Friday August 7th 2026
Photo by Justus Menke
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
Residents are calling for one lamp post to be relit on a busy Glasgow lane used by people to get to multiple schools, parks, a train station and shops.
Pollokshields residents have submitted a petition demanding the council replace and maintain the single lamp post on Herries Lane, which is described as a “key public thoroughfare.”
The route was plunged into darkness following a fault and the council has no statutory duty to fix the light as it is on a private lane.
The lighting supply has been disconnected in the interests of safety following a fault on the underground cable network.
The petition calling for lighting to be re-instated will be considered at next week’s Glasgow City Council wellbeing, equalities, communities, culture and engagement city policy committee.
The petition said: “This lack of lighting, combined with the lane’s uneven surface and enclosed layout, significantly reduces visibility and creates genuine safety concerns. Many people now avoid the route after dark, despite it being a key active-travel and walking connection within the Southside.”
It added: “As a major connecting public route, this small section of Herries Lane should be a safe, inclusive and accessible route for the whole community and responsibility for this should therefore sit with the council.”
The lane can be used as a route serving many locations including Pollok Park, Shawlands railway station, all catchment schools, Hutchesons and Catha recreation fields as well as local bars, restaurants, shops and medical and dental practices in Shawlands.
The petition said responsibility for replacing and repairing other lighting in the lane would remain with residents. The petition has been signed by 44 people and has support from Pollokshields Community Council.
A council report has recommended the council do not take on lighting work on the lane.
The briefing note said: “Given that Herries Lane is private and the lighting is beyond its serviceable life it is recommended that the council do not undertake any further work to the lighting at this location.
“However technical support should be provided to the residents to provide an alternative solution.”
The report said: “Due to the condition of the network and the nature of the underground cable fault, continued operation of the lighting system was not considered sustainable.
“Repair of the existing infrastructure would require significant investment in assets located within a private lane and would effectively constitute infrastructure renewal rather than routine maintenance.”
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