Traders pipe up in protest as water leaks into basements

Published on Monday 1 December 2008 09:06

A BURST water pipe has brought fresh misery to traders in the Grassmarket just weeks after work finished on laying a new road surface.

Local businesses have endured months of disruption as a result of work to revamp the historic area. But they are now facing another headache after the leak lifted up some of the new Tarmac.

The burst, which took place near the junction with Victoria Street on Friday morning, saw water gushing along the street, flooding the basements of nearby shops and bars.

Matt Dale, owner of Mr Wood's Fossils, said he feared work to repair the road would have a serious impact on trade in the run-up to Christmas.

He added that it was not the first time there had been problems with water pipes in the area, with Scottish Water completing repairs just a few months ago.

He said "I'm just very unhappy with Scottish Water. They have had every possible opportunity to replace pipes in the time the road has been dug up.

"This couldn't have come at a worse time. We've already had 14 months of downturn in trade. We were just looking forward to things getting back to normal, and starting to see things pick up.

"We're going to get another two to three weeks of this in the run-up to Christmas and we've already had enough.

"The water in the basement is not too bad, but our overriding concern is the effect on trade."

His basement, Bar Salsa and the bookshop Transreal Fiction were among the worst affected.

Riley Snyder, sales assistant at Mr Wood's Fossils, added: "I think everyone is really upset about this. We've had roadworks going on for such a long time. It's affected everyone's business, and we're really relying on a good Christmas period."

Craig Lawson, regional manager with Scottish Water, confirmed the leak meant Tarmac would have to be replaced. Workmen were at the site over the weekend.

He said: "Normally Scottish Water would carry out a repair within two to three working days. Where more specialist materials are required, we would still carry out a temporary repair.

"We will make this repair a priority and hope to have it complete as soon as possible."

The burst pipe is a setback to traders as they look forward to celebrating the completion of the long-awaited 5 million revamp project.

Last month there were delays to the project after dozens of residents battled to save five trees from being felled. The delay angered many traders, who say they are losing money due to the constant roadworks in the area.

A programme of events has been planned throughout December, including live music and dancing, to encourage shoppers and visitors back to the area.