Glasgow’s council leader Susan Aitken faces scrutiny over her leadership and the city’s challenges, as her legacy hangs in the balance.
Glasgow: Since Susan Aitken took the reins of the city council in 2017, she’s stirred up quite a bit of debate. Some folks love her, while others can’t stand her. It’s a mixed bag, really.
Part of the drama comes from her party, the SNP. For some, they can do no wrong, while others think they can do no right. Aitken has had her share of slip-ups, and Glasgow has some big issues to tackle.
Back in 2019, she was in hot water for not declaring an interest in a £1-a-year rent deal involving her husband. Thankfully, she was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Fast forward to this week, and we learn that rat sightings in Glasgow have shot up by 45% compared to five years ago. The GMB union thinks it’s because bins aren’t being collected as often.
When asked about council workers getting bitten by rats, Aitken shrugged it off, saying, “All cities have rats.” Not the best response, right?
Glasgow has 143 buildings on the risk register, the highest in Scotland. Plus, only about 20% of the city’s bars and restaurants stay open past midnight, which is way less than Edinburgh.
Budget cuts are hitting hard, too. CCTV cameras are left unmonitored for 12 hours a day, and 450 teaching jobs are on the chopping block.
Recently, the state of the city centre has sparked some serious talk. While areas like the west end and southside are thriving, the city centre is struggling.
A report from last year showed a drop in GDP, employment, and overall economic output. It’s not looking good.
There are plans to turn things around, but they’re crucial for Aitken’s legacy. One project, the ‘Golden Z,’ aims to revamp Buchanan Street, Argyle Street, and Sauchiehall Street.
They want to add more homes, repurpose empty spaces, and create public areas. Just look at Sauchiehall Street; it used to be bustling but now needs a serious makeover.
Another initiative, the ‘Avenues’ project, is set to transform 21 spots in the city centre, making them greener and more pedestrian-friendly.
Aitken admits things might get worse before they get better, which could frustrate locals. At the Glasgow Business Awards last year, she said, “Parts of the city centre will be building sites, but it’ll be worth it.”
If all goes well, Aitken could be remembered as a game-changer for the council. Supporters point to successful regeneration in northern England as a model.
Take Manchester, for example. After losing a ton of jobs, they turned things around with smart planning and investment. It’s not without its issues, though.
Some of the money came from controversial sources, and there are worries about local residents being pushed out.
Glasgow’s history with regeneration isn’t the best. The Bruce Report led to major changes that didn’t always benefit residents, leaving some areas feeling like “deserts wi’ windows.”
Recent projects, like the Stockingfield Bridge, aim to reconnect communities, but not every area is seeing the benefits.
While Glasgow hosted the Commonwealth Games, some neighborhoods still face high unemployment and poverty. Aitken’s legacy will depend on how these areas fare in the long run.
