Council gives £6k to tackle sectarian tension in the Southside

Over the last 10 years, Netherholm in Castlemilk, has endured territorial and sectarian problems with drug and alcohol misuse a top concern for local residents.

It is hoped the £5,726 – which has been granted to the Netherholm Area Association – Holmbyre Senior Youth Group – will help alleviate gang related problems.

The money will be used to fund a pilot scheme called ‘Changes’ drop-in service, which has already been tried and tested in many areas of south Glasgow.

The programme looks to introduce “sessional” support staff to help tackle issues such as drug and alcohol misuse, knife crime, health and wellbeing, nutrition, stress management and general personal development among youths,

A recent Glasgow City Council report states that a recent rise in gang related anti-social behaviour has been attributed to the Covid pandemic, rising levels of poverty, benefit cuts, rising unemployment and the resurfacing of sectarianism.

The Linn Area Partnership awarded the funding last week.

Chairman, councillor Paul McCabe, said: “Once the pilot is finished, do they feed back to us on how it has performed?”

A council officer responded: “Yes we do get feedback. As part of our grants process, they have to advise how the money was spent.

“What we can also do if members wish is for them to come back to a future area partnership and talk about the success of the programme.”

Councillor McCabe responded: “A pilot would suggest that they want to see if it works well before trying to extend the project by more funding. I would love to hear about the success of this personally as this sounds like a really worthwhile enterprise.”