FURIOUS traders have hit out at a profit-boosting scheme which they claim could put them out of business.

Several Byres Road traders have refused to pay for the Business Improvement District (BID) which is set to cost them thousands of pounds.

The scheme was introduced in May this year, aiming to improve footfall and trade on the popular West End thoroughfare.

However a baffling 27 shops, from number 1 to number 65 Byres Road, have been made exempt from paying which other traders say is unfair and gives their competitors the edge.

Other firms have been left to foot the bill, with some being expected to pay more than £7,000 for it in the next five years.

Now at least six traders who have refused to pay have been issued with a final warning, and a threat of legal action if they fail to cough up the cash.

Gino Verrecchia, owner of the famous University Cafe and chip shop said he has been asked to pay £120 a month in total for his two shops.

Gino said that since the Western Infirmary partially closed, he has been hit hard by the reduction in footfall in the area and he simply can’t afford to pay out any more.

He said: “We’ve already had to cut down on one member of staff recently and I’m working the extra hours to make up for that.

“We can’t afford to pay more than £120 every month, and for what? I don’t see what they’ve done so far or how any of the plans will benefit us at all.”

Wilma Scott, owner of X Cutz, a hairdressers at number 95 said: “They’re charging me £38 a month, I’ve been told it might not stay at that price for the whole time.

“There needs to be a different approach to the top and bottom of Byres Road, the [BID staff] just don’t see that.

“It’s also not fair if our competitors down the road aren’t paying it, for no reason.

“Anything which is going to benefit Byres Road will benefit them too.”

Gordon Richardson, is being asked to pay £45 a month, but doesn’t think he will benefit from any of the proposals put forward by the BID team.

He said: “The problem is people just get off the subway at Hillhead, go to the shops around there and go back on the subway without coming near us.

“We don’t understand why some shops are not included either. It doesn’t make sense.

“They’ve completely made a mess of this.”

Deborah Murray, project manager for the Byres Road and Lanes BID plan said even if the excluded businesses had voted against the plans, the outcome of the ballot would not have been affected

She was unable to respond to claims that the rates were giving an unfair advantage to some trader's competitors who are exempt from paying.

Ms Murray added:"We can act as a collective voice for all of the businesses in our area, working with the Council and other major institutions to ensure that the redevelopment of the hospital site and other significant infrastructure development benefit our businesses.

"We are also planning a collaborative approach to the rates review in 2017."

She said bringing extra people to the area was "the key to success" and encouraged businesses to work with BID "to restore this part of the West End to Glasgow’s best neighbourhood."

The organisation are to host a small business event on Byres Road this Saturday, aiming to bring more people to the area.

"With our new brand in place we are planning a programme of marketing and events that will encourage residents to shop and eat locally, and encourage new visitors to the area.

"We are also working with partners to improve the environmental quality of the area, making it a place people where people want to stay longer and linger."