Businesses on St Andrew Square in Edinburgh City Centre have become the latest group of traders to complain that their trade has gone rapidly down since the start of the tram work in the vicinity. North St Andrew Street is currently completely shut and businesses in the area say they have seen losses of up to 60% since the work commenced.
Suggestions that the current economic downturn being felt across the UK have played a part in the fall in trade have been rubbished by the businesses. Assader Ali, who owns Zest on the corner of Clyde Street, claims his other two businesses in the city are still going well. He said: “By this time of year, my December booking sheets are normally full with office parties, but this year it's dead. People have been sitting down and placing orders, but after enduring the noise of jackhammers for ten minutes they cancel and walk out. When the tram works finish for the day, the place is engulfed in darkness, as there's a streetlight out and the council can't get anywhere near it to fix it, so I'm being hurt day and night."
A spokesman for tie commented: “Areas such as St Andrew Square have seen a recent rise in footfall. Edinburgh's unique Small Business Support Scheme has already given businesses along the route financial assistance and is supporting Open for Business initiatives across the city. Should any businesses wish to get further information on the scheme and its grants, they should contact tie. We will continue to work with businesses and business organisations to ensure that the shopping opportunities in the Capital continue to attract consumers."
Source: The Scotsman