Shopkeeper fears long-running project to upgrade Shields Bridge in Glasgow is killing his business

A shopkeeper says he fears a long-running project to upgrade a bridge amid rail works is killing his business.

Mohammad Anwar has owned his store near Shields Road bridge in Glasgow for eight years but recent works on the crossing have seen a dip in trade.

The bridge has been a long standing link between the southside and the city centre, but this weekend it was torn down due to a number of defects and will be replaced in the coming months.

The £12.6m project will also see new electric overhead cables installed to service the rail lines which run underneath the bridge.

Rail services have now resumed on the lines where the bridge once stood and a temporary footbridge is allowing access for pedestrians and bikes to cross.

However drivers and buses are still forced to take lengthy diversions due to the ongoing works.

Shields Road bridge has been closed for six months STV News

Michael McArthur, project manager at Network Rail, said: “It’s a massive milestone in this project for us, effectively we are around about halfway through the overall replacement of the structure which is a huge achievement in terms of us being on programme to try and minimise the disruption for the public.”

Engineers say they are on track to complete the works as planned by August, but Mr Anwar fears it will come too late for his business.

In the six months since the bridge closed for engineering works, Mr Anwar has lost five members of staff.

He has owned the shop directly across from the works for the past eight years. He says footfall has dropped 60% and doubts his business will be here when the bridge finally reopens.

He told STV News: “It’s very, very difficult you know. We are thinking maybe we need to close the shop.

“My rent is behind and my supplier from the cash and carry has money outstanding.

“We need to pay our house mortgage, car expenses, petrol, electricity.”

Network Rail have apologised for any inconvenience to locals and businesses due to the ongoing works.

Mr Anwar hopes his business will survive by the time the project is completed this summer.