HILLHEAD ward takes in a significant part of Glasgow’s west end including Hillhead itself, Kelvinbridge and North Kelvin.

The area is popular with students from the neighbouring University of Glasgow, independent business owners on Byres Road and tourists visiting Kelvingrove Park and the Botanic Gardens.

Only a few subway stops from the city centre, it attracts a large amount of footfall to its many destinations including the Oran Mor, Ashton Lane and Grosvenor Cinema.

It has been the subject of scrutiny over its high number of students and student accommodation, which increased in 2016.

Despite the surge in developments, reports suggest that there is still a demand for many more beds to meet the growing number of students in the city so it’s likely to be a topic which will continue to be on the agenda for whoever takes power.

Issues with housing are not reserved to the student population. There are also calls for more affordable housing for young professionals and families looking to get on the property ladder in the much-desired area.

The issue is reflected in the fact that half of all occupancies in the ward are rented.

As one of the main focal points of the area, Byres Road is a popular talking point amongst locals.

Many feel like the independent shops have been replaced with supermarket chains and franchises which takes away from the Bohemian character of the area.

Deborah Murray, project manager for Byres Road & Lanes Business Improvement District, believes there is still a long way to go to for Hillhead.

“We’re really happy about the investment in the area. The council have invested £9 million which will improve the public realm.

“The pavements don’t scream world class city. Although it’s a lot of money, on the length of Byres Road it doesn’t go that far.

“Because Byres Road is very diverse, they’re looking to split it up into sections to find out what the aspirations are for each particular segment and how that can be brought together.”

A recent change to parking in the ward has meant restrictions and extra charges are now in place.

Residents are required to pay £50-a-year while businesses are charged £700-a-year for every parked car.

Although a positive step in bringing more money to the businesses, Deborah has reservations about the impact it may have on the street in the long term.

“The parking the restrictions are a worry for us”, she explained. “We’re for anything that helps people get parked and into the shops and spending their money locally.

“If it provides that turnover and space for businesses is good but it’s £700 for a business. They can’t pay it quarterly. If you’re opening up a business you can factor it in but for those who have been about for a while, now having to pay an extra £700, could force them to close.”

“That’s an enormous amount of money, especially for small businesses.”

POPULATION: 26,968

HOUSING:

Owner occupied: 6,249

Private rented: 4,808

GHA: 2

Other Social Rented: 2,718

WORK

Economically Active: 14,135

Employees: 11,101

Self-employed: 1,626

Unemployed: 1,408

Economically Inactive: 7,373

BENEFITS

Jobseeker: 475

Employment Support Agency (ESA) and incapacity benefits: 1,270

Income support: 460