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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Craig Williams

Glasgow petition to name new River Clyde bridge after Billy Connolly secures over 1,700 signatures

A petition to name a new bridge over the River Clyde after Billy Connolly has secured over 1,700 signatures.

The impressive number of signatures comes less than a week after Glasgow Live revealed news of the petition to bestow the new £29.5m Govan/Partick pedestrian and cycle bridge with the Big Yin's name.

The bridge, which will link Water Row in Govan and Pointhouse Quay in Partick, is expected to open to the public towards the end of 2023.

The author of the petition noted that, having spent his formative years in Partick and then working as apprentice in the shipyards in Govan, it would be 'fitting' for it to bear the retired comedian, artist, writer, musician, and presenter's name.

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They wrote: "In November 2021, Glasgow City Council awarded a contract to build a new footbridge between Pointhouse Quay in Partick and Water Row in Govan. The bridge is due to be completed by 2023.

The £29.5m Govan/Partick pedestrian and cycle bridge will link Water Row in Govan and Pointhouse Quay in Partick. (Glasgow City Council)

"With his formative years spent in Stewartville Street and at St Peter's Primary north of the river before attending St Gerard's Secondary (commuting from Drumchapel no less) and becoming an apprentice at Alexander Stephens south of the river, there can surely be no more fitting name than entitling this bridge after the legendary Sir Billy Connolly.

"With the Big Yin suffering from Parkinson's Disease, such a tribute within his lifetime linking two areas of the city so indelibly connected with one of Glasgow's (and Scotland's) most beloved sons would be no more than the great figure deserves."

The timing would be spot on too, given the fact that Anderston-born Billy will turn 80 this coming November 24.

To sign the petition, click here

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