CALLS are being made to support businesses in Finnieston over fears that footfall will be diverted from the area during one of the city's busiest summers.

Independent businesses in the area are concerned that they will not attract tourists because of road closures around the Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre during the Commonwealth Games.

They want signs put up around main transport hubs to remind people to shop locally and to explore the West End neighbourhood.

Kelvin Way and part of Sauchiehall Street will be closed during the Games, while there are other closures in place at Radnor Street and Bentinck Street.

Ersan Sherifi has run The Little Cafe, in Argyle Street, for nearly five years.

He said his business has suffered in the past two years following the relocation of the Transport Museum to the Riverside and the temporary closure of the sports venue at the Kelvin Hall to allow for refurbishment.

He said: "We have to make the most of the Games this summer to make up for the losses of the last two years."

Mr Sherifi suggested that banners could be put up in Subway stations, including Kelvinbridge and Kelvinhall, as well as at the Exhibition Centre station.

He said: "We would like some banners that say: 'support small businesses' or 'come and explore small businesses'.

"Now we are seeing all the restrictions and fencing going up I realise that it could have an impact.

"I'm worried that people will just be buying expensive food from burger vans in the venues."

Lynn Girasoli, owner of Roast, in Argyle Street, backed Mr Sherifi's call.

She said: "It would be good to see the Games organisers letting people know that there's so much going on in Finnieston.

"I'd like to see some signage letting tourists know that we're here."

In nearby Radnor Street, Shelley Docherty, manager of Montgomerys Cafe, said: "There's been a move towards the East End with the Games coming up, and that is a really positive thing, but we would like to see Finnieston and Yorkhill get some of the benefits."

Sandra White, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, said: "Here, in the West End, we have many small local businesses ... and they want to be part of this great event. I would urge the organisers to listen to their pleas."

A Glasgow 2014 spokesperson said: "We know that the city will be bustling with activity like never before for what will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

"By working together to ensure we can deliver an outstanding Games experience for everyone to enjoy, we can secure lasting benefits for communities, businesses, Glasgow and Scotland."

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk