The SNP’s national conference this year backed a motion calling for extra resources to be directed to Govanhill.

The resolution noted with concern "the problems of overcrowding, antisocial behaviour, and below tolerable standards housing in the Govanhill neighbourhood of Glasgow" and welcomed the recent Oxfam report on the Roma community of Govanhill, which linked the problems in the area to "the exploitation of vulnerable residents, in particular new Roma EU migrants, by slum landlords and unscrupulous gangmasters."

The resolution also welcomed the recent petition by Govanhill Housing Association head Anne Lear to Scottish Parliament and urged the Scottish Parliament to seek solutions in Govanhill.

Speaking on the motion in Perth, Osama Saeed, the SNP's prospective candidate for Glasgow Central said: "Govanhill is a special place that has successfully dealt with different waves of immigrations for decades. Talking to people on the doorstep, and attending public meetings in the area though, there are undoubtedly tensions, which is some cases have spilled into unacceptable racism.

"Being the son of immigrants myself, I know the challenges that exist, and can point to successes in the recent past, especially with the example of Pollokshields not even being a million miles away.

"The solution is not for residents to turn on each other, but to face the authorities together and demand extra cash. What is needed is a systemic, multi-agency approach to solutions in Govanhill. I welcome the work of the Pollokshields/Southside Community Planning Council and I will continue to press for longer term investment in housing and community organisations in Govanhill at all levels of government."