Beech Place and Hawthorn Place were constructed in the late 1950’s by the County Council after Merry’s Rows were demolished. Due to “irreversible social housing problems”, Beech Place was demolished along with adjacent Hawthorn Place in 2000, just prior to Persimmon Homes built Nordic Crescent.
Pictured just before the Millennium around 25 years ago are the boarded up homes in Beech Place and Elm Street. What’s the thoughts? Could the council have done more to save these homes? Anybody I spoke to who lived there always had good memories of this community though admittedly this was well before the 80s and 90s. This area of Blantyre is now very different, but it is good to look back to what was once there.
The Simm family moved to 4 Beech Place in 1948 from 66 Forrest St..
Most residents moved from miners rows or other terrible housing.
The relief of getting a NEW home for families seemed to create a bond, particularly, as Tom said, since there were only 16 families.
For most, having an indoor toilet was a luxury, never mind having gardens with a wee brick dyke at the front.
Another great advantage for us weans was Russels wee shoap just down from Sanny Frew’s house where (if you were lucky enough) you could spend your penny or ha’penny on maybe a gobstopper!
“Sweet” days and childhood indeed!
My family stayed at No3 Beech Pl., there were 16 families stayed in this cul de sac and everyone got on great. Great times there playing all different games every day. Didn’t need computers or I pads. I still see old neighbours while shopping and we have never forgotten 1 person. Great memories especially the party we had for the coronation. Sad to see it go