Newton Mearns
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Newton Mearns is a small suburban town 7 miles southwest of Glasgow, Scotland. It has a population of approximately 22,637 [1] (http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/index/housing/housing_improvement_and_repairs/pg_local_housing_strategy_page/d9beb3c3a8749815e030928d43b15844).
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Transport
Traffic through the town was reduced significantly when the new M77 motorway extension was opened in the late 1990s - despite opposition from campaigners in the nearly Darnley, Arden and Pollok areas of Glasgow, who saw their communities divided by the new road.
As well as minor and major roads, the town has bus links with the centre of Glasgow and Ayr. A single railway line runs near the town, linking Newton Mearns with Glasgow Central station- from which passengers can switch to trains to other parts of the west of Scotland or to West Coast mainline trains.
Schools
One factor that has made the town popular with families is the variety and quality of local schools. The town is served by a total of 4 Primary Schools and 3 High Schools. Due to its relative affluence the area is also home to several independent schools.
Local government
Following the breakup of Strathclyde Regional Council in 1996, Newton Mearns became part of the new East Renfrewshire Council area.
On more than one occasion Glasgow City Coucil applied to the Boundaries Commission to have Newton Mearns re-allocated to its control (primarily for the lucrative council tax revenues that would result) however these attempts proved unsuccessful.
Councillors
Newton Mearns is divided up into five council wards for representation on East Renfrewshire Council- currently all of these are held by the Conservative Party.
- Broom: Cllr Barbara Grant
- Crookfur: Cllr Leslie Rosin
- Greenfarm: Cllr Charlie Gilbert JP
- Kirkhill: Cllr Iain Drysdale
- Mearns: Cllr Ian S. Hutchison OBE JP
Commerce
Newton Mearns is a primarily residential area, with most of its inhabitants travelling by car or public transport to nearby Glasgow for employment and shopping. However, there are some small businesses in the area, and an indoor shopping mall.
The Avenue Shopping Centre
This is the only large retail development in Newton Mearns. It currently comprises:
- Two supermarkets
- Five banks
- Nine clothing stores
- Twenty-eight other stores of various types
External links
- East Renfrewshire Council (http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk)
- Mearns Community Council (http://www.mearnscc.org.uk/)
References
- East Renfrewshire Council, 'People of East Renfrewshire', retrieved 18th May 2005 (http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/index/housing/housing_improvement_and_repairs/pg_local_housing_strategy_page/d9beb3c3a8749815e030928d43b15844)