First step to a new life
The latest wave of immigrants to arrive in Govanhill are Roma people seeking a new life in Scotland.
Today, as part of a week-long series on the area, CATRIONA STEWART looks at the impact this is having on the community…
Govanhill has long been a gateway to Scotland for immigrants. But in the past four years the population of the two-square mile area has swelled from 10,000 to 14,000.
Estimates say there are between 3000 and 4000 new Roma arrivals living in just three or four streets in the heart of the community.
This has put pressure on housing and infrastructure and led to tensions in the area.
Locals blame the new residents for fly-tipping, a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour.
In recent years rogue private landlords have moved into the area, buying up cheap housing stock.
Roma families who are not entitled to benefits or council help and who often struggle with English make easy targets for cowboy landlords.
In one Victoria Road property there are believed to be more than 20 Roma crammed into a two-bedroom flat.
And because the occupants claim they are related their landlord does not need an Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence.
The Evening Times has also heard reports of a basement flat being used as a ‘doss house’ for up to 30 migrant workers.
