Govanhill pupils who leapt to the defence of their school have another target in sight.
The 6B class wrote to the Evening Times last month to speak up for Govanhill after claims by the local housing association that substandard housing had become "a breeding-ground for crime, poor health and poor educational attainment."
Shettleson MSP Frank McAveety read of their reactions - and arranged to visit the pupils.
And, scenting an opportunity, they used his visit to press for his help in repairing a nearby disused blaes pitch.
The pitch, which is adjacent to Holy Cross RC Primary in Calder Street, Govanhill, is rutted and littered, and access to it is via a gap in a chain-link fence.
It would take about £60,000-£80,000 to refurbish it fully so that it can be used by the school during the day and by the wider community at night.
Principal teacher Eileen Tompkins said: "There are 400 pupils here who would love to be able to use the pitch every day."
Mr McAveety, who praised the P6 pupils for their citizenship, ventured outside to look at the pitch and promised to raise the issue with Southside Central councillor Anne Marie Millar.
He said: "Anne Marie and I will work with the school and the pupils to see what can be done to help. Anne Marie is also seeing if it can be tidied up in the meantime."
Headteacher Kevin Carr said: "I'm very proud of my pupils. They're not shy about coming forward."
During his visit Mr McAveety told the pupils of the recently-launched 67-point plan that aims to improve Govanhill.
Its key points include more police and council enforcement officers on the streets, better use of ASBOs to tackle low-level crime, bad neighbours and rogue landlords, crackdowns on street drinking and drug use, and more facilities for the young.
"We need to try to sort out the really bad housing," the MSP said. "There are maybe 200-300 houses that could do with long-term investment.
Other urgent issues, he said, included anti-social behaviour and litter.
He also spoke of moves to connect more with incomers from Slovakia.
Afterwards, the MSP said: "There are lots of positives in Govanhill - we just need to focus on the things that are causing people grief."
Ten-year-old Cassidy Todd, the Pupil Council representative for 6B, said: "We were very encouraged that Mr McAveety was interested to meet us.
"We'd like to see the pitch being used and we're delighted that he is taking an interest in that."
RUSSELL LEADBETTER
