Friday May 22nd 2026
Herries Lane
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
A south side lane used by children on their way to school has lost its lighting – sparking residents to sign a petition.
Well-used Herries Lane is now in darkness at night due to a fault – and the council has no statutory duty to fix the problem as it is private.
Residents are calling for the council’s help to reinstate lighting in the interests of public safety as the lane is used for people going to Shawlands railway station, Pollok Park, restaurants, shops, local schools and other places. Local people are now submitting a petition to Glasgow City Council over the situation.
Pollokshields councillor Jon Molyneux said: “The lane is privately owned but it provides a public benefit to people accessing public transport and schools. The lighting failed a while ago – there is an underground cable fault.”
He said the council’s decision to “disconnect” the lighting caught “residents by surprise”.
Commenting on how people were unaware of the council’s policy on private lane lighting, he said: “The first time they were made aware of it was when the lane was plunged into darkness.”
He suggested the council consider lanes on a case by case basis instead of a blanket approach and points out “this route provides a wider public benefit” and not lighting it contradicts council strategies on encouraging people to walk and cycle more.
A resident said: “We simply want to get one light fixed and reinstated in the streetlighting network to make the lane safe for people going to the station, schools and the park. We still hope that the council will work with us to do this, since its such a low level investment needed to protect public safety.”
Green Councillor Molyneux raised the issue at last week’s council meeting after Labour councillor Lilith Johnstone asked for clarification on the council’s policy on “maintaining or replacing street lighting in private lanes that are used for council services”.
In response Councillor Laura Doherty outlined the council’s policy on private lane lighting.
The convenor for neighbourhood services and assets said: “Lighting in private lanes is not a statutory responsibility of the council. However where lighting is present the council will continue to support its safe operation through minor electrical repairs and lantern replacement where that is practical.”
The SNP councillor added: “A full replacement of life expired columns in private lanes cannot be funded by the council as resources must be focused on the public road network where there is a legal duty and significant programme of renewal is under way. When lighting in private lanes reaches the end of its life or is assessed as unsafe the council will switch it off and remove it providing as much advanced notice as possible.”
She added how the council “will work constructively with technical advice and ongoing support for owners who wish to pursue new lighting” pointing out guidance would be included on options and signposting to available funding to help with installation costs.
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