Community Involvement
Oatlands has a strong community spirit and local residents have played a very significant role in shaping the area’s future. In the early days, two full-day ‘workshops’ on future ideas for the area (see photograph below), and a study visit to relevant developments in London, were organised by the (now defunct) Gorbals Umbrella Group. Since 1999, the project has been pushed forward by the Oatlands Steering Group, a forum chaired by a local Council member (originally Irene Graham, followed by Allan Watson and now Bailie James Scanlon) and attended primarily by relevant Council officials, developer/housing association representatives, and anyone else with an interest in Oatlands, whether representatives of Oatlands Community Council, local community groups or interested individuals. The Steering Group meets quarterly.
There is also now an Oatlands Working Group which meets monthly between Steering Group dates. This is a less formal forum for local groups and people to exchange information and let the Council's Project Manager know of any concerns which need pursued.
Lively debate at Oatlands community workshop