Traders call for payouts after roads nightmare

Published on Wednesday 18 February 2009 08:58

TRADERS are demanding compensation as they fear roadworks could force them out of business.

The closure of one shop on Portobello High Street has been blamed on the work to replace Seafield Roundabout, which has now been delayed by six months.

Others say they have suffered major losses since the street was closed to traffic in November.

The council's transport chief has already admitted it made mistakes in planning the 2 million scheme. It is now due to be finished on April 3, and the council and contractors are assessing how much it has gone over budget.

Now a councillor and business owners say that more help should be available, as some shops have seen takings drop by 70 per cent.

Wisteria Lane, a gift shop on the High Street, closed its doors this month after a year of trading.

Clive Andrews, who runs Shapes hairdresser and is chairman of the Portobello Traders Association, said: "I think they were one of the worst affected, as they were very close to the roadworks on the High Street. A lot of traders are experiencing difficulties. Some of them are saying they may have to close.

"The council should give everyone a reduction on their rates, especially now they've admitted it's their fault.

"At the moment, you have to show three years of books to get the rates rebate. It's quite a lengthy process. For a lot of businesses, they find it's not worth doing."

He said there should be a compensation scheme in place, similar to that on Leith Walk for traders affected by the tram works.

The work to replace the roundabout with traffic lights first ran into difficulties when traffic management measures were found to be causing confusion among drivers. There were further delays when work was stopped over Christmas and due to bad weather.

Adam Rankin, manager of the Fine Wine Company on the High Street, said: "Some businesses are down by about 70 per cent. We've lost about 10,000 in December.

"It's a shame, as Portobello High Street is very well supported by local people, but we still can't survive without passing trade. It didn't help that many people think the High Street is completely closed when, in fact, there is a diversion in place."

Joyce Heath, who owns Mike's Tackle Shop, said turnover had dropped by more than 500,000 since work began on the nearby Milton Link roundabout two years ago. She said: "We are now massively behind paying suppliers and everyday expenses, which is causing us so much stress.

"I feel we should be given the chance to claim loss of earnings like the retailers affected by the tram works."

Portobello councillor Stephen Hawkins said: "The council has not been very accommodating about the rates rebate. The traders have got to go through quite a few hoops to get it, and many of them find it's not worth it."

The council said it had supported traders with advertising and additional signage. Vice-transport convener, Councillor Robert Aldridge, said: "We have worked with them to remind shoppers that Portobello High Street remains very much open for business. We intend to continue this support once the project is complete."