THE Pollokshields community is to celebrate the “goodwill” of it’s locals amid claims up to 35 families are still displaced following the Albert Drive fire one week on. 

The corner section of the three-storey tenement collapsed as a result of a fire where the road meets Kenmure Street.

At the height of the blaze, which is thought to have started in the Spice Garden shop at about 11.30pm on Sunday, November 10, around 60 firefighters, nine appliances and two height appliances were sent to the area.

One person was taken to hospital after suffering the effects of breathing in smoke. 

READ MORE: Pollokshields fire: Crews remain at Albert Drive tenement days after collapse

Now, a week on from the blaze, community activists are praising the work of the emergency services as they rally round the estimated 35 families still displaced.

A council spokeswoman said “three addresses” were still affected but re-homing efforts were continuing over the weekend.

Glasgow Times:

Ameen Mohammed, chairman of Pollokshields Community Council, told the Evening Times: “After the terrible fire we were among many groups that took interest in supporting those displaced. We believe there are up to 35 families still displaced due to the fire – and this is a very diverse community with unique requirements. 

“Some of these residents might bypass the regular first line services, so as a consequence of that we want to make sure people are getting the right help.”

READ MORE: Pollokshields man who is in hospital after Albert Drive fire feared he would die before rescue

At 6.30pm this evening, locals are gathering at the community centre on Kenmure Street for an I Love Pollokshields event.

It’s hoped people will join to consider a co-operative response to the fire and discuss how to help.

Ameen says the event is “to bring back a bit of cheer and celebrate the goodwill of people during this terrible time”, adding “there’s been a lot of bad news recently so we want to share some positivity within the community.”

He continued: “There has been a fantastic help so far, people are taking others they barely know into their homes.

“You don’t realise how bad it is until you realise who is displaced – one of our own community council members has been displaced and I didn’t even know that until way after the fire. 

“It’s just been very difficult to identify who needs help.

“It’ also very difficult because for some people displaced English is not their first language, so communicating with the emergency services isn’t going to be easy.”

Despite the communication barriers, Ameen stressed the “phenomenal job” of the emergency services should be highlighted, as well as the efforts by parents and staff at the local primary schools.

He added: “Everyone in the community is praising the fire service – they have gone over and beyond the call of duty.”

You can find out more about the community efforts at www.facebook.com/pollokshields/