A controversial fence in a Glasgow park sparked major protests Achi-News

Around 150 residents turned up at Cathkin Park today in a desperate attempt to remove a metal barrier.

We previously reported how residents hit out after plans were revealed to fence off a football pitch in the public park.

Now they have held an “emergency picnic” at the popular spot with flags and colorful signs, which were stuck on the fence.

Protesters of all ages joined the picnic (Image: Source)

The event welcomed all ages and held a day of sports, children’s games, and music, crafts and food.

The family fun day started on Sunday, March 24 bringing the community together to regain access to the park.

Glasgow City Council recently gave permission to a private football academy, the Jimmy Johnstone Charitable Trust, to erect the fence, although their lease was granted in 2022 on the basis that the facility will be ‘open to all’.

A petition has now been launched demanding the fence be removed and access restored, with more than 1,500 signatures.

The signs were placed on the fence (Image: Source)

Tami Pein, local resident and one of the organizers of the picnic, said: “The emergency picnic in Cathkin Park was a huge success today – groups of concerned local residents, young children and families came together to say: no to the fence, we want to keep this park public and open for all to use, play and benefit from.

“We really hope we can work together as a community to make sure the park is accessible to everyone.”

Lucy Eskell, local resident and member of the Cathkin Blazes football team, said:
“As a member of the Cathkin Blazes football team, I think it is very important to have pitches that are accessible to the community and free of charge.

“The south side of Glasgow needs more accessible pitches, not less, so that outdoor sport can be truly inclusive and enjoyed by all.”

Residents strike out over the sign (Image: Source)

Cathkin Park local resident Matt Barnes said: “I came down today with my partner and my child because we wanted to support the Save Cathkin Park campaign.

“Parks are very important to us, we live in a tenement flat on the second floor and our enclosed garden is small and often not useful for our children, so we come to the park to have a free accessible place where they can run around and be. healthy

“We meet other parents here, they bring their children so the children can socialize and it’s free.

“Having these places is really important. It’s great to see everyone down today sharing food, music, games, childcare and community – and that’s really nice to see after a long winter.”

The Glasgow Times has contacted Glasgow City Council for comment.