Clyde quiet

Alastair Dalton asks the question: “When will river traffic return to the forgotten Clyde? (Scotsman, 14 June)”.

Alas it appears that such activity would not presently be in the best interest of the organisation that controls the actual River Clyde – Clydeport, a subsidiary of Peel Ports of Liverpool. A second question should now be asked: “Why is there so little activity on Glasgow’s river?” The apparent answer is that it is not encouraged by Clydeport.

It is suspected that when the Clyde Port Authority was privatised by the Thatcher government it was acquired by persons who only had an interest in its large land and property portfolio and not for any enthusiasm for matters maritime.

Unfortunately for them, such land and property came with the considerable responsibility to operate and maintain the commercial waterway of the River Clyde east of Ocean Terminal at Greenock.

Such responsibilities include expensive charges such as dredging and provision of navigational aids, equipment and services. Therefore, for the time being, it would seem in the best interests of Clydeport to see maritime activity on the River Clyde dwindle to such an extent that they could put up a case for closing the navigation channel. Present levels of maritime activity would indicate that they may be succeeding.

This commercial standpoint does not sit happily with those others who wish to see development around the river now. Quite simply, within the city, activity around the river depends on activity on the river.

It is interesting to compare the situation on the River Thames with that of the Clyde. The Port of London Authority was not privatised – it continues to function in the best interests of those active on and around the Thames. The result is considerable activity both on and about London’s river. Collectively, Glasgow would do well to study this parallel carefully

DAVID B PRICE Cedarwood Court, Main Road, Cardross