PLANS are afoot to launch a major campaign demanding a bus service from Clydebank to the new super-hospital in the south west of Glasgow.

There is currently no direct public transport link to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, forcing patients, visitors and staff to get two or three modes of public transport to get there.

Accident and emergency services were centralised at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital following the closure of the Western Infirmary, however the transport issues have sparked a furious reaction from community groups, residents and politicians in Clydebank and surrounding areas.

A public meeting held by Dalmuir and Mountblow Community Council last Thursday saw activists and politicians agree to launch a hard-hitting “major” campaign aimed at securing a direct link from Clydebank to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Craig Edward, chairman of the community council, said: “Right now, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is saying that there isn’t enough consumer demand for the agency to run a bus from Clydebank to the new hospital. We disagree, and believe there is major demand.

“While no plans have been polished, we know this is going to be a major campaign. We’re putting out a call to arms for individuals, community groups, politicians, businesses and organisations to pitch in and gather momentum so we may get a dedicated bus service from Clydebank.” The A&E in the Western Infirmary in Glasgow was closed down in June, with services moving to the new super-hospital.

Campaigners argue that Clydebank residents should be provided with a direct bus service, as opposed to paying for two forms of transport from the centre of Clydebank. People coming from areas outside the centre would have to rely on up to three forms of public transport if they cannot drive there or afford a taxi, and the journey time can take twice as long.

Drumchapel residents recently secured a bus service through campaigning efforts led by the community council — and activists in Clydebank want to achieve the same.

Politicians including Gil Paterson MSP, Councillor Gail Casey, Councillor John Mooney, Councillor William Hendrie, Councillor Marie McNair and Councillor Kath Ryall have already backed the campaign at the public meeting on Thursday.

Mr Edward added: “We’re going to take some time to see who we can get involved and then have a big launch event.

“There have been a lot of people and organisations writing individually to SPT but we want everyone to go under the one banner now so we can go forward together and pack more of a punch and show that there is a demand in the town for the service.” A spokeswoman for SPT said: “Many areas across Greater Glasgow do not have a direct bus service to the new hospital and it is simply not affordable to provide one.

“While the new facility is served by substantially more buses than before, it is regrettable the private sector bus operators do not feel there is a good enough commercial proposition for a direct bus service from the Clydebank area.” Asked if the Drumchapel bus service could be extended to take in Clydebank town centre, the spokeswoman responded: “To extend service 16, which is funded by NHSGG&C, to run from Clydebank would cost more than £100,000 per year and we understand there is no money available to do this.”