BIG respect to the Ryelands residents who sat patiently through a testing three-hour council meeting this week.

Many were unfamiliar with the civic surroundings and the baffling procedures of local government but they stuck with it to the end.

They were no fools.

The tenants and residents were hungry to know what was happening. They scanned agendas, muttered explanations to confused neighbours and soaked up every twist and turn of procedural protocol.

Many were forced to stand, young children sat quietly through points of order and substantive motions but as the hours passed they never grew restless and held their nerve.

When the vote went their way the cheers raised the town hall rafters.

A political sleight of hand to introduce a further amendment as the jubilant residents left the chamber saw them rush back in numbers to ensure there were no shenanigans.

Quite simply, as a community, the people of Ryelands were superb.

But it's not over - the next few weeks are vital. The fear of bulldozers ripping up homes has brought them together but they have to build on this fantastic community spirit and sense of solidarity.

Estates in parts of Glasgow that make Ryelands look like Haverbreaks have managed to turn themselves around - how did they do it? Could something similar be set up here? Can they come together to keep the community spirit going?

Come on the good people of Ryelands - your estate has been maligned for years - here's a great chance to prove your detractors wrong.