BOSSES at three pubs have thrown their weight behind a move to pedestrianise Sauchiehall Street or close it to traffic at weekends.

The non-pedestrianised section would be transformed by the move.

Earlier this month, the Evening Times revealed entertainment premises are to be balloted about improvement plans and a group of businesses in the street have been working with the Chamber of Commerce on the proposal.

It is aimed at supporting and championing the large number of entertainment outlets operating in the area including bars and restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, takeaway restaurants, cafes, licensed exhibitions and venues.

Next month they will be balloted on whether or not to back the Business Improvement District (BID) scheme which would result in them paying the equivalent of 1% of their rateable value into a special fund.

But David Gormley, co-owner of the Variety Bar, Gavin McGreish, operations director of Campus and Nicola Walker, manager of Driftwood have already said they are in favour of the scheme.

THE BID steering group chairman Brian Fulton, a director of CPL entertainment which owns The Garage on Sauchiehall Street, also backs the move.

Mr Gormley said: "For the past few years Sauchiehall Street has needed a boost and a facelift. What is needed is for the bars and venues to work together to create an entertainment area."

One suggestion from a number of pub bosses is pedestrianising the road allowing outside seating.

In the short-term they suggest closing Sauchiehall Street at weekends to create a European-type vibe with outdoor seating.

Mr Gormley said: "There was a fire at a takeaway in the street last year which resulted in it being blocked off which did not disrupt city that much.

"Sauchiehall Street is one of the most famous streets in Glasgow but in recent years we have seen people moving out of the area."

Venue bosses believe one way of revitalising the street would be for it to get the same level of investment as Buchanan Street and the Merchant City.

Mr Gormley said: "Tourists and people living in Glasgow should be made aware of the cultural scene in and around Sauchiehall Street.

THE drinking culture, managed properly, is not a bad thing for a city.

"Sauchiehall Street needs more little pubs and entertainment places, otherwise we will only be left with the big chains."

Ms Walker, who has worked at the Driftwood for 11 years, insists creating a BID would benefit all the businesses in the area.

She said: "Our owner would like to see the area pedestrianised which is something we could move towards in the future.

"The BID would give the venues an opportunity to work together to make sure the problems in the area are sorted out. Working together would also allow us to promote the area together and get more footfall in.

"We are a small independent business but working with other organisations in the area would give us all a lot more influence. It can do nothing but good. I have read up on the bid scheme and it has worked incredibly well.

"A lot of the council's work has been driven towards Buchanan Street, the Merchant City and the West End and we believe it is now time to focus on Sauchiehall Street."

Gavin McGreish, of Campus, also feels the area is losing out to other parts of the city centre. He said: "Sauchiehall Street does not get the attention it deserves. The public realm is tired and dirty and could do with being improved."

CHAMBER of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick is pleased to see the momentum being built by the 'yes' campaign.

"A successful BID would see the non-pedestrianised part of Sauchiehall Street transformed from an unloved area with distinct problems and given a definite identity."

Council leader Gordon Matheson said: "It is encouraging to see businesses in the city centre working together and supporting each other.

"I'm confident their efforts will benefit not only them and their staff, but also local residents and the thousands of people who visit the area."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk