Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021 Contents ɀ Introduction ...... 4 ɀ Where are we now? ...... 5 ɀ Our community now ...... 6-7 ɀ Likes...... 8 ɀ Dislikes ...... 9 ɀ Our Vision for the Future ...... 9-11 ɀ Action ...... 12-14 ɀ Making it happen ...... 15

History Glenboig is a village in the North area of Scotland, situated north of . At the beginning of the last century Glenboig was a thriving industrial village and was famous for the production of fireclay products. The population of the village increased from only 120 in 1860 to 1,500 in 1890 and nearly all the houses in Glenboig formerly belonged to the Glenboig Union Fireclay Company whose works were said to be the largest of their kind in the world. The reputation of the goods produced at the works was such that medals were awarded from all over the world including awards from Chile, India and Australia. The brick making industry closed in the 1980’s An important industrial revolution was the railways. The Monkland and was started in 1824, and opened in 1826, running from, Palacecraig, up through Coatbridge and Gartsherrie, and immediately to the East of the Glenboig village. It has a claim to be Scotland's first actual "railway", putting it among the first few in the world. A few years later, in 1831, the and line opened, running on the other side of Glenboig, joining the Monkland and Kirkintilloch at Gartsherrie. Both were built almost exclusively to carry coal but each, however, developed an increasing volume of other freight and of passenger traffic. The Glenboig local railway station closed in 1950’s. Bedlay Colliery was opened in 1905 by William Baird & Co. It was established to produce high quality coking coal for the Gartsherrie Iron Works. In 1969 there were almost 1000 men employed at Bedlay and they produced some 250,000 tons annually. The colliery closed in the 1980’s. Glenboig’s first church was built around the middle of the 1800 and the village's first school was built in 1875-6, with two rooms and places for 177 children. Glenboig today has a typical village atmosphere and has shown that it will not lie down to adversity and will see it as a challenge and something to overcome.

2 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021 Introduction

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Coalfields Community Futures Glenboig Community Futures Steering Group The Coalfields Community Futures Programme is an approach to local community planning and As well as several local business owners and sustainable community development that aims residents, the Steering Group brought together to encourage active citizenship and build local representatives from democracy. It enables communities to devise a Glenboig Neighbourhood House community action plan which makes a case for ɀ the things that the community thinks are ɀ Village Autumn Group important and wishes to make happen. ɀ Glenboig Music Group The process builds on existing processes of ɀ Glenboig Village Park Community Play community action research to identify local Area Group needs and priorities, using residents as co- researchers. We work with local residents and ɀ Glenboig Primary Parent Council groups to develop a common sense of purpose ɀ Glenboig United Football Club and assist them to produce a deliverable Local businesses and residents community action plan. ɀ Thank you to everyone who took part in helping To support the action planning process the Glenboig plan for a bright future. community receive a Coalfields Participatory Budget which is available to local constituted community or voluntary groups. This budget enables the community to fund small projects that are identified by the community through the results of the household surveys, stakeholder interviews and the Open Event. Project funded through the Coalfields Participatory Budget are highlighted in this document. Glenboig Community Action Plan The Action Plan summarises community views and information about:

ɀ Our community now ɀ Vision for the community ɀ Priority themes and actions

3 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021 Where are we now?

lenboig Neighbourhood House is a community. A strong example of this is the Gregistered Charity established in 2000 that Village Park Community Play Area which is a provides the local residents of Glenboig, Gart- community play area, that was developed in cosh and surrounding villages with a wide range consultation with local people by Glenboig of high quality services and activities 7 days per Village Park Community Play Area Group. week which includes older people's services, The Seven Lochs Wetland Park is an exciting youth work, volunteer recruitment and develop- new Green Network project, which has secured ment, employability, community café, community £4.5 million funding from Heritage Lottery Fund gardening service, community transport, adult which will support the £6.8 million project to education, carers support, community events develop the Seven Lochs Wetland Park as a and capacity building for groups and individuals. major new heritage park for Scotland. The Neighbourhood House is a focal point of Glenboig Village Park, is centred on Garnqueen community life for many people living in Loch in the North East corner of the Seven Lochs Glenboig and the surrounding areas and as such Wetland Park, adjacent to the Park is Glenboig recognises the important role the Neighbour- Community Centre which will be developed in to hood House plays in providing a community hub the Life Centre by Glenboig Development Trust within the local community which continually to suit the needs of the community. promotes the health and wellbeing of the local community. Glenboig Development Trust (which incorporates GNH and Glenboig Neighbourhood As well as addressing a range of health matters, House) will work in partnership with 7 Lochs the organisation also provides an outlet in Wetland to develop walking and cycling routes combating isolation, building trust within the linking the gateway sites and improvements to community and provides an outlet for building paths, signage, interpretation and management the capacity of the community at a local level by across the whole park, as well as a range of promoting engagement, involvement and activities for people to enjoy and learn about the increased participation in activity. area’s heritage, including opportunities for Glenboig is shaped by the views and vision of it's training and volunteering.

4 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021 Vision Statement

Our Vision for Our Future We want to see and have – Glenboig, Our Place, a place with: Modern community facilities, services and good transport and communication networks

ɀ Where you can go to an attractive, lively community building to access services and opportunities

ɀ Where you can find groups and activities for your interests and lifelong learning

ɀ Where you can find support and a caring environment for your needs – whatever age, gender, race or religion An attractive environment contributing to a good quality of life

ɀ Where convenience combines with environmentally sound living

ɀ Where our green space is used effectively and efficiently to tackle many of our health problems

ɀ Where our built environment is clean, friendly and well kept An accessible and safe community within and outwith the area

ɀ Where our children can grow up safe and secure

ɀ Where road traffic flows freely to and from local businesses, facilities and residences

ɀ Where you can find ways of connecting with the wider world by transport An awareness of its past but opportunities for enterprise, business and local employment in the future

ɀ Where our young people have choices and chances

ɀ Where you can find independent shops and fairtrading

ɀ Where business can flourish

5 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021 Our Community Now

Background demand for new housing development. This Profile has been produced to give an insight Population into the community of Glenboig and the sur- The population resident in the area from the last rounding area. It is part of the wider Community census was 2440. The population’s gender Futures process being delivered by the Coal- breakdown is almost an even 50/50 split of fields Regeneration Trust across Scotland’s males and females. 63.3% of the area’s coalfield communities to assist them reflect upon population is of working age with less than 1/4 what is good and what could be improved and under the age of 16 and around 15% aged 65+. how. Glenboig is a small rural village in . Health There is a Pharmacy and a GP Surgery in The community lies approximately 11.5 miles Glenboig however; the GP Surgery only offers north east of its nearest city, Glasgow; 44 miles limited clinics meaning residents are regularly west of Edinburgh and; 21 miles south of Stirling. required to travel to Coatbridge for medical Despite recent expansion within the area, the treatment and to Hospitals in Airdrie original thoroughfare and its related amenities to access more serious health care provision. has remained at the heart of the community Various different community groups provide which leads to an enhanced sense of social support, advice and guidance to local residents cohesion compared to other villages or regarding health care and Glenboig Neighbour- communities that have also experienced hood House are actively involved in outreach significant development and influx in recent services for the elderly in the village.19%of the years. overall area population are considered to have a It is worth considering that Glenboig is one of limiting long term illness, and 16% of the specific North Lanarkshire Council’s “Community Growth 16 –64 working age range population within Areas” (CGAs) which are places that can Glenboig suffer from limiting long term illness. accommodate large-scale, urban growth. They When compared to Scotland as a whole, were identified in the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Glenboig has consistent rates of long term illness Structure Plan to meet a significant proportion of with the national average.

6 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021

Employment and the Economy the local school operating at maximum capacity.

There are 2 shops, 1 public house, 1 pharmacy, 1 16% of the 16+ population however, holds a beauty salon and a variety of takeaways in degree level qualification or higher which is Glenboig Main Street and throughout the village significantly below than the national average of however residents are largely required to travel 26%. Within Glenboig, more people are to Coatbridge or other nearby towns for larger economically active (57%) than inactive (43%) shops and supermarkets. with the vast majority of the working age GNH has now taken over the management of the population (70.5%) actively contributing. post office and it is now run for the community by the community and we are happy that, after Housing taking it over, not only have we maintained full The vast majority of house in the local area are Post Office services, but we have grown the privately owned and occupied with a significant business which continues to provide an essential number being ex-council houses that residents service to the community. Taking over the Post have purchased. The vast majority of the original Office has also created a number of jobs for local village is mainly social housing Roughly 1/3 of the people. Our Post Office, installed in the housing in Glenboig is rented either privately, Community Centre, is an integral service through the local authority or a housing attracting not only local people but those from association. nearby districts. It has also become part of a social focus due to its proximity to the grocery, The population of Glenboig has expanded the fruit and veg counter, the main office and the significantly since the last census with 2 new hall entrance. The closure of the previous Post housing developments over the past 2 years and Office over two years ago in March 2014 was a will likely expand further through the life span of blow to the community and surrounding this 5 year action plan due to the construction of districts. major housing developments in and around the area with plans for 1040 houses already Education approved. Glenboig has a joint campus housing 2 primary schools; Glenboig Primary and Our Lady St Despite the rapid growth of Glenboig, the Joseph. Secondary school children travel out residents have maintained a strong sense of with the village to attend school to nearby community that is consistent with that of a Coatbridge. The new housing developments in village the size of Glenboig originally. Several of the area are placing pressure on local schools Glenboig’s more recently arriving residents have with a need for more places already evident and cited this as a significant reason for their move to further development plans leading to concern of the area.

7 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021

Glenboig LIKES (information taken from the community survey)

5% 1% 7% Community Spirit Enviroment 40% Facilities Housing 36% Schools Transport 11%

“The friendliness of the locals, the “Post office facility, local schools” paths for walking” “The Glenboig United Football Club” “Good community, events and spirit. “Community opportunities such as Village kept tidy and well presented clubs offered by the neighbourhood at all times” house” “Great neighbours and friends/ “Support that's given to our youth community, the park and loch are a and our pensioners are looked after valuable asset – enjoy seeing the but more could be done, Community wildlife there. Close proximity to Spirit” Glasgow and surrounding country side” “Community Centre has a variety “Organised events like the football, of classes for children and for the summer fete, jubilee adults” celebrations, Santa going round the “Easy access to all main motorways streets to raise money for charity” in the Central Belt” “The community centre, local buses to Coatbridge & Swing Park” “The peacefulness”

8 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021

Glenboig DISLIKES (information taken from the community survey)

Lack of Facilities 31% 34% Expansion Lack of Community Spirit Schools 4% The Environment 8% 19% 4% Transport

“Small acts of vandalism” “No support for local businesses” “Streets are filled with broken “More amenities and a lot more for glassand rubbish” the kids to keep them occupied and out of trouble” “Cars and buses exceed the 20mph speed limit in the scheme. No service “Those that don’t appreciate the to Glasgow from Glenboig. Double park and think it is ok to drop litter parking on the 2 sides of the and vandalise the infrastructure” pavement” “Transportation links are poor. “There are now too many new School is too small and should be houses we don't need anymore. The mixed religion. roads were never intended for so Getting to and from the school is much traffic. Schools are full to horrendous” bursting” “More outdoor play facilities for “More facilities for young people” kids”

9 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021

Environment Given the industrial legacy of the past the natural environment is of a good quality and maintaining that and encouraging its use is a priority. The built environment in the oldest areas has derelict land sites and disused buildings which both detract from the appearance and are a magnet for illegal dumping and litter.

Priorities Actions

Clean up the village ɀ Work with schools, police and NLC to reduce fly tipping

ɀ Organise bi-annual clean ups

ɀ Organise graffiti projects to divert from vandalism

ɀ Install new bins around community

ɀ Develop opportunities for inter-generational environmental projects

Reduce the number of ɀ Invoke community empowerment act derelict and unsafe ɀ Lobby NLC and Scottish Government buildings within community

Reduce dog fouling ɀ Initiate campaign with local schools and nursery to raise awareness of problem

ɀ Encourage use of free bag system

Installation of Benches ɀ Increase number of benches and bins within community and bins at strategic points Key Partners Local Schools, Police, North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Government, Elected Members, Local Community

10 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021

Roads & Transport There is a need to improve public transport, both the frequency and destinations and to integrate this in such a fashion that local and wider links to Glasgow and Edinburgh are enhanced through both bus and rail options. A specific issue is road vehicles parked illegally or inconsiderately. This is a particular problem around the school and is causing concern for the safety of our children.

Priorities Actions

Reduce inconsiderate ɀ Campaign for enhanced police presence parking ɀ Campaign for crossing patrol ɀ Develop walking bus and safe route to school initiative ɀ Develop opportunities for inter-generational environmental projects

Improve Public ɀ Campaign for better public transport Transport ɀ Develop Community Transport in response to local need. ɀ Develop Walking Bus/Safe Routes to School Initiative

Key Partners Local Schools, Parent Teacher Associations, Police, North Lanarkshire Council, Elected Members

Social and Recreational Facilities and Amenities The Community Centre and Neighbourhood House are the current main focus for community activities and services. There is a need to develop a more holistic community hub which will complement the existing facilities providing a more social space, a space for other sports, recreational and learning services and to promote the health and wellbeing of our residents – a Life Centre.

Priorities Actions

Develop social ɀ Further develop existing community facilities in response to need community hub ɀ Pursue development of gym and leisure facilities locally ɀ Provide social hub suitable for weddings; funerals etc. ɀ Develop facility where families can take part in activities together/simultaneously

Encourage more ɀ Promote local produce business take up in the ɀ Encourage take up of local businesses village ɀ Increase opportunities for social enterprises

Key Partners Glenboig Development Trust Local Businesses, Scottish Land Fund, Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire, Business Gateway, 7 Lochs Heritage, Elected Members, Local Community

11 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021

Economy and Employment With the potential increase in the population through proposed housing developments there are opportunities for both existing business and new enterprises to grow. A priority therefore is increasing opportunities locally to better serve the local community and to explore the options for community and social enterprise locally.

Priorities Actions

Create Glenboig ɀ Work with DTAS and OSCR to establish a development trust Development Trust

Increase activities that ɀ Develop opportunities for families integrate the wider ɀ Develop local sports facilities in response to identified need community ɀ Carry out local audit of facilities ɀ Engage with key partner agencies to Increase employability and training opportunities within the community

Improve Health and ɀ Increase opportunities that contribute to positive lifestyles Well Being ɀ Wider access to physical activity both internally and externally Work in partnership ɀ Strengthen and develop opportunities for social and recreation with 7 Lochs Heritage interaction Project ɀ Develop an inter-generational programme to sustain and educated on local history and heritage

Increase social and ɀ Upgrade community cafe to more attractive and inclusive space recreational ɀ Develop more opportunities for vulnerable and isolated people to opportunities? socialise

Key Partners Glenboig Development Trust, DTAS, OSCR, NHS Local Sports Clubs, North Lanarkshire Council, 7 Lochs Heritage, Elected Members, Local Community

12 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021

Making the links to North Lanarkshire Community Plan 2013 - 2018 In North Lanarkshire, there is a strong history of organisations working together to service the needs of its residents. North Lanarkshire Partnership is responsible for the development and implementation of the Community Plan (Single Outcome Agreement). Community Planning is the vehicle by which North Lanarkshire Council as partners will work together with communities to plan and develop services to meet local needs and bring about improvements to the area.

Key Priority Community Plan (SOA) Theme

Health inequalities and physical activity ɀ Health and wellbeing

Outcomes for older people ɀ Health and wellbeing

Economic recovery and growth ɀ Regeneration

Employment ɀ Regeneration

Safer and stronger communities, and reducing ɀ Community safety offending

Early years ɀ Children and young people

13 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021

Early actions funded through Coalfields Participatory Budget

Organisation Project Beneficiaries

Glenboig United Children & Young New Goals Football Club People

Village Autumn Group New Equipment Over 65’s

Children & Young Glenboig Music Group New Equipment People

Glenboig Community Gardening Over 65’s Neighbourhood House & Environmental Project Unemployed

Glenboig Older People’s Art Over 65’s Neighbourhood House Group

Glenboig Men’s History Group Over 65’s Neighbourhood House

Glenboig Parent and Toddler Young Familys Neighbourhood House Group Under 5’s

Glenboig Village Park Festivities planning Whole community Community Play Area group

Glenboig Primary Glenboig Primary Audio Children & Young Parent Council Visual Club (AV) People

Glenboig Primary Children & Young Inclusive Fun Play Time Parent Council People

Forest Kindergarten Glenboig Nursery Under 5’s assistants and trail

14 Glenboig Community Action Plan 2016-2021 Making it Happen

This Community Action Plan sets out the priorities for the development of Glenboig over the next 5 years as identified by the community through an extensive process of community engagement carried out over a period of 6 months, August to March 2016.

The Plan contains ɀ A summary of the Glenboig Community Profile ɀ Our main Likes and Dislikes expressed in the community survey ɀ Our Vision Statement for Glenboig ɀ The main themes and priorities for taking action ɀ Information on how to get involved or just be kept informed! The Community Action Plan is for everyone, we hope you will read it, consider its content and help toward making it work by taking action where you are, in whatever way you can. If everyone did something positive for their community every day, then what a difference that would make!

Many thanks go to all those who took their time to share their views, to the volunteers and participants who made the Open Day a great success and to the local schools that enabled our young people to have their say.

Thanks go to members of the community who contributed the images in this Action Plan.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is a Charity registered in England and Wales (No. 1074930), a Charity registered in Scotland (No. SCO39277) and a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales (No.3738566). The Registered Address is 1 Waterside Park, Valley Way, Wombwell, Barnsley 15 Design & Print by Armstrong Printing (Alloa) Ltd. Offices 75-77 Alloa Business Centre, Alloa FK10 3SA