A much loved East End community centre at risk of being destroyed by constant vandalism has been saved.
A high fence, top quality CCTV and suspects being identified has meant the Bridgeton Community Learning Campus is no longer a target.
The charity, which provides activities and courses for people, was forced to spend £35,000 on repairs after battling ongoing anti-social behaviour for three years.
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Manager Lesley Ward said: "The community had enough. The beloved community centre was starting to get destroyed. But by working together as a collective we began to make a difference."
Explaining how the building was targeted all through the pandemic, Lesley said: "The vandalism was happening every week. There were fires and damage to the building.
"We spoke to Councillor George Redmond, got the police involved and Glasgow housing association and Thenue housing association."
Names of those suspected to be responsible for the vandalism were handed to the police and their parents were contacted.
As part of £1 million work to transform the space around the centre, the hub gained community benefits including the high perimeter fence with anti-vandal paint, growing space, gardening equipment and containers.
State of the art CCTV with crystal clear images was also erected thanks to regeneration company Clyde Gateway.
Clyde Gateway invested in a £1 million transformation of the green space around the building with Luddon carrying out the work. Improvement saw old trees and bushes removed where teens used to carry out anti-social behaviour.
Children can now be seen cycling and playing in the green space officially launched in April and residents have an area to walk their dogs.
The green space officially launched in April.
The turnaround has left the centre bustling with activity with about 1000 people coming through the doors every week.
Lesley said: "It is absolutely fantastic. It is one of the busiest centres in the East End."
The mum-of-three sons appreciates how vital the adult learning support provided at the centre is as she has had first hand experience of returning to study.
She took part in adult education as a single mum, went to university and worked her way up to become a manager.
Lesley added: "I know how people feel."
The wide range of activities at the centre include adult education, health and fitness, mental health groups, sessions for people with disabilities and kids clubs among others.
