Glasgow's Robroyston suburb is facing a perfect storm as 2,000 new homes spring up without accompanying essential services. Residents are fed up with the lack of doctors' surgeries, dentists, schools, and recreational facilities in the area, where families are struggling to access basic necessities. The situation has left many feeling frustrated and let down by promises made during property sales that have not been fulfilled.
Historically a rural area, Robroyston began its transformation after the closure of Robroyston Hospital in the 1970s. Glasgow City Council identified it as a 'community growth area' in 2009, outlining plans to balance housing with infrastructure. However, residents argue that this equilibrium has not been achieved, with housing development racing ahead of service provision.
For families like Alana Muir's, the consequences are becoming all too clear. As a nurse living in Robroyston for decades, she faces an uphill battle to secure a secondary school place for her son. The nearest non-denominational school, Smithycroft, is three miles away and would take up to 90 minutes to walk, passing through an unsupervised graveyard – a daunting prospect given the lack of public transport options.
Residents are not just complaining about services; they are actively seeking solutions. Eamonn McCloskey believes that new schools, shops, and amenities promised during property sales have failed to materialise. This situation is a far cry from the 'Not In My Back Yard' phenomenon, where residents often resist development – instead, they're clamouring for more local infrastructure.
The lack of GP surgeries and dental practices means lengthy travel for healthcare, placing added pressure on already busy services across Glasgow. It raises questions about urban planning priorities: are housing targets being met at the expense of holistic community needs? The Robroyston example highlights a broader challenge in balancing growth with sustainability – and the long-term liveability of rapidly expanding areas.