MPs, MSPs and delegates at last weekend’s Liberal Democrat Scottish Conference have backed the local community’s fight to save the lane.

Alistair Carmichael MP, Charles Kennedy MP and Hugh O’Donnell MSP have already been to the lane in person to give their support, as well as Scottish Lib Dem Leader Tavish Scott.

Alistair Carmichael MP, Lib Dem Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, said:

“Over 20 years ago, when I was a student at Glasgow University, I spent countless enjoyable hours browsing through the treasures of Voltair and Rousseau bookshop in Otago Lane. I well understand the outrage of local residents at the threat to this iconic West End lane posed by such an inappropriate development. Glasgow City Council should act to support character of the West End by refusing planning permission for this development rather than contributing to the destruction of what makes this part of the City special.”

Alison McInnes MSP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Local Government, said:

“I congratulate Katy Gordon and the Save Otago Lane campaigners for their sterling efforts to protect a unique part of Glasgow’s West End. The planning reform Liberal Democrats introduced when we were in govenrment in Holyrood was specifically designed to give greater weight to the local plan, such as the council’s Glasgow City Plan, and a greater weight to community opinion.

It’s clear that the local community doesn’t want this overdevelopment and wants Glasgow City Council to stick to the principles set out in its own City Plan. The council and the developers must listen to what local people are telling them and abandon this overdevelopment.”

“Last year, when we campaigned together to save St Agnes Primary School from closure, we hoped this would be the last time that Labour would ignore the wishes of local people.
Yet again, the council has presented a closure plan as a done deal, despite describing their letter to Cadder Community Council (informing them of the planned closure) as a ‘consultation’. We must do everything we can to show the Council that their decision is not acceptable.”

Katy was joined by Robert Brown MSP and Cllrs Mary Paris & Kenneth Elder at the inaugural Friends of Old Station Park Gala Day. The Liberal Democrat stall proved popular, as did the free pizza. Katy commented:

“The day has clearly been a success, both in getting people to use the park and also to see the plans for its refurbishment. This is a great but underused space. Whether by cutting back the overgrown trees to increase visibility, fixing the paths or coming up with better suggestions for usage, it is important the the community has their say. My colleague, Cllr Elder will certainly be respresenting the views of residents as part of the FOSP committee. I was also delighted to win the top raffle prize of the FOSP cake. I will need to do a lot more campaigning out and about to work off the effects!”

It is important to support local groups such as FORK, so that local residents can get the best from our area. FORK gets people involved in our community, and helps the environment.