tie have had to call in independent structural engineers after claims were made that the utility diversion work in Leith Walk are causing damage to buildings in the vicinity. It is reported that the Purusha Hairdressers has been affected with a crack along the floor of the salon, cracked tiles, broken windows and shop signs falling off. Flats above the hairdressers are also believed to have been affected.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, Lothians MSP (SNP), commented: “Leith Walk is littered with large holes which have been dug up sometime ago and just left. The longer that goes on the bigger the impact on local businesses in particular. I will be asking TIE to review the way the work is being timetabled. This project shouldn't be run for the convenience of TIE but for the people who are being directly affected by it. I recently did a survey of the concerns of small businesses in the area, and trams was the number one issue."
A tie spokesman said: “Prior to starting any works, TIE appointed independent surveyors to carry out external dilapidation surveys on all properties along the line of the route. There is one building on Leith Walk which consists of a mixture of residential flats and ground floor shop for which TIE appointed an independent structural engineer to survey. At present TIE, through its insurers, is responding to a number of enquiries from the occupiers of this building. Our survey for this building is now with our insurers and we have no further comment to make."
Gordon Burgess, owner of the Bed Shop opposite the allegedly affected building, added: “From speaking to some of the workmen, they are saying they have been digging down and the ground which the road and building is on is just not stable. Whatever the reason, I just want them to fix it as soon as possible because we are all suffering.”
Source: The Scotsman