And finally… Provost puts the Plook in its place

Event organisers claimed that despite its “great bones,” recent investment in the town has been “haphazard and misdirected.” The demolition of the Clune Park estate and the dominance of retail parks and highways over the town centre were singled out as emblematic of Port Glasgow’s squandered potential.

But Inverclyde Provost Drew McKenzie has come out fighting, describing the award as “ironic” in a year when Port Glasgow is marking its 250th anniversary with record crowds and major celebrations.

“It’s ironic that Port Glasgow has been bestowed this ‘honour’ at a time of transformation and celebration for the town – and in the town’s 250th anniversary year, which saw record crowds gather to celebrate the past, present and future of the town,” he said.

“However, as Oscar Wilde famously said, ‘there is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about’, and this provides an opportunity to highlight how this so-called award couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Commenting on the award, event organiser and Urban Realm editor John Glenday said: “Having paused to catch our breath, the Carbuncle Awards have emerged into a post-Covid world, where issues around housing, retail and public service provision are more acute than ever.

“Port Glasgow is a town of squandered potential. Look beyond the grey walls, rubble and boarded-up windows to long vistas and you will see the beauty of the place, still punctuated by the grandeur of the library. Unfortunately, the immediate environment fails to do justice to what could and should be a jewel in the Clyde’s crown. Clune Park was solidly built and once home to a thriving community and with investment, it could have done so again.

“Issues around population decline and deprivation are real but are best dealt with by working with established assets, not sweeping buildings aside in the hope that the underlying problems will go away.”

The Provost dismissed the judges’ assessment as narrow and outdated, highlighting instead the wealth of progress across the town.

He pointed to award-winning businesses in the town centre, a restored 18th-century building, new housing, strong transport links, and the continued presence of the last commercial shipyard on the Lower Clyde. He also drew attention to community assets including a swimming pool, modern schools, playparks, a golf course, a community sports stadium, and the newly built hub and horticultural centre at Parklea.

Turning to the controversial demolition of Clune Park, which was cited by judges as a missed opportunity, McKenzie said safety had to come first.

“Clune Park was largely a privately-owned housing estate that had fallen into a dangerous condition due to years of neglect, anti-social behaviour, and deliberate fires,” he said.

“The demolition works are enforced and are being carried out in the interests of safety because dangerous buildings notices were served on residential properties, as well as the former church and school, due to their perilous conditions in line with the council’s statutory responsibilities.

“It’s extremely difficult to save, let alone repurpose, roof and high-level wall structures that are at risk of imminent collapse.”

While acknowledging that Port Glasgow, like all towns, faces challenges, the Provost insisted the picture is far brighter than the Carbuncle judges painted.

“It’s disappointing that the expert judges didn’t do their homework but we would be delighted to welcome them to Port Glasgow to see for themselves the many wonderful things the town has to offer.”

The Carbuncle Awards’ organisers argue that by shining a light on decline, they aim to spark debate and encourage regeneration.