Nicola Sturgeon Backs Neighbours in Protest Against ‘Sex Parties’ Flat in Glasgow

In a notable intervention, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has supported local residents in their objection to a property in Strathbungo, Glasgow, that has allegedly been the venue for “sex parties.” This action aligns with the concerns raised by neighbours who voiced their discomfort over hearing loud sexual noises emanating from the flat during such gatherings. The complaints led to Sturgeon filing a formal objection to the city council as she continues her role as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Southside.

The uproar centres on a house in Queen Square, where over a dozen local residents, including Sturgeon, lodged formal complaints against the application for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence. The council ultimately denied the licence following testimony from neighbours detailing their distress. One resident, Holly Ritchie, who has lived in the area for 13 years, described her family’s experience as one of heightened anxiety, stating, “It has become quite uncomfortable. We have heard noise and noisy sex. There were sex parties. Everyone could hear it.”

The property under scrutiny, owned by landlord William McDevitt, was reported to have hosted a “revolving door” of tenants, with accusations of as many as twelve different occupants in a mere two years. This caused significant unease among neighbours, particularly for women, with concerns about safety when entering or exiting the building. Another local resident noted that her comfort was compromised due to the unpredictable nature of those entering the property, emphasising, “I don't believe he understands the character of tenants,” referring to McDevitt.

In response to the complaints, McDevitt admitted to hearing noises but was reportedly unaware of the more private activities transpiring within his property. His application for the HMO licence was prompted by a local complaint that highlighted the presence of more tenants than permitted, leading the council’s HMO unit to classify the situation as operating without the necessary licence.

This incident illustrates broader issues in Glasgow's housing scene, where instances of problematic rental properties have raised questions about landlord responsibility and tenant rights. Sturgeon’s involvement may signify a growing concern over tenant welfare amidst increasing scrutiny of property management practices in the region.

Sturgeon’s actions come at a time when her political career has been fervently discussed following various challenges, including a recent police investigation involving her husband, Peter Murrell. These investigations, which included searches of her home and garden, have drawn significant media attention and public scrutiny. Such circumstances likely weigh on her political engagements and could affect how she navigates her responsibilities as an MSP while addressing community concerns.

Local councillors, including Hanif Raja, Zen Ghani, Jon Molyneux, and Norman MacLeod, echoed Sturgeon’s objections, reflecting a growing consensus among local political figures regarding the need for stringent housing regulations to safeguard neighbourhood integrity. The council's refusal to grant the HMO licence could point to a turning tide in local governance as officials seek to enforce measures that encompass both rental market integrity and community well-being.

As Glasgow continues to grapple with the ramifications of changing rental practices and housing policies, the Stathbungo incident has reignited discussions about the balance between landlord rights and community peace, setting a precedent for future interventions in the local housing landscape.

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Source: Noah Wire Services