Approximately 70% of the population of Glasgow live in tenements, many of which were built around 1900. Despite changes to many of the tenement backcourts in the 1980’s, many of them are poorly designed to meet modern needs.

In May 2002 representatives from Gibson Street, Otago Street and Westbank Quadrant (GOW), a triangle of tenements in the West End Hillhead area of Glasgow, approached Kelvin Clyde Greenspace to ask if we could assist them with managing the backcourts, which had become overgrown and largely unused.

Bin stores situated in the backcourts were inadequate and attracting vermin. 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.How we assisted

KCG looked at the backcourt area – which shares the same problems as many backcourts in Glasgow – and realised that the solution would not be either simple or short-term.

KCG helped the residents form a management Committee and draft a Constitution to enable them to apply for grants or other financial support. We also helped to publicise community clean-up days, providing tools and advice. We called in the Coach House Trust, based at Belmont St Lane, to assist with managing the overgrown areas. Soon the backcourt was transformed into a brighter, lighter, more attractive area which residents felt safe to use.

However the bin store problems persist. Glasgow city Council Cleansing provided a dozen green wheelie bins for rubbish, but a more radical approach was needed. Residents started to make the bin stores safe and continued the monthly clean-ups.

Surveys of residents were carried out by a questionnaire and a consultation event in October 2002 to determine what changes they wanted to see and what problems they have. These survey results will help direct developments in the GOW triangleSustainable Backcourts Initiative

Meanwhile KCG, in association with five local Housing Associations, formed the Sustainable Backcourts Initiative (SBI). The SBI is looking at how tenement backcourts can be improved to meet 21st century needs. GOW is to be included in a pilot study where community recycling facilities, managed gardens and possibly recreational facilities will be introduced into this and other backcourts in Glasgow to bring them into the 21st century.