POVERTY levels in a Johnstone housing estate have been branded “shocking” after it was ranked as one of the most deprived areas in the whole of Scotland.
The Howwood Road scheme, which includes Greenend Avenue, is in the top five per cent of the country’s most deprived areas, according to the 2020 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) report.
Poverty there has marginally decreased since the last SIMD report was published in 2016 but, outside of Paisley, it is the only area in Renfrewshire to retain such a low ranking.
Councillor John Hood, who represents Howwood Road as part of his Johnstone South remit, described the latest statistics as “very disappointing” and called for more help to be offered to residents.
He fears impending budget cuts, with Renfrewshire Council needing to plug a £45million black hole over the next three years, will have a particularly harmful impact on families.
READ MORE: Job losses could run into 'hundreds' as Renfrewshire Council plugs £45m black hole
“I’m worried they will see their services cut,” said Councillor Hood. “There’s a lot we could do in the scheme to help. Whatever the solution is, more needs to be done.”
While the latest SIMD report, issued on behalf of the Scottish Government, highlights worrying levels of deprivation in some parts of Johnstone and the surrounding towns and villages, overall levels in Renfrewshire are down from 27 per cent in 2016 to 24 per cent now.
Houston North, which includes the village’s Main Street, was ranked the least deprived area in Renfrewshire.
Other areas reported to be doing well include Renfrew West and Renfrew East, which contain Porterfield Road and Afton Drive respectively, and parts of Lochwinnoch, in and around Main Street.
Bridge of Weir also ranked highly, albeit with pockets of deprivation near Houston Road.
Erskine saw a slight increase in its number of deprived areas, while Linwood North and Linwood South, which include the likes of Cowal Drive and Lochhead Avenue respectively, were named among the top 10 per cent most deprived places in Scotland.
Meanwhile, Ferguslie Park, in Paisley, is no longer ranked as Scotland’s most deprived area, with that unwanted tag now belonging to Greenock town centre.
Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek Mackay said: “I welcome these latest statistics which show Renfrewshire is moving in the right direction and this improvement indicates the collaborative work by the Scottish Government, Renfrewshire Council, third sector partners and communities themselves is having a positive effect on tackling the causes of inequality."
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We are committed to tackling poverty and investing in key programmes and initiatives that improve Renfrewshire for all residents.
“Our work to raise attainment for all and close the poverty-related attainment gap is supporting our children and young people into positive and sustained destinations post school and was recently evaluated as excellent by Education Scotland.
READ MORE: Renfrewshire's most and least deprived areas revealed in new SIMD figures
“We’ve put significant investment into supporting people into work through our £4.5million jobs and employability programme and £5million Tackling Poverty programme that are targeting support to the people who need it most.
“Families First Johnstone also brings a range of council, health and voluntary services together to support families within the area and give children the best start in life. Support is tailored to the needs of the family.
“We will continue to work with local people across Renfrewshire to support them transform their area into one that meets their needs.”
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