CONCERNS have been raised about the future of a bus link in Erskine. 

It comes after developer CALA Homes announced plans to introduce a service for its proposed site of 200 homes near the town’s Flourish Road. 

CALA says the link, in partnership with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), will meet existing services and provide transport to the Bridgewater Shopping Centre. 

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However, residents and politicians have questioned what will happen at the end of the four-year proposal. 

Jim Gardiner, chairman of the Abbeyfield Residents Association, said residents would be left with ‘nothing’ when the link ends. 

Mr Gardiner, who lives on the adjacent Wrightlands Crescent, told The Gazette: “As soon as the subsidy has ended they are just going to drop the route. They are only paying the subsidy so they can get the new houses built. Then, it is going to be dropped and we will just be left with nothing.”

The Gazette:

Florish Road (marked on map) and the site at Northbarr in Erskine, where 195 homes are proposed 

CALA chiefs say the proposed bus link will further heighten connectivity and encourage residents to support their local shops and services. 

But, council leader and Erskine representative, Iain Nicolson, raised concerns about the bus route.

He said: “The proposals by CALA have significant deficiencies. It’s something we have been trying to address for a significant time. 

The Gazette:

Cllr Iain Nicolson raised concers about the proposals 

“The most significant is the lack of footway connections which would allow the children and families to have safe walking routes to local services such as primary schools, public transport, shopping and other amenities.

“We need to ensure developers deliver for the local area and make these developments the best they can be.”

The proposed site has proven controversial, with residents claiming the Battle of Renfrew took place on it in 1164. 

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However, a number of archaeological digs by GUARD have yet to yield any proof of this. 

A spokesperson for CALA Homes (West) said: “CALA submitted detailed proposals that culminated in a recommendation to discharge the conditions from the head of planning. 

“Prior to the communities, housing and planning policy board meeting, we were not made aware of any issues.”