The Association was established in 1975, a Steering Group was formed, a development officer recruited in autumn 1975 and consultants were appointed to acquire and improve properties in the area. In the early 70's, Glasgow District Council had decided to proceed with wholesale purchase and demolition of many tenements in the area. This was a change of policy for the City Council and in 1975 they commissioned a survey declaring the city's first Housing Action Area, under new legislation. Unfortunately, it was too late to save some for the older tenements in the area and further demolitions continued up to 1980. The steering group ultimately became the Association first Management Committee and a new "Community Based" Housing Association was formed.

The Good Old Days

The 1975 survey was carried out from a local Housing Action Centre on Crossloan road on tenements built between 1885 - 1905.  It showed 1027 flats in 90 decaying tenements.  Almost a quarter of all ground floor flats were empty and suffering from rising damp.  Three in Five households had no hot water and the cold water supply was through lead pipes.  Two in five families had no internal toilet.

For all the difficulties, people have fond memories of life in the area and the neighbourliness.

The pictures shown are of Elderpark Street Church, Back courts of the old tenements, Committee of old, presentation of keys to tenants and tenants going away for the day.  Any one you know?