Star-billing for posters sticking it to tram works

Published on Thursday 11 February 2010 08:42

THEY were created as an artistic protest against the city's tram works – now they have become something of a landmark.

Giant window displays – changed every few months – are attracting attention from passers-by in Haymarket, many of whom are ordering smaller copies for their own homes and offices.

"Silence of the Trams" is the latest offering from printers Copymade, on West Maitland Street, where designers have placed the giant poster in their shop window – directly opposite tram works that have dominated the street for the past two years.

Co-director Grant McKeeman said: "People often stop to take pictures too, or just to have a look at the displays. I was on the bus the other day and there were people behind me talking about them – which was great."

The latest poster depicts Hannibal Lecter, from The Silence of the Lambs, along with text: "Can you hear the drilling, in the morning, the afternoon and at night . . ." It also refers to the tram project as, "The terrifying sequel to the congestion charge, brought to you by some idiot at Edinburgh Council".

The character's face has been replaced with that of Mr McKeeman's business partner Stuart Wardell, who also designed and featured in the first poster of the series, "Tramspotting", based on the iconic Trainspotting poster.

Mr McKeeman said: "One person asked for an A1 copy of the first poster, which we had up at the end of last year.

"At first we had flyers on the counter to give away, but people have asked for larger versions."

The next poster in the series – which will be unveiled next month – is to be entitled "Plans, Trams and Imbeciles".

Mr McKeeman is one of many traders in Haymarket to have said the tram works have affected trade, with him believing turnover is down around 2,000 a week.

Although he admitted the recession was also playing a role in the downturn, he insisted passing trade was affected by the constant roadworks outside his shop and that delivery companies are experiencing troubles owing to the absence of loading bays.

He said: "The couriers we deal with have been great, but there are a lot of problems. The other day, we had to carry 40 boxes of stock round the corner from Morrison Street as that was the only place the van could stop.

"It took about an hour and involved three members of staff."

He has also complained about the noise generated by the tram works, arguing there have been occasions where the disruption has made it hard for staff to conduct telephone conversations with customers.

No-one from Edinburgh Trams was prepared to discuss the posters. But Susan Clark, deputy project director, said: "All of our utility work on West Maitland Street has been conducted in a conscious effort to reduce their effect on businesses and residents.

"Unfortunately, periodic noise generated by these works is an unavoidable side-effect of the construction process. While we take every step possible to mitigate its effects on local businesses and residents, we have also made 2 million available to support small businesses along the route."