Queen’s Park residents and businesses have their say as Rangers confirm move to Hampden

Several Queen’s Park residents and business owners have been left with mixed feelings after it was announced that Rangers would be moving to Hampden by September 5.

The move to the national stadium was confirmed yesterday (Monday, July 15) following a failed summer renovation plan for the Copeland Road stand, which was given the green light by former CEO James Bisgrove, who has left for a new role in Saudi Arabia.

The club are now expected to play at least two ‘home’ games at the stadium, however this has caused much debate amongst those close to the ground.

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Colin and Margaret have lived in the area for 37 years. The couple remember Celtic’s move to Hampden during the 1994/95 season when Celtic Park was redeveloped.

There were numerous consultations with nearby residents at the time, but this time residents’ opinions were not sought.

Colin explained: “When Celtic moved here there was a consultation before they moved.

“At that time, they were coming with reduced capacity due to the wooden stand. There was no consultation this time.

“I’ve already complained to the council. They’re saying it’s only until September 5, but I think they’ll be here for longer.

“The biggest concern is that the area is used as a bathroom and street parking. Living here you’re going to put up with a lot of games and concerts, but this is different.”

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Another resident believes the influx of fans will force many to leave their usual haunts and local bars.

He said, “I’m not very happy.

“I drink in my local pub, which is normally a Celtic pub, and now it’s going to be packed with Rangers fans.

“It’s already crazy when Scotland are playing. I don’t like it when there are already big games or concerts going on. Every pub around here will be packed, sometimes you’ll have to queue to get in.

“I’ve seen fans pull plants out of gardens after a bad result.”

However, some see the Gers’ temporary move as a positive for the area.

A resident for 25 years, Yvonne said: “I think it will bring more customers into the shops. When there are concerts and games, there are a lot of people here.

“The more fans here the better, it just brings money into the area. It’s very busy during the week so it’s good when there’s something going on.”

The announcement has also been welcomed by some businesses in the area. Tartan Coo has been operating on Cathcart Road for a year.

The gastropub is usually packed on match days, so owner Corrine Marshall is happy to welcome more football fans to the area.

She said: “I’m happy about it because there will be a lot of business coming through the door.

“It gets really busy here on game day. Obviously we want to be the meeting point for locals, but being close to the national stadium on those days is a bonus.

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“I understand the disadvantages, in terms of people urinating in the street, but that should be the stadium’s responsibility.

“But as business people, we have to see this as a positive opportunity.”

While many have had both positive and negative reactions to the news, others believe it won’t make much of a difference to the area around Hampden.

Local resident Margaret Callaghan said: “It won’t bother me at all as long as there’s no trouble.

“I’ve seen drunk people, but there’s never been any violence. It’s really hectic on game day, but it’s generally pretty good-natured.

“I’m not sure how it will be with just one league game, but personally I have no objections.

A resident of 45 years, William Connoly added: “The train station is packed with queues on match day.

“I’m not a football fan, so it doesn’t bother me. They usually handle the crowds well here.”