AFTER 25 years of fighting, the battle looks like it is won.

The derelict Talisman pub on Balgrayhill road in Springburn has been described as a ‘blight’ on the local community since it burned down 25 years ago. For years the foreboding mass has attracted nothing but anti-social behaviour and danger.

After almost three decades, residents in the local community have worked alongside local councillors, MSPs and MPs to force Glasgow City Council to

take action and begin the proceedings towards the pub’s demolition.

In January, the Evening Times reported that in 2021, the Scottish Government committed to giving council’s new powers to introduce Compulsory Sales Orders (CSO) which would allow local authorities to force owners to sell ‘harmful’ unused sites at auction.

READ MORE: Hopes high ‘eyesore’ Springburn pub The Talisman could soon be demolished

Speaking exclusively to the Evening Times, SNP councillor Graham Campbell confirmed that proceedings are finally in place to bring the building down.

“There has been a change of political will.

“Alongside the Communities report which gives us reason for demolition and lists alternative use for the site, we now have matched that with political will and have instructed council officers to look at putting a Community Purchase Order in place.

“That requires resourcing. It needs to go to a district valuer, and can be disputed in court by the owner, but we have started the process which will ultimately lead to its demolition – and I will be so glad when it happens.

“I will wear a hard hat and drive the bulldozer myself.”

Helen Carroll, the Chairperson of the Springburn Community Council, has been integral to the council’s decision.

This year, she helped successfully achieve funding for a Community Design Charrette, which brought together multiple strands of the community into a Regeneration Forum.

After speaking to more than 2000 locals, the expression of the communities desire to demolition the Talisman became insurmountable for the council.

“The Talisman represents Springburn’s past, it’s bad reputation,” says Helen. “It symbolises the gangs from the past, crime, drugs and abuse... it’s a disgrace.

“It is only a matter of time before someone is killed.”

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Indeed, the community echoes the sentiment. Vicky Manning, 52, stays on Lenzie Place in Springburn. “It makes the area look so much worse than it is,” she said.

“It signifies decline, neglect, lack of pride. You think, if the council doesn’t care about this disgusting building being here, what difference does it make if I litter or damage something? But this community does care. It’s a waste of land that is needed.

“There are no youth facilities here at all – that’s why young people congregate there and get into trouble.

“The council should demolish it before someone is killed. I’ll celebrate that day.”

Bob Dorris, SNP MP, told the Evening Times: “We have big plans for the area and look forward to launching a community development trust in the months ahead to spearhead further success.”

For Helen, the demolition of the Talisman will usher in Springburn’s new and brighter looking future.

“We believe that getting rid of the Talisman signal both hope and change.

“Most importantly, I want people to know the power of their own community – I think our fight has proven that.”