AN MSP who backed calls for the closure of a notorious rat run has said he will look at the law preventing its closure.

John Mason battled to shut the footpath between Kilmany Drive and Kilmany Gardens in Shettleston after residents complained their properties and cars were being damaged by gangs who used the path to cut between housing estate.

Despite nearly 90% of locals who responded to a consultation on the issue demanding the lane be shut, the council said it did not have the power to close it.

Mr Mason said he will now look into legislation which means the lane cannot be closed due to anti-social behaviour.

The news follows a report in last Thursday's Evening Times that Gordon Lane, which runs from opposite The Lighthouse in Mitchell Street to Gordon Street, is to be blocked off after becoming a crime hot spot.

A council spokesman explained that the city centre lane is privately owned, and therefore not subject to the same laws as the lane in Shettleston.

In May, the Evening Times reported on the residents' battle to close the lane after they said their cars had been damaged, bins had been set on fire, windows and close doors smashed and they had even had air rifles fired at them.

Following a public consultation in September the council decided to keep the lane open.

The consultation revealed 89% of respondents backed closure, with anti-social behaviour the main concern.

Only 11% were against closure, stating that they used the lane as a convenient link to local amenities.

Previously, Councillor Jim Coleman claimed the council did not have the legal power to close the lane.

He said the Roads Scotland Act does not allow the lane to be closed simply because of concerns about anti-social behaviour. It can only be closed if it is unsafe or unused.

Kilmany Drive resident John McLean, 43, is concerned about the lane staying open.

He said: "This lane is going to cause a lot of hassle in the summer because they know now it is not getting closed, they are just going to put two fingers up to the residents at Kilmany."

He said the residents would not give up the fight to close the lane.

Mr Mason said: "If the law needs changed then, as politicians, we'll have to look into that but the people in Kilmany are clear – this can't go on.

"I have written to Glasgow City Council to ask what assistance I can provide and hope we can find a solution to the problem."

A council spokesman said: "The lane at Kilmany Drive is part of the public road, so national legislation restricts the circumstances under which it can be closed. Gordon Lane is not."

matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk