AN area of Glasgow said to in the grip of a youth crime and drugs “crisis” is fighting a funding cut to a community hub which could see it close.
Glasgow City Council proposing a 30% cut to the operating budget of the Maryhill Hub, which provides a range of services “on a shoestring” including youth groups, a computer suite and a cafe, The Wynford Diner, which recently re-opened.
The council is tasked with making some £50million in savings and meeting will held today (Wednesday) to discuss budget proposals.
A community source said the use of ‘street valium’ has soared amongst young people in the area and added: “Hard drug dealers have moved in to neighbouring flats to ensure they can supply the youth without holding drugs on the street.”
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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council issued a combined warning about street valium last year after an “unprecedented” number of drug-related deaths.
James Roberts, secretary of Wyndford Tenants Union said: “We are in the midst of a youth crisis, a crisis of anti social behaviour.
“Our young people are being pushed street valium and have been failed by the authorities.
“They need redirecting and pathways away from hard drugs.
“The dealers who have moved in to the scheme to push these drugs at our youth need jailed.
“To that end we’ve been at pains to try to secure resources for our community to target this hotspot of problems.
“The Wheatley Group has seen the evidence and have agreed special measures to tackle this issue.
“Meanwhile the council, in a total failure of joined up thinking is considering both closing the local youth club, and making crippling cuts to our underfunded Community Centre in the Maryhill Hub which provides youth services and a base for excellent projects like the NUC.
“How can the Council be so blind?”
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The area’s youth club, known as The Shakey, is also waiting to learn if it has been successful in a recent funding application.
The Wyndford community secured the hub in 2009 after the council announced the closure of St Gregory’s school, where the facility is based.
The Wheatley Group said it is working with police and the fire service to devise an action plan for the area, as part of the Community Improvement Partnership.
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: “Glasgow City Council will need to make budget savings which could be in the region of £50 million.
“The cross party budget working group asked officers for savings options.
“All parties have received the same information and they will present their budgets at a meeting on February 20.”
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