THE challenge to revive Sauchiehall Street will exist long after the street is finally re-opened, businesses have said.

A dozen shops remain closed, either still sealed off or not able to get up and running due to issues like power.

Owners met with councillors and officials and business leaders to discuss the current situation and the way forward.

The Sauchiehall Street Task Force met at Glasgow City Chambers to report on progress and future works.

The council and the owners have only just been able to see an aerial view of the 02ABC and the future of the building remains unclear.

Business owners said they were feeling more positive but warned there is a long way to go and a lot of work needed if firms are to survive.

Gill Hutchison of Biggars Music listed 12 businesses not yet open following the Art School fire in June.

The firms still closesdon Sauchiehall Street are; Subway, NY Slice, Chocoberry, i-Cafe, Steak, rattle and Roll, News 4 U, Bagel Mania, Vape, Biggars Music School, Campus, 02ABC, Wokway.

Ms Hutchison said those who have managed to open are reporting huge difficulties.

She said: “Reduced footfall, a lack of lighting and customers having had four months to go somewhere else are all having an impact.”

She added there was shared outrage at the UK government snubbing the city but giving £2m to Belfast after the Bank Building fire.

Ms Hutchison added: “ Im glad there’s money going to Belfast but we have been snubbed.”

She added: “There was a recognition there is a need for ongoing meetings to deal with issues that still need attention.”

Donald Macleod owner of the Garage nightclub said he was feeling more positive after the meeting.

He said: “We all want to be part of the solution.

“I went in with a feeling of dread and that it would be a talking shop.

“But it was more than that. Everyone was more sensitive to the plight of the businesses.”

A council spokesman said: “The purpose of the taskforce has always been to take a long-term, strategic look at the future of Sauchiehall Street.

“Naturally, though, people have also been interested over the last few months in the immediate impact of the two fires and the challenges presented by unsafe buildings – and that has been reflected in the meetings.

“What was hopefully clear from yesterday’s meeting is that this is a long-term commitment and an opportunity to look at what everyone would like Sauchiehall Street to be, rather than an effort that will be over when the security fences come down.”