Renfrew community councillors say the plan to create a new bridge linking the town with Yoker must address town centre “traffic bedlam” - if it's to happen at all.

The concern follows a presentation given by representatives of the multi-million pound City Deal scheme, which will use cash from the UK and Scottish governments, and Renfrewshire council, to fund major new projects reckoned to have the potential to boost the local economy.

Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow councils last week announced they had teamed up to identify suitable sites for the bridge on either side of the Clyde,

But despite the upbeat message about the scheme a perceived lack of information is fuelling local concerns about traffic implications, according to community council president Effie McGachie.

She told the Gazette: “This project is still in its infancy and at the moment we have no idea where it would be sited – local people are very concerned about the effect it could have on the traffic situation here, which is 'bedlam' and has been for years.

“We need answers to that basic question before we can think about a bridge.”

Meanwhile a new plan floated by two engineers which would create a monorail link via Renfrew has been turned down – apparently on the grounds of costs.

It held the prospect of a journey of less than 20 minutes to Glasgow Central railway station via Renfrew, Braehead, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the SECC.

The two brothers involved argue their scheme – which would have a station at Renfrew – would ease congestion in Glasgow city and stimulate travel across a wide area, whereas a planned tram-train link to Glasgow Airport would only serve the airport.

However Renfrew Community Council is more interested in gaining detail about where the key local project – the bridge – may be sited.

Former SNP councillor Bill McGuinness said he was delighted at the prospect of new business for Renfrew, but that he was worried at the quality of life implications for residents because of the traffic issue.

It's understood potential bridge sites will be outlined before the end of the year, and that the scheme will then be put out to public consultation.