Anger and disbelief were on display in Barrhead this week as it was reported that more than half of children in some areas of town are living in “intense” poverty.

Despite figures which reveal a child poverty rate of 55 per cent, the overwhelming feeling amongst residents in Arthurlie who spoke to the Barrhead News is that the area is hugely better than it has been in the past.

This is especially true of older residents, who cited an increase in privately-owned housing and community developments as indicators that the town is on the up.

Arthurlie resident Allan Moore said: “This is a real shock to me. I’ve always thought this was quite a nice area overall.

“Obviously there are a few corners of the scheme here and there that aren’t so good but I think many of the people here are quite comfortable.”

This feeling was echoed by local representatives, who point to consistent improvements in the area.

Councillor Danny Devlin, who represents Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor as an Independent, said: “This report comes as a big surprise to me and I am very disappointed, as the council has been working very hard on this.

“There is no way that more than 50 per cent of children live in poverty. The statistics must be way out.

“There are small pockets, like anywhere in the country, but nothing like they are trying to show. Everyone is very angry because it makes Barrhead look like something that it’s not.

“Things have improved massively here.”

However, there were some people who expressed worries over the opportunities for kids in the south of Barrhead.

Mum-of-five Laura Docherty said: “ I feel so strongly about getting things for our children in the community.

“I have a son with special needs who, with no community centres to go to, feels very isolated.

“It’s not just children in poverty, it is all children we should be focusing on.”