A potential bid to build a new path through Glasgow’s Necropolis from Dennistoun has sparked fears over anti-social behaviour.
The council is set to consult on the idea, which would see a walkway created to allow more people to appreciate the sacred space with its city views and impressive sculptures.
The path, which could be from the Circus Drive area, would create a walking link through the cemetery to the city centre from Dennistoun as part of a number of regeneration projects.
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But some people fear introducing a through route could lead to trouble in the 37 acre historic graveyard where about 50,000 people have been laid to rest.
Local Dennistoun councillor Allan Casey, SNP, said he would be keen for the the community to come together to have a conversation on the issues.
He said: “There are differing views about an eastern entrance to the Necropolis and there are some concerns about what that would cause from certain groups. But equally there is a significant amount of support for an eastern entrance.”
Volunteers at the The Friends of the Necropolis group have voiced concerns over the proposal leading to more anti-social behaviour according to council documents. They have also raised the importance of “respecting the space as an active cemetery.”
The Necropolis is currently only accessible from a limited number of gates at the western side with no entry from the east, north or south.
Speaking at last week’s City Administration Committee, councillor Casey said he would “welcome having an open conversation with all stakeholders in the community to explore options suitable for an eastern entrance and look at the impact in terms of how that would be managed in the wider estate of the Necropolis.”
Councillor Angus Millar, SNP, reassured him there would be discussion and engagement with all local stakeholders to find out what may be possible before more concrete plans emerge assuming the consultation outcome still points to the path being a priority.
The issue came to light as the convenor for climate, Glasgow Green Deal, transport and city centre recovery presented potential regeneration plans for the Merchant City, Learning Quarter, Townhead and Cowcaddens.
The potential actions form part of District Regeneration Framework regeneration plans. The frameworks make short medium and long-term actions over the course of a decade and are part of a City Centre Strategy – called the District Strategy.
A council report said: “These are ambitious and aspirational regeneration plans with a significant number of recommendations and proposals, not all of which will be progressed or delivered. Resource constraints will limit the full range of actions going forward, and it will be important to understand stakeholder priorities through the public consultation, before the delivery plan is finalised.”
An action plan contains a list of potential projects including upgrading High Street station and looking at options to reinvigorate Chinatown.
A six week consultation is due to start later this month.
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