A TWENTY year campaign to bring a Glasgow community together ended with the opening of a new £1million hall - and a tribute to one of the driving forces behind the campaign.

The Netherholm Hall in Castlemilk has opened its doors with campaigners proudly declaring it a success.

Residents fought tirelessly for two decades to create the community facility – refusing to give up and never allowing setbacks to knock them off course.

However, it wasn't until 2016 when it was revealed the group had successfully won funding of almost £1m from the Big Lottery Fund Scotland.

George Alexander, vice chair of community group the Netherholm Area Association which undertook the campaigning, said: “This is a great step forward for our community.

"We have campaigned long and hard for a facility such as this and it is wonderful to see it here.

“It has been overwhelmingly welcomed by everyone and the community will put it to good use. Above all, it will help to bring people together.”

The official opening also allowed the community to pay tribute to local campaigner Yvonne McShea, who died in 2013.

Yvonne was a former chair of Thenue Housing and was an early supporter of community-based housing in Castlemilk.

The information technology suite has been named in her honour – an idea which came from her fellow campaigners and which stands as a lasting legacy to her drive and commitment.

Her family were on hand to celebrate the moment.

Charles Turner, chief executive of Thenue Housing said: “The members of the community who campaigned so effectively for this hall are living proof that quitters never win and winners never quit.

"The effort that has gone into delivering this hall for the community has been truly inspirational.”

Two years after the funding donation, the doors have now swung open following an official launch by former Lord Provost and Councillor Sadie Docherty who has been a long-standing supporter of the campaign.

There will be a strong focus on activities for children and families at the hall, while organisers insist there will be something for everyone.

The new facility constructed by Cruden, sits alongside 22 new homes built by Thenue Housing which the area association is affiliated to.

Unveiling a commemorative plaque, Cllr Docherty said: “This is an important day for the community.

"All that work has paid off and we have a new community hall which this wonderful community can be very proud of.”

The hall will host community events and Thenue will run its recently-announced digital learning initiative known as “CLIC” from the venue aimed at giving people digital skills.

Gordon Lee, director of Cruden Building added: “We’re delighted to have built this brand new facility as part of our work with Thenue Housing Association, where we have delivered a landmark housing development of 22 energy-efficient new homes.

"We hope the Netherholm hall will provide a fantastic resource for local residents and the wider Castlemilk community.”