In February 1977, Blantyre residents weren’t happy.
Over 400 residents sent a petition to Hamilton District Council complaining about the lack of the town’s amenities and social depression.
The public had formed a 3 man deputation to address the feeling that Blantyre was a ‘depressed town’ aiming to take the issues directly to the council. Nothing for children to do. Lack of community halls and youth centres. Parks being neglected, youths taking to the Calder in gangs, boarded up shops, no sporting facilities, a depression in trade as other nearby town centres thrived.
A covering letter with the petition, signed by about 450 residents, complained about the town profusely asking for Local Councillors to provide statements about the town’s future.
Policy and resources chairman, proved not so popular when Mr Sam Casserly said at one meeting: “I don’t think any pressure group should say to Hamilton District Council what its priorities are for Blantyre. We will make our own priorities.
“We will say to the people that these are the problems and this is how we will tackle them,” he added. “It would be a very dangerous step if we were to allow people to dictate to us. We are elected officials and capable of making such decisions ourselves.”
Council chairman, Mr Robert Sherry, said he was in favour of meeting the deputation. “I don’t think there is any harm in meeting these people, in fact there might be some good,” he added. An alternative was to hold a public meeting, said Councillor Sherry.
“I wonder why these people by-passed their local councillors, who have all the knowledge about our work in Blantyre,” said Councillor Charles Brownlie. “I get worried about the idea of people coming here with deputations, having by-passed their councillors.”
He moved that a letter be sent to the petition organisers “laying out in black and white” what the council had done for Blantyre in the past and why Blantyre people should be content with their lot, only needing to meet the deputation if the letter was not considered sufficient.
But the committee agreed with a motion by Councillor George McInally that they should meet the deputation and we know that in the years which followed, Blantyre saw huge change.
But today I suggest, with South Lanarkshire Councils questionable budget decisions in 2024, the original statement feels true of today and it all feels VERY much like we’re back in 1977 with similar issues.
Grants Building is pictured in 1977, the same year of these petitions.
On Social Media, the following comments were received on Facebook:
Robert Izett Po + sam Douglas barber Ella Little Grocer Owens Cycles Then ? The n open space Then petrol station Ten down to celtic park.
Robert Izett On left Templetons Black bakery Richardson butcher.
Lindsay Hamilton In less than 50 years we’re back here again. So sad.
Mary Donnelly Yes very sad and witnessing cuts to halls and library once again under Labour – nothing has changed.
Alex Orr I think the appropriate term might be deja vu. It is absolutely scandalous the cuts being made and the implications it has for the town. Society build libraries we are tearing them down. Sad, sad,sad.
Mary Watt We are certainly going back the way instead of moving forward I know a lot of it is because of government cuts but come on Blantyre residents fight this we are losing halls that important to local groups and staff who have worked in them over the years who have gone over and above their job to keep things going for local people speak to local councillors and papers about what this loss means to our communities.
Margaret Mary OSullivan Blantyre residents are unhappy again and rightly so! George McInally was an absolutely wonderful councillor, who fought tirelessly for social justice!
Brian Charlton Attend the meeting on Monday night 7pm high Blantyre hall.
Thomas Barrett Well you can’t blame ASDA for this.
Ann Hartman Not much changed then ,its a case of put up and shut up .
Carol King Agree – Labour/tory coalition who with smoking mirrors passed a budget that made huge cutbacks and their ‘borrowing of £7 million (if I mind correctly when watching the budget) will cost £19 million in payback over a no of years – us the taxpayer will pay – the councilor lab) mouthing off ‘I’ve saved whitehill and hollandbush golf club – eh no you haven’t! meanwhile? The provost still drives about in a chauffeured limousine !
William Allan F*** all has changed still nothing for the young ones to do and yet still shutting things down.
Janette Murray I remember that building. The post office on the corner, leading down to Baird’s Rows between the buildings.
John McCourt Janette Murray used to get my hair cut in that building, Sam Walkers Barbers and his side kick Hector, when l lived in Rosendale.
June Hislop John McCourt are you the guy that worked in the co-op ?
John McCourt June Hislop l am indeed June, and you were the telephonist.
John McCourt June Hislop I’m good thanks, we’re talking over about 53 years since we worked there, great days with plenty laughs, l remember your Dad had a dance band, and used to go to the Broadway on a Sunday night for concerts.
Janette Murray Hi, John. Hope you are well. I think I can remember a barber’s.
John McCourt Think the front of the shop might have been the post office, used to get a wee sweetie of Sam or Hector when he cut your hair Sam was the demon Barber, everyone tried to get Hector.