THERE had been many unsuccessful attempts at regenerating the east end of the city over the decades since it suffered from de-industrialisation.

With each failed attempt the long-suffering people in the communities had their hopes dashed and change never came.

While the project is far from complete, the Commonwealth Games has given the greatest boost to the area with new infrastructure, facilities and scope for further investment.

The inclusion of community benefit clauses into construction contracts ensures local people and communities are not overlooked and big projects simply inposed on their doorstep.

Alison Thewliss is right to hold Clyde Gateway up as a model and the Games projects as an example to others in the House of Commons.

The Games were a wonderful success, that is established and accepted now, almost a year later.

The real success is yet to come.

It is in the years that follow, when people in the east end get sustainable jobs, are living in acceptable housing and in communities they no longer feel are isolated from the improvements and successes witnessed elsewhere in the city.

On that score much work still has to be done and our MPs, MSPs and councillors will be expected to keep a close eye on progress.

The people of the east end have waited long enough for improvement. They deserve nothing less.