Scotland’s iconic shopping street left in ‘sad’ state one week before Christmas

ONE of Scotland’s most iconic shopping streets looks in a sorry state with Christmas just a week away.

Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street has seen its dug up middle section cordoned off with £5.7million regeneration work underway.

Barriers and traffic cones have been shunted out of place while pedestrians dodge litter piled up on the pavement.

Scores of shops have shut down with graffiti daubed on the walls.

It’s a far cry from days gone by which would have seen the street packed with happy Christmas shoppers.

The maintenance project will see rain gardens, 40 street trees, new kerbing and lighting and road, pavement and footway reconstruction.

The work is being funded by the UK and Scottish Government and is due to be completed by the end of next summer.

Tory MSP Russell Findlay said: “Glasgow is miles mankier under the useless SNP.

“They should be ashamed at the sad and sorry condition of this world-famous and once-vibrant city street.”

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said the work on the street had been planned as part of Glasgow Region City Deal.

They added: “The work will help to revitalise this famous strength of the city centre and make it a more pleasant and attractive place to spend time.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the current work, which started in September and should be finished by next summer.”