Work commenced last week on major repairs to the M8 at Charing Cross, including essential waterproofing of the underpass, but also adding new cycle lane facilities above. Scheduled to run until December 2, the works are set to cause significant disruption to the flow of vehicles and pedestrians around St George’s Cross, with considerable areas of road and pavement now cordoned off. We spoke to local business owners on St George’s Road to see how the project is affecting their trade, and what they thought about the introduction of a cycle lane.
READ NEXT: Glasgow Byres Road locals have their say on new cycle lanes (Image: Colin Mearns) Lake Sharma, 59, owns The Q Club, a snooker and pool hall. He's worried about the impact of reduced footfall on the street, and believes the cycle lane will be a “disaster.” He said: “The smaller businesses round here rely on passing trade.
They’ve lost all that now, which has a major impact. And it’s 21 weeks we’ve got to suffer it for. How can small businesses around here survive for 21 weeks? “The cycle lane is going to be a disaster.
There’s going to be a huge problem with parking - especially when the schools go back. It’s going to be gridlocked. “Sauchiehall Street is a disaster.
They want to do Argyle Street - it’s going to be a disaster. You can see what Byres Road is like - another disaster. Why don’t they talk to the businesses when they’re planning this stuff? “Whoever planned this really needs their he.