Glasgow City Council establishes new grant fund for back lane improvements

A new fund to help residents improve their back lane has been launched by Glasgow City Council.The Private Lane Improvement Fund will provide grants of up to £20,000 to support the efforts of owners to address a range of environmental issues on their shared property.Not including the city centre, Glasgow has over 900 privately-owned lanes and many are poorly looked after as owners are often unaware of their responsibility to manage and maintain these spaces.But with a £700,000 budget to tap into, the Private Lane Improvement Fund will give owners financial support to tackle problems such as overgrown trees and vegetation, surface water and drainage difficulties and anti-social behaviour. It is also hoped that the fund will support communal food growing spaces and measures that promote biodiversity.The fund is part of a strategy to encourage owners to take a greater interest in the upkeep of their lane. An on-line information toolkit has also been created which provides guidance on how owners, factors and landlords can best work together for the benefit of their lane. A growing number of groups and associations have now formed across the city to ensure their shared spaces are being maintained properly.Councillor Anna Richardson, city convener for sustainability and carbon reduction, sees supporting owners with shared commitment for their environment as a way to unlock the potential that exists in neighbourhoods and local communities.Grants available through the fund will range from £1000 to £20,000 and can be used to buy equipment, cover the cost of repairs and other maintenance or develop space for communal use.Groups seeking grants need to be formally constituted and proposed work requires agreement among owners to be eligible for a grant.