14.10.2005  

Is this the best high street in Britain?



Pollokshaws takes on the Royal Mile and London's King's Road for top award

ONE of the main routes into Glasgow city centre is in the running to become Britain's favourite high street.

Pollokshaws Road on the south side is up against Edinburgh's world famous Royal Mile and the exclusive King's Road in London in the battle for the top accolade.

Today shoppers and residents on the stretch of the street near Shawlands Cross, which has landed the thoroughfare its nomination, admitted they were surprised but hoped they would scoop the award. Pollokshaws Road might seem an unlikely contender when up against more famous Glasgow streets such as Byres Road in the west end and Sauchiehall Street.

However, it was put forward after impressing judges with its mix of independent shops, chain stores, local services, amenities and history. The upmarket Stalks and Stems Florist, the Corona and Georgic pubs, newly done-up Di Maggios pizzeria and the more down-to-earth Luigi's tea-room all sit side by side. The Pollokshaws Road stretch is also home to Glasgow's Bridge Centre, new latenight entertainment venue Linen 1906 and newly-opened Reardon's snooker hall. The surrounding area also includes dozens of trendy bars and three nightclubs.

Residents and businesses say the nomination is further evidence of Shawlands' bid to be the new west end in terms of style and property prices. Agnes McGroarty, chairwoman of Shawlands Community Council, said she was surprised to hear the street she lives on had been nominated.

Mrs McGroarty, 70, said: "I am surprised but it is not an unpleasant bit of road to walk. The public transport is good and that makes it easy for people. We've also got nice buildings and individual shops."

Businesses report they are doing well thanks to Pollokshaws Road getting a new lease of life. Frenchman Charles Emmanuel Husson opened Les Vins de France in Pollokshaws Road a year ago and thinks the area has gone up tremendously. Mr Husson said: "More people want to live in the south side rather than the west end. New people look for nice places to shop. I believe it's the place to be at the moment."

Newsagent Shiren Massood, 49, who brought Academy News to the street four years ago, said: "I am pleased it has been shortlisted. I think it faces tough competition in the contest but it should win."

It's not just business people who are unsurprised at the nomination. Housewife Elizabeth Cavanagh, 64, who has lived in the area for 30 years, said: "It is a very good shopping area and for the young ones at night it's great."

Pollokshaws grandad John Cairney, 69, said: "Everything is good about the place except the traffic . . . it takes a long time just getting from A to B."

Shawlands and Pollokshaws Councillor Stephen Curran said: "This is recognition of the work employers and businesses are doing."

Tourism bosses say the nomination is not just good for the south side, but for Glasgow and the economy as a whole.

Nancy McLardie, head of PR at Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, and a south side resident, said: "This is another string to Glasgow's bow. The nomination may come as a surprise to people in other areas but we have recognised the south side is now competing in its own right." Lesley Sawers, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, added: "It's great to have areas of the city outwith the centre recognised at a UK level."

Over the next few weeks organisers at Touch Local, the UK's second largest search directory, are asking the public to vote for their favourite High Street online at www. touchlocal. com and the winner will be announced on November 17. What do you think? Write to: Letters, Evening Times, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3QB, text 'etletters' leave a space and send comments to 88010 or e-mail: letters@eveningtimes. co. uk

WORD ON THE STREET

CHARLES HUSSON:
"I believe this is the place to be at the moment"

SHIREN MASSOOD:
"I'm pleased. It will face tough competition but it should win"

JOHN CAIRNEY:
"Everything is good about the place except the traffic!"

ELIZABETH CAVANAGH:
"The shops are great and at night it's good for the young ones"