BUSINESS leaders fear a new transport link will turn Govan into a ghost town.

Local councillor Stephen Dornan was approached by a number of Govan shopkeepers worried they would lose out on passing trade with the introduction of Fastlink.

He organised a meeting to allow them to share their concerns about the introduction of the new service.

Fastlink, which will operate between the city centre and the Southern General Hospital, will use specially designed buses on a segregated bus corridor.

Mr Dornan believes it will wipe out passing trade on Govan Road, leaving the area like a 'ghost town'.

He said: "Fastlink will destroy Govan. Because it will be a dedicated bus lane, shops and businesses will be under threat of closure as passing trade will disappear overnight.

"Govan has six buses which go to the hospital and we don't need another one.

"If Fastlink goes ahead it should be kept to the other side of the Clyde, using the Expressway and Clyde tunnel, coming out at the hospital."

Mr Dornan said he had handed out more than 90 letters to local businesses inviting them to attend the meeting at the Linthouse Housing Association offices in Cressie Street.

He added: "Around two thirds of these businesses say they depend on passing trade and that if Fastlink goes ahead, they will close down.

"Govan will turn into a ghost town - the only thing missing will be the tumbleweed blowing down the street.

"I think it is imperative businesses have full knowledge of the proposal and how it will affect them."

The £40 million Fastlink project has broad political support but Govan Tenants' and Residents' Association has protested against the scheme.

It is also concerned about the effect the dedicated bus lanes will have on small local businesses.

And it has also called for the new route, which is funded by the SNP Government and backed by the city council and SPT, to be switched north of the river to the Expressway.

Association secretary Greg Hine said: "The project could impact on local businesses if customers are no longer able to set down, pick up or park for due to local restrictions."

A council spokesman said: "Council officers are visiting businesses in Govan to fully outline the details of Fastlink to business owners. So far, all responses have been positive.

"Non-statutory consultations were also carried out in June to outline the details of Fastlink."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk