Campaigners have protested outside Glasgow City Chambers slamming the council for their failure to repair broken streetlights in a deprived area of the city.
There are a total of 48 street lights in Govanhill currently in need of repair, leaving some streets in total darkness in the evening.
Living Rent members started a campaign in November last year leading the council to fix 28 of the damaged street lights but, as of last week, 48 are still in need of repair.
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Living Rent says that street lights are not just a safety issue, but one of accessibility and pride in local communities.
They have warned communal spaces have become unsafe due to the issue pointing to a recent 'shockingly violent' attack by a gang of youths in Govanhill Park.
The group is demanding that all repairs are carried out by September 1 and long-term investment is made into the upkeep and maintenance.
Matthew Johnstone, Member Defence Officer for the Govanhill branch: “I'm taking part in this action because our members, including myself, have reported the broken street lights to the council on more than one occasion - and the issue still hasn't been addressed.
"This action ensures that we can speak to whoever's in charge and leave here with some sort of commitment from the council.
"It's been proven in multiple studies that adequate street lighting reduces crime. I am here because my neighbours deserve to feel safe in their area. Everyone I have spoken with about this campaign has ardently backed the petition. Govanhill deserves better.”
Alan Rorrison, a member of the Govanhill branch added: “I am taking part in this campaign as broken streetlights are a safety issue and this is important to me as it should be for all people who live in the area."
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: “Street lighting in Govanhill has been the subject of recent improvement works with £500,000 invested in installing 140 new lighting columns.
“Govanhill also receives regular maintenance on older lighting columns and repairs are on-going in the area.
“Repairs are prioritised on a risk assessed basis and priority issues, such as larger sections of faulty lamps or lamps that are causing a danger to the public, will aim to have them repaired within 24 hours.
“We undertake regular checks on the city’s infrastructure, but reports from the public have a vital role in directing our efforts to where faults emerge across the city’s 74,000 lighting columns.
“If a faulty street lamp is identified then the quickest way for the issue to be dealt with is to report the incident via our website, through the MyGlasgow phone app or by calling the RALF hotline as soon as the fault is identified.”
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