‘Significant challenges’ for Glasgow as footfall drops by 400,000

Glasgow city centre needs “fresh life” a business body has warned, as a new report showed a decline of more than 400,000 visitors compared with last year.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said revitalising the city should be a “top economic priority.”

There were 410,000 fewer visitors in May compared with the same month last year, while in April there was a sales decrease of 12.3%, the equivalent of £60m.

A spokesman for the city council said Glasgow faced “significant challenges” but the council was working to create a “more attractive environment” for businesses and shoppers.

City centres across the country have been affected by a number of factors, including the cost of living crisis and the continued popularity of online shopping.

However, feedback from businesses in the new report cited additional problems with “cleansing, maintenance & hygiene” throughout Glasgow.