Swimming pool investment major issue for Dennistoun candidates

One election hopeful wants to see Glasgow become one of the first places to roll out rent controls to stop landlords charging too much. The ward covers a number of areas including Dennistoun, Haghill, and Royston among others.

There are three councillor positions up for grabs with seven political hopefuls jostling for the seats. We asked them to tell us about their plans if elected. Current SNP councillor Allan Casey and Labour’s Elaine McDougall are standing again on May 5. But Green councillor Kim Long is not seeking re-election.

Who won last time?

Elaine McDougall, Labour, 1,677 votes (24.16% first preference votes) Allan Casey, SNP, 1,370 votes (24.41% first preference votes) Kim Long, Greens, 1,781 votes (19.49% first preference votes)

Who can I vote for this time?

Anthony Carroll – Scottish Greens

Fighting to cap rent and get rotting food waste bins lifted are just two of the tasks Anthony Carroll would take on if elected.

He would also like to see Whitehill pool fully re-opened without limited hours and with proper sustainable funding for the future.

He said: “There’s swathes of food waste bins lefts in closes that haven’t been picked up since the initial end of the scheme, and full of rotting food.”

“I want to focus on fighting for fair funding for Whitehill and getting the food waste bins that have been stinking up closes collected if I am elected.

“There is a wealth of things we can do to improve Dennistoun too – from pushing for more accessible access to train stations to making Glasgow one of the first places to introduce rent controls and cap those extortionate rents.”

Explaining more about this background, he added: “I have been working in community development in the North East of Glasgow for a number of years. Currently working for the Coop in such a capacity, I have been helping folk in the G21 area, such as those in the Sighthill and Royston areas of the ward, in providing welfare, energy, & food support. I’ve been practically minded in fighting people’s corners & providing help on these issues, and it is that approach I will take if I am elected as your Scottish Green Councillor.”

Allan Casey – SNP

Allan Casey, who has been a councillor since 2017, wants to source more cash for the Whitehill Pool after helping attract £1 million for the facility.

Mr Casey grew up in Dennistoun and has lived in the area for most of his life. He became an apprentice joiner at City Building Glasgow where he later became chair of the organisation after being elected.

Mr Casey said: “If having the honour to be re-elected to serve the communities of Dennistoun ward again, a number of my key areas of focus will be securing investment for Whitehill Pool, working to secure funding to invest in our historic pre-1919 tenement stock, and improve tenements rights through a national system of rent controls.”

The former Whitehill secondary pupil said he wants to building on empowering local community organisations.

He said: “Over the last five years, I have built strong relationships with key organisations in all of the communities within the ward and have worked with them to improve the lives of everyone who lives here.”

He said that work included helping groups convert derelict council buildings into valuable community assets and securing more than £300,000 of investment as chair of the Dennistoun Area Partnership.

He highlighted how the old nursery building in Sighthill has been transformed into a “fantastic” community centre.

He added: “Finally, over the last two years it has been a privilege to serve the city of Glasgow as its City Convenor for Workforce. Part of my role is to deliver a discrimination free pay and grading structure for all Council Staff, which we are working to complete by 2023.”

Fiona McNider Connelly – Conservative

Former Asda worker and mother Fiona McNider Connelly wants to help clean up the area.

Ms Connelly said: “I am proud to be part of a Glasgow Conservative team that have a fully costed, five point plan to clean up our city that we have repeatedly highlighted for the last six months.

“The community campaign to save Whitehill Pool has been hugely inspiring. I will continue to stand beside the community in their efforts to keep these facilities open as well as all of Glasgow Life assets.”

“I used to work in Asda, but left to care for my disabled son with additional special needs.

“I am also the mother of Calton councillor Robert Connelly, who was elected in 2017 and I have been truly proud to see the work he has done to support his constituents over the last five years.”

Oisin Duncan – Scottish trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

The Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition says voters should select their candidates to “maximise the chance of electing a working class socialist who’ll oppose all cuts.”

It said: “Elect a fighter not a council cutter.”

Lorna Finn – SNP

Manager Lorna Finn promises to fight “tooth and nail” for the people of Dennistoun, Royston, Sighthill, Germiston, Drygate and Haghill.

The mum said: “I am a candidate who is deeply rooted in Dennistoun, having been born and raised in Roslea Drive and attended St Denis’ Primary and St Mungo’s Academy. I have since gone on to have a career in management across a number of sectors including finance, engineering, renewables and politics.”

The chair of St Denis’ parent council said one of her top motivations for standing is to “support young people” across the community.

The MCR Pathways mentor said: “As a councillor, I will be steadfastly committed to protecting the next generation from the effects of the pandemic and cost of living crisis, by being part of an SNP City Government that will approve attainment in our schools whilst delivering universal free school meals and implementing measures to better support those with additional support needs.”

Fergus McCann – Liberal Democrats

The party says it would reverse council cuts to essential services, increase the rate of bin collection in tenements areas and from public wastebins, remove the bulk uplift charge, and reopen the libraries and sports grounds.

It also said it would “introduce a a rapid response unit to address public concerns on potholes, street parking, street lighting and litter.” It also pledges to improve housing provision and reverse cuts to public transport.

Elaine McDougall – Labour

Elaine McDougall was elected as a Labour councillor in the Dennistoun ward in 2017.

Labour’s manifesto says 250 council refuse workers would be hired to blitz Glasgow and a special ‘cleansing tsar’ appointed if the party takes control.

The party’s plan for Glasgow also includes “faster and better” repairs to roads, re-opening all community venues and supporting the building of at least 6,500 affordable homes.