Bridgeton’s MSP, John Mason, has slammed Glasgow City Council for its continued lack of information, progress and communication in relation to the damaged building on London Road, which has been closed since 13th January 2012. 

Mr Mason has been asking the council to provide information and advice as to when the road will reopen, and has offered to help if the legislation needs changed, but the MSP has received no information or communication from Glasgow City Council since early February.

Having received no response from the Council’s Chief Executive, Mr Mason has since referred the matter to the Scottish Government.

Commenting, the SNP's John Mason MSP, whose constituency includes Bridgeton, said: "This has been a difficult time for a number of my constituents, who have been left with no access to their homes or businesses.

"The slow rate of progress and lack of information from Glasgow City Council on this matter is totally unacceptable and I am extremely disappointed with their lack of action.

"Enough is enough – it’s time for action.  Both I and my SNP Council colleague, Councillor Alison Thewliss, have repeatedly asked for updates from the Council but information has not been forthcoming.

"Like many residents, I am exasperated that, two months on, action is still very slow and this is having a significant impact on peoples' lives, local transport and the local economy.  If the Council is being hampered by out-of-date legislation, then we need to look at that but they need to communicate with Elected Members if we are to work together to get Bridgeton moving again.

“In the 21st century it is simply not acceptable that major roads like Sauchiehall Street previously, and now London Road are closed for significant lengths of time.

Notes:

Mr Mason today lodged the following parliamentary motion which, if it receives cross party support, will allow for a debate on local road closures and whether or not the legislation needs to be reviewed:

S4M-02405 John Mason # (Glasgow Shettleston) (Scottish National Party):
That the Parliament is disappointed with Glasgow City Council’s response to major road closures, especially in what it considers the council’s lack of information and communication with members of the public, local businesses and elected members; understands that, previously, Sauchiehall Street was closed for a considerable period and now London Road, a strategically important route through Glasgow Shettleston, has been closed since 13 January 2012 due to a dangerous building; notes the frustration of local people in Bridgeton, who have been made homeless and had their businesses closed; further notes the disruption to transport, and considers that there is confusion over revised bus routes and for drivers from outwith the area.

Mr Mason’s letters to Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government. 

To date he has only received a reply from the Scottish Government.