Residents “barricaded in” by Glasgow 2014 fence

Those living in the area say an eight-foot fence put up by the organisers has disrupted their everyday lives and forced them to park up to a mile from their homes.

The fence was erected as a security measure and borders the Athlete’s village.

Disabled ex-steelworker John McGregor, 59, lives in Springfield Road, one of the worst affect areas between the arena and the Athletes’ Village.

He said: “It’s an absolute disgrace. We’ve been caged in like animals.

“We’ve been told not to park in our driveways and I now have to park my mobility car about a mile away. It’s difficult for me because I have trouble walking.

“We haven’t been consulted about any of this. And surely they could have built the nearer the kerb rather than down the middle of the road?

“The least they could have done was offer us tickets to the opening ceremony, or a reduction in council tax payments.”

The father-of-three added: “It’s depressing. The organisers have given no thought as to how this fence is affecting local people.”

Great-grandmother Adele Duncan, 79, said: “It’s really inconvenient, especially for the older folk here.

“I know the games are happening but it’s like we are barricaded in. It’s like a jail.

“People have been told not to use their own driveways so they’re having to park up sidestreets a fair way away.”

Consultation

Councillor George Redmond said there had been a lack of engagment with Glasgow 2014 organisers,

He said: “Consideration must be given to the safety of the athletes but consideration must also be given to the people who live in the area.

“The fences are an absolute disgrace - they are way over the top. There has been little or no engagement with local people.

“Bosses of 2014 need to understand locals have been living next to a building site for the past three-and-a-half years.

“The 2014 team is about looking after the athletes but this should also have been about how the residents could play their part in welcoming the athletes, visitors and officials to Glasgow.

“It is almost as if the Games bosses want to push them aside. I don’t think the athletes and officials would be happy about the way the locals have been treated here.”

A spokesman for Glasgow 2014 said: “Glasgow 2014 continues to work with organisations and individuals including Glasgow City Council and local councillors, Police Scotland and local residents to keep communities up to date with work being done.

“Perimeter fencing is essential to ensure we have a safe and secure environment where the athletes can relax.

“We greatly appreciate the patience and understanding of all residents across the city and in particular those in the East End who live close to a number of Games venues as well as the Athletes’ Village.”