Residents to Raise Alarm Over Vandalism at Langside Halls
Community Councillors to Demand Answers Over Ongoing Antisocial Behaviour as Fears Grow for the Future of Iconic Building
By Gary Fanning
Residents are set to raise fresh concerns about ongoing vandalism at Langside Halls in Shawlands.
The issue is topping the agenda at the next meeting of the Shawlands and Strathbungo Community Council.
The meeting will take place at Shawlands Bowling Club, 1154 Pollokshaws Road, on Thursday, June 5 at 7pm.
Back in October, The Splash exclusively reported that residents had voiced alarm over a rise in graffiti, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour around the iconic Langside Halls.
Since then, calls for action have intensified, with fears growing that the damage could escalate and put the historic building at serious risk.
One resident said: “What is being done about the graffiti, the damage, and the antisocial behaviour taking place around the halls?
“It's only a matter of time before something serious happens to the building.”
Community councillors have now taken the matter up with Glasgow City Council, which owns the building but leases it to Glasgow Life.
A spokesperson for the Community Council said: “We have had an initial response from the Council, but this issue will remain on the agenda for our June meeting.”
The Council’s response acknowledged ongoing concerns.
It stated: “Glasgow Life Facilities who manage this listed property are aware of the graffit i and ongoing issues at this location.
“I can advise that Neighbourhood Coordinator, Amy Smyth, has been liaising with Glasgow Life and Police Scotland regarding the antisocial behaviour and graffiti surrounding Langside Halls for a number of months.
“Observations requests are active for the Public Space CCTV in the area and Community Enforcement Officers have been requested to provide patrols when operationally possible to gather intelligence.
“In addition, I can advise that a crime prevention survey has been undertaken by Police Scotland’s Safer Communities Team, with recommendations passed to Glasgow Life.
“Neighbourhoods Regeneration and Sustainability’s (NRS) operational teams have also attended this location to clear any debris and littered items, with Community Payback cutting back the overgrown foliage at the rear of the Halls to enable clearer sight lines and open up the area.'
“NRS graffiti removal team have visited on multiple occasions to remove graffiti from doors / windows etc, however we are unable to remove from the sandstone due to the specialist nature of the removal required.
“This would be the responsibility of Glasgow Life who are looking at these options, however it should be noted that these are very costly.”
The Council also encouraged residents to report antisocial behaviour in real time to help authorities respond effectively. Reports can be made via:
Police Scotland (101)
Crimestoppers (0800 555 111)
Glasgow City Council: glasgow.gov.uk/reportasb
A Glasgow Life spokesperson previously told The Splash:“Langside Halls requires significant investment and is included in Glasgow City Council’s Heritage Asset Plan.
“We carry out regular inspections of Langside Halls, and this week, we have spent £25,000 painting doors, installing new locks, replacing windows and installing security grills in a bid to deter vandalism.
“If graffiti is regularly removed it damages the sandstone and provides a blank canvas for the people who keep doing this, while costing considerable sums of money.
“We will continue to work closely with police and the Council’s Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability team to protect the venue and would ask anyone who sees any vandalism taking place to immediately call the police.”
Langside Halls is a historic building designed by John Gibson in 1847 designed as the National Bank of Scotland on Queen Street, Glasgow.
It was later dismantled and reconstructed in 1902 at its current location in Shawlands. Gibson was known for his work on several prominent bank buildings, including this one.
The building, close to the historic Battle of Langside site, has served as a civic venue for community events over the years.
Its significance lies in both its architectural value and its role as a central community space.
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