Greenock: The Town Whose Council Wants Migrants to Move In
BBC News
In the world of Scottish towns, Greenock stands out for its unique demographic shift. Once a bustling industrial center, it is now experiencing a surge in African and refugee populations. This transformation has prompted the local council to devise a strategy to attract even more migrants, aiming to reverse the town’s population decline.
The Changing Demographic
A visit to Greenock’s High Street reveals a vibrant contrast. Anik African Store, featuring traditional African foods, stands alongside other shops, a testament to the town’s new cultural tapestry. Five years ago, such sights were rare, but now hundreds of Africans and refugees call Greenock home.
A Plan to Repopulate
Inverclyde Council recognizes the challenges posed by the town’s dwindling population, projected to fall by 16% over the next two decades. Their solution is twofold: encouraging existing African residents to settle permanently and attracting other legal migrants and refugees.
However, the key issue remains the lack of employment opportunities.
A Ghost Town with Empty Streets
Locals like Tiffany, a mother who moved back to raise her child, express concerns about the town’s economic stagnation. "It’s a ghost town," she says, "There’s nothing to do, there are no shops, and there is no employment." Tiffany is considering leaving for Paisley, where job prospects and amenities are better.
A Historical Legacy
Diving into Greenock’s history, one discovers its past as a global sugar refining hub in the 19th century, a legacy that once boomed but now lies largely silent.
