A TRAVEL boss has hit out at plans to relocate a bus shelter outside his city centre premises.

Glasgow City Council has decided to erect a large shelter outside the main entrance of Barrhead Travel’s store on Oswald Street.

But the group’s chairman Bill Munro is worried the move will affect his business and put the welfare and safety of his staff at risk.

He has also voiced concerns about lack of consultation by council bosses.

Barrhead Travel, which employs more than 150 staff at Oswald Street raised the issue with the council three months ago.

Mr Munro said: “I find it absolutely staggering that as one of Glasgow’s leading employers, firmly embedded in the local community, that we haven’t 
been properly consulted about these plans by Glasgow City Council.

“Despite our best efforts to engage, there has been a complete lack of transparency and communication from the city’s planning department.
“We understand there is a city centre planning strategy under way, however, we have not had the opportunity to be part of this process and discuss the unintended impact and significant repercussions it has on the welfare and security of our staff.

“We welcome dialogue and discussion with Glasgow City Council to help reach a solution that ensures the effectiveness of the city’s transport system, while ensuring local businesses can continue to operate in the best possible way.”

The city council has decided to relocate all the bus stops from Jamaica Street to Oswald Street as part of a wider, city-centre traffic strategy.

A spokesman said: “ We have been engaging with the company and there has been a public consultation and clearly this kind of infrastructure will help improve travel around the city and to major shopping areas.

“The works will improve the flow of buses on Union Street and Jamaica Street, the waiting environment for passengers at bus stops in the area and pedestrian safety at the Argyle Street / Union Street junction.  

“This will be done by removing the existing northbound contra-flow bus lane on Jamaica Street and ultimately reducing the number of traffic movements.”
The work is part of the Fastlink project that will deliver bus priority measures and improved facilities for passengers.