Former GHA chief hits out

CONTROVERSIAL plans to axe the 24-hour concierge service in Sighthill will be scrapped, according to the former chairman of Glasgow Housing Association (GHA).Sam Harper, who stood down from his GHA post last year, believes widespread opposition from tenants has left the housing association with no option but to back down.

Three months ago, GHA announced plans to replace the on-site 24-hour concierge staff at Sighthill's multi-storey flats with a mobile call-out service.
But Mr Harper, speaking out for the first time since standing down as GHA chairman, told the Herald that the association has been forced into a rethink.
He said: "I believe these proposals will not be carried through.
"The main thrust of the 2003 housing stock transfer was to better the lives of tenants and enhance the prospects of staff. This would not happen if the 24-hour concierge was taken away.
"I lived in the Red Road area for many years. I know that tenants are concerned with these proposals and the impact they would have on safety.
"They simply don't want to see the concierge service downgraded and the GHA have duty to listen the tenants' views. I am confident it won't happen."
Mr Harper, who led GHA through Britain's biggest stock transfer, also called for better communication between the housing association and its tenants over the proposed Sighthill demolition programme.

He said: "The stock transfer was a necessity, but GHA's housing strategy has to be put across in a way that tenants understand it. That has not happened so far and there has to be a clarity of information.
"A lot of tenants are sitting wondering if their flats will be the next to come down.
"They don't understand that this is a 30-year programme designed to bring Glasgow forward and that it won't all happen overnight.
"There has to be better communication between GHA and tenants and we also need strong management."

He added: "Not every multi-storey in Glasgow can come down, we live in a metropolis and sometimes people want to live in flats - GHA must come to terms with that.
"But also, people have to understand that the housing strategy is designed to lead Glasgow forward and benefit the city in the future."
Mary Crearie, GHA's director of Housing Services, said: "GHA itself, and this housing services review in particular, has always been about seeking opportunities to radically improve services for tenants.

"We are reviewing the consultation feedback and are confident that we can incorporate views given by tenants and other stakeholders, together with the improvements in services.

"This includes extending the 24-hour service to all multi-storey tenants and allowing LHOs the flexibility to provide local housing solutions to local housing needs.
"Tenants may be pleasantly surprised at the scope and scale of the final proposal being discussed by the GHA Board this week."

27 September 2005
Kirkintillock Today Springburn Herald