COMMUNITY leaders in Glasgow yesterday appealed for more resources for an area blighted by racial tension.
Govanhill residents say their area is being affected by clashes between white and Asian Scots and Eastern Europeans.
Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing, an anti-racist charity, said nothing has been done in terms of support. Earlier this week, up to 20 teenagers threw bottles and bricks at one another for nearly an hour in the Dixon Avenue area of Govanhill. An 18-year-old Slovakian was arrested for alleged possession of an offensive weapon in the incident. However, witnesses said the fight was triggered by Scots youngsters shouting racial abuse.
Ms Quereshi called for more money to support Eastern Europeans settling in Scotland. She added: “Some housing conditions are very below standard and with serious overcrowding issues, where some people are living 18 to a flat.”
A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman admitted there were community tensions, and said: “We will continue to provide policing using community officers, other resources, and partner agencies.”
Anne Marie Millar, councillor for Govanhill, said: “We’re working across the community to ensure that we can engage with young people, regardless of race or creed.
“The majority of young people in this area do not cause trouble - but where there are problems I’m determined to work with partner agencies and the wider community to stamp out antisocial behaviour.”
Meanwhile, Home Office ministers have pressed ahead with a programme to disperse 50,000 asylum seekers.
This is despite research admitting that some were being sent to “highly volatile” and “extremely dangerous” parts of Britain where police could not guarantee their protection.
The disclosure was released under Freedom of Information legislation.
1:31am today
By ALISON CHIESA
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/other/display.var.1267218.0.0.php
