Call for Sturgeon to step in to help save Sauchiehall Street after blaze
NICOLA Sturgeon has been asked to lead a national recovery plan for Sauchiehall Street as businesses fear they could go bust following the Glasgow School of Art fire.
More than three months since the second blaze at the Mackintosh Building some traders have not been allowed access and others have been unable to get up and running.
Many said the £20,000 payment from the £5m Scottish Government resilience fund has not been enough to cover costs and insurance money has also been inadequate the longer it goes on.
Pauline McNeill, Glasgow Labour MSP, has contacted the First Minister asking for additional help to be provided to avoid firms going out of business.
Ms McNeill said: “With some residents still unable to return to their homes and a number of businesses remaining inaccessible to their owners, it is clear much remains to be done.
“The situation facing the residents and businesses is of such severity that it jeopardises the future viability of Sauchiehall Street as a place of economic and social significance to Glasgow.”
She has asked for a recovery plan to benefit the whole street.
Traders met last week to discuss the difficult situation and many feared that even when they are able to trade, the street has been so badly affected that they may not survive the first few months of business.
Some who had started to Let us know your views. Email letters@ eveningtimes.co.uk trade again said takings were down by as much as 75 per cent.
Others said all the cash they have received has run out and they have nothing left to get re-started.
Ms McNeill added: “I have had businesses contact me in desperation because they have incurred costs and experienced losses far in excess of the £20,000 maximum payment made as part of the Scottish Government’s funding.
“Businesses are experiencing serious problems regarding access, footfall and insurance as a result of the fire and it is urgent that the Scottish Government step in with a recovery plan to ensure Sauchiehall Street’s future.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “Working with Glasgow City Council we have established the Glasgow Fires Recovery Fund that has already provided over £2m in support for over 145 businesses affected by the fires and we are continuing to engage with businesses who may be eligible for support.”