PLANS for a multi-million pound bridge between Renfrew and Yoker face the axe as council chiefs consider alternative proposals.

The bridge over the River Clyde is one of the main projects of the £1billion Glasgow City Region City Deal but Renfrewshire Council could be set to bin the idea and instead put in place two bridges across the White Cart Water in Paisley.

One of the structures would be a road bridge at Paisley Harbour, from Inchinnan Road to Harbour Road, with a pedestrian bridge from Abercorn Street to New Sneddon Street being reinstated.

It is hoped the revised plans would boost the creation of a £40million Glasgow Airport business hub, an expansion of West College Scotland and the new £65m National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland, to be built in Inchinnan.

Commenting on the move, Callum Reid, secretary of Renfrew Community Council, said: “The community council will have to discuss these new proposals before deciding if we support them or not. However, the community of Renfrew can be assured that we will form our opinion based on their views.”

Councillor Kenny MacLaren, who represents Paisley Northwest, said the new proposals are “excellent news.”

He added: “Councillor Mags MacLaren and myself have continually stressed our concerns that the Glasgow Airport Investment Area proposals would put additional pressure on Love Street and could put pedestrians at risk.”

The City Deal is a partnership between Renfrewshire Council, seven other local authorities and the Scottish and UK Governments.

Should the original plans for a crossing between Renfrew and Yoker go ahead, it would be the first opening bridge across the Clyde.

It would link Lobnitz Dock and Rothesay Dock, with room for cars, pedestrians and cyclists.

Councillors will discuss whether to go ahead with the Clyde bridge or build the two alternative bridges at a Leadership Board meeting today.

A council spokesperson said: “Councillors will consider a proposal to review the business case of the City Deal funded Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project to ensure Renfrewshire is ready to make the most of the jobs potential and investment the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland will bring.

“If approved, the council would then seek authority from the City Region cabinet.”