'Disaster' as tram works close road

Published on Thursday 17 December 2009 08:37

TRADERS on one of the Capital's busiest streets have warned they are facing an "absolute disaster" after tram chiefs announced plans to close the road to through traffic.

Businesses on Broughton Street spoke out after tram firm TIE said the road would be closed at the junction with York Place from 4 January.

While motorists will still be able to access the street, new parking restrictions are to be introduced to allow for the utility diversion work. The road's closure at the junction with Picardy Place and York Place has also led to complaints from residents living in nearby Albany Street and Abercrombie Place, where traffic will be re-routed until the work is completed at the end of February.

Cameron Ramsay, manager of Mathers Bar in Broughton Street, praised tram staff, but said the traffic arrangements were a blow at a quiet time of year.

He said: "It could be an absolute disaster for us. We're just a small pub and most of our trade is passing trade. People don't have as much money after Christmas, so January and February are our two hardest months of the year."

Gordon Burgess, of the Leith Business Association, said: "I have spoken to several traders on Broughton Street over the past three months and there is concern all around. The worry is that when the tram company say it is going to be closed for a certain period of time, history has proved it is usually longer than anticipated."

Residents on Albany Street estimate that more than 40 parking spaces are set to be lost to help widen the street for increased levels of traffic.

Mandy Haeburn-Little, director of customers services and communications for the tram project, said: "We have listened to and understood the concerns of local businesses and residents and are working with the relevant authorities to address those issues before the traffic management measures are implemented."

Earlier this year tram chiefs rejected plans for a "short, sharp shock" by closing Leith Walk for the next stage of the project. Work there will now be carried out in phases, and the road will never be completely shut to traffic.