I write to share the sad news that a hidden gem in Glasgow is threatened with closure. The much used and last remaining bastion of snooker in North Glasgow - the Q Club on St Georges Road at Charing Cross - is to be demolished to make way for yet more student accommodation. On reading the (26/01209/FUL) proposals on the council planning portal, I was struck by how comprehensive, advanced and professional the submission was. And yet dismayed to see how carelessly this slick proposal ignores the thriving community that it would destroy if it succeeds.

The Q Club is an utterly unique institution in Glasgow. For the uninitiated, it can be slightly daunting to walk through those blacked out doors with no hint of what lies behind. But having first crossed the threshold myself back during COVID, I can confirm it is a warm welcome, a friendly face or two and 14 full-size snooker tables. On any given day from mid-week onwards, it is not uncommon to have to wait for a table to become free before being able to play. Combined with the pool tables & darts, it is a thriving club which serves as a crucial social outlet for people from all walks of life.

The Monday night sessions are a marvel to behold. On Monday's only, anyone can come along and participate in the knock-out competition. When I first attended, I was astounded by the sheer diversity of players. Every single ethnic group, every age group and every social background, it was all of the best of Glasgow in a single, inclusive, public institution. Although overwhelming men, women are wholeheartedely welcome and do play. I recall seeing a young mother one Monday night, attending with her 6 or 7 year old son, throw her hat in the the ring and swiftly progress through to the latter stages of the evening. Her son sat happily engrossed in an iPad with a can of juice. And nobody cared or even passed comment, except to ensure this young woman was included alongside everyone else.

To give allcomers a chance, a handicap system is applied. With this in place, battle commences on the green baize and each player has an equal chance to win. It is as likely to be thumped by an 11 year old prodigy in trackys & a T-shirt as you are to be crushed by a local journeyman whose tactical know-how and grit exceeds your own. Centuries are not uncommon. Equally though, with the run of the balls and fortuitous kiss or two, the match can swing in your favour and the glittering possibilities of round two awaits. The simultaneous utter skill and uncompromising competitiveness alongside the unspoken culture of inclusion and respect is an unheralded treasure that I thought I should share. It would be unspeakably sad if it were to be lost.

Charing Cross still bears the scars from gross negligence and over-confident council planning with the California-style freeway ploughed right through it's heart. Walking around that area as I often do, is to blasted by the raging noise of the endless M8 traffic, the toxic fumes and a canyon of a concrete where once were houses and communities. It is a tragic & colossal monument to the car, which Charing Cross has been burdened with. An yet, between the towering Mitchell Library and the likes of the Bon Accord pub, the Shenaz and the Willow Grove coffee shop - the Q Club clings on with dignity to serve a community on the (literal) edge.

Charing Cross was physically hollowed out & divided once before with the M8. Please help prevent a further hollowing out, this time of the Charing Cross community. The loss of this cherished, freely accessible and diversely utilized social hub would be a huge loss for the players, the loyal staff, the local community and Glasgow as a whole. 'Sport is just the beginning', the council has a chance to 'walk the walk', now that they have hosted the Games with this tagline and demonstrate what is truly important for this city.