A blueprint has been set out by council-employed consultants outlining ways to turn the run-down area into a thriving community and "town centre".

Plans to create more parking spaces and better pedestrian access are among those highlighted in the Tollcross Viability and Improvement Study.

Doug Bell, owner of Lupe Pintos Mexican Deli, is the driving force behind plans to form a traders' association. He said: "Businesses are seeing that the council is making an effort and are prepared to do the same thing.

"One of the first things we are going to do is establish Tollcross as a real food destination and put together a directory of local businesses.

"Tollcross is definitely on the up and up."

Jeni Ayris, who has run her Ndebele African deli and cafe for 11 years, said: "It has been difficult as a trader in Tollcross, what with the Greenways and lack of parking, but this is a good time to start a traders' association."