to get out there and get involved."
Streets Ahead is about improving communities – by bringing neighbours together to create a garden; helping schools to run litter pick-ups; holding street parties; transforming gap sites; or providing hanging baskets for a main street.
We want to hear what YOU think needs done in YOUR street – and we will work with you to make it happen.
With the support of our partners – Glasgow Housing Association, Glasgow City Council, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue and the City Charitable Trust – we will be able to provide resources, information and advice on how to get your project started.
Evening Times' Editor Tony Carlin said the aim of Streets Ahead is to "make a positive difference in every community in Glasgow."
He explained: "Across the city there are already hundreds of people doing their bit to improve their area. We want to help them, by giving them the resources and support they need and to encourage others to make a difference in their streets.
"Building better communities will give each and every one of us a city we can all be proud to live and work in."
n E-mail streetsahead@ heraldandtimes.co.uk or call 0141 302 6520.
How to get involved...
Are you ready to help build a better Glasgow?
The Evening Times has launched its most ambitious community campaign yet – and we need YOU to help us make it happen.
We want to hear what YOU think needs done in YOUR street – and we will help you make it happen.
If you would like to become a Street Champion, or if you know someone who is already doing inspirational work to improve things in your area, get in touch and let us help you.
Over the next 12 months, Streets Ahead plans to transform Glasgow. If you are ready to play your part we and our partners can help?
E-mail: streetsahead@heraldandtimes.co.uk or call 0141 302 6520 to tell us what you think needs done in your area and how we can help you to make a difference.