Threat to our businesses

IF the Scottish Football Association (SFA) carries out its threat to vacate Hampden (Mail) it will harm the local economy.

Businesses in the south side of Glasgow rely on the business generated by Scotland internationals and Cup semis and finals.

To take away this income will only add more challenges to local businesses which are struggling and which rely on the big paydays from events at our national stadium.

It is unfair to say the area is not suited to accommodate large events and that transport infrastructure and retail and leisure facilities are not in place. Our transport links are second to none in the city.

To claim there is only one takeaway and a Tesco Express serving the stadium is ludicrous. On Cathcart Road, Battlefield Road, Kilmarnock Road and Pollokshaws Road there are countless takeaways, restaurants and pubs.

I understand the SFA’s concern about business rate increases forced upon it by the Scottish Government. Finance Secretary Derek Mackay should re-evaluate rates for Hampden to keep the SFA at the home of Scottish football and protect the interests of local businesses.

And there is the potential negative impact this would cause one of our proudest institutions: Queen’s Park Football Club. It would be a travesty if the Spiders – who retain amateur status – were left with a financial burden which could potentially force them out of existence. £4.5million is no small change for any football club in the current climate, never mind a side plying its trade in League One.

STEVEN LIVINGSTON, Labour candidate for glasgow City Council

Langside ward, glasgow.