Introducing, Gibson - Otago - Westbank (GOW)
In 2002 the residents of Gibson Street, Otago Street and Westbank Quadrant (GOW), a triangle of traditional tenements in the West End Hillhead area of Glasgow, formed a group to clear the neglected and overgrown backcourt area.
The amount of rubbish produced by the 200 or so residents was too much for the old-fashioned tin bin system to cope with; the bin shelters were in a dilapidated state and there were fly-tipping problems in the area. The GOW area shares the same problems as many backcourts in Glasgow.
With support from Kelvin Clyde Greenspace and the Coach House Trust they removed dumped rubbish, cleared unwanted plants and gradually brought the area back to its former glory. The backcourt has been transformed into a brighter, lighter, more attractive area which residents feel safe to use. Together with Kelvin Clyde Greenspace and several Glasgow Housing Associations, GOW established the Sustainable Backcourts Initiative (SBI), which looked at how tenement backcourts can be improved to meet 21st century needs.
As part of a Scottish wide temnemental pilot scheme in 2005 community recycling facilities were introduced to compliment, managed gardens and recreational facilities. GOW employed 'Recycling Champions' to encourage residents to recycle and facilitated recycling with the provision of dedicated recycling shelters.
GOW has succeeded not only in cleaning and greening the area but also fostering greater community spirit and participation through instigating a vibrant programme of community activities in the backcourt such as mosaic workshops, theatre shows, community clean ups, consultations and bbq’s. It now takes part of the annual West End Festival.
‘GOW residents have successfully demonstrated that the determination and enthusiasm of a few individuals can encourage community participation and cohesion. It also demonstrates how, through consultation and partnership working, communities can bring about lasting change to create a valued resource managed along sustainable principles.’ The Scottish Executive
Sustainable Backcourts Initiative (Kelvin Clyde Greenspace)
you would like to learn more about GOW and how you can make your backcourt greener and cleaner please get in touch, see contact details above.
GOW Activities
Monthly community clean ups on the first Saturday of every month, 2-4 pm
Monthly meetings, on the first Monday of every month at Offshore cafe
Regular community events in the triangle - arts workshops, theatre, West End festival shows
Promotion and support for recycling and sustainable living
Community gardening
Representation of residents to the council and other bodies
Ensuring railings, roads and general area are well maintained.
GOW - an Unincorporated Association of Members for the residents of Gibson St./Otago St./Westbank, Glasgow G12 8ND
Contact Info: Office 0141 339 6609
email: eric.kay@btopenworld.com