A SOUTH Side street which suffered seven fires in one week is about to be transformed thanks to our award-winning community campaign.

Determined residents, firefighters and community groups are working together to stop anti-social behaviour and vandalism in Harhill.

Inspired by Streets Ahead, the Evening Times initiative which aims to encourage everyone to improve their local areas, they plan to change things for the better.

IT STARTED out as a small-scale plan to add some colour to a neglected bit of land.

But thanks to the vision of a Glasgow fire station boss, the enthusiasm of residents and funding from Streets Ahead and a host of community partners, Harhill Community Garden will soon be in full bloom.

John McKenna, Govan Fire Station commander, said: "As part of Scottish Fire and Rescue west area's ongoing support of Streets Ahead, we wanted to make a difference to an area we felt needed some help.

"There's a bit of waste ground off Elderpark Street which was causing us concern – there were fires, and many reports of youths hanging about and causing trouble.

"So we wanted to improve fire safety, but also give something positive back to the community.

"It's just a bit of green space, with a path cutting through it. We'd thought about putting in some flower beds, and maybe getting local schools involved in planting – but as soon as we started talking to people about it, the project took off in ways we never imagined."

In fact, Harhill Community Garden has struck a chord with residents and community groups working hard in the area to change things for the better.

Elderpark Housing Association tenant Margaret Harding moved into the area three years ago.

"There has been a lot of fantastic work done here by local housing associations and the buildings look great," said the 66-year-old, who lives with husband John, also 66, and their grandson Ryan, who is 21.

"But it would be nice to have something to look out on, and somewhere to sit in the summer, so a community garden will be fantastic."

The plan is to put in flower beds and borders, hanging baskets and planters, improve lighting and paths and install seating.

Thanks to the efforts of the Govan Fire Station team, a pot of more than £5000 in funding – including a £1000 Streets Ahead grant, £500 from the Scottish fire service and £2000 from Glasgow Housing Association – is now in place and work will begin later this month.

GHA chairman Gordon Sloan said: "The Harhill area is already looking great after our £1million investment and the community garden will complement that work nicely.

"Events in April will see the site transformed into a garden the community can be proud of.

"I'm sure it will be a real team effort, and with the planters, benches and shrubs the area will look great and become a real asset to the community."

Tesco Bank staff have contributed £1000 to the project and staff members will join a team of 30 volunteers on site, while additional funding and in-kind support was provided by Glasgow City Council's education services department, Land and Environmental Services division and Elderpark Housing Association.

Local schools ran competitions to design the layout of the new garden, which includes a commemorative slab at its entrance.

Aberlour Youthpoint Glasgow, which tackles gang violence and crime by working with young people, is also backing the project.

"I'm absolutely delighted with the support we have received from a range of organisations," said John.

"Thanks to their efforts, we will be able to provide a fantastic community resource that everyone can benefit from.

THE main issue for us was to involve the people who live in the street – to make sure we were providing them with something they wanted.

"The feedback we have had so far has been fantastic and most people can't wait to see the garden take shape."

On April 23, from noon until 3pm, the team behind Harhill Community Garden will host a fun day for families interested in learning more about the project.

The fire service will have demonstrations and there will be stalls, activities, a bouncy castle, and the chance to see the plans for the garden and get involved.

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.

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.