Fort business owners call for High Street to open to traffic

OWNERS of small businesses in Fort William have called for a re-introduction of one-way traffic and short-term parking into the town’s High Street in a bid to increase footfall to shops.

The idea was mooted at last week’s meeting between local MP Ian Blackford and traders from across Lochaber, which was organised by Gillian Sloan of ‘Gallery in the Fort’ to raise concerns and discuss ways to increase business.

The group highlighted various factors which they felt stopped shoppers using the High Street, such as parking charges for short visits and the fact the car parks nearest to the town centre are either up or down hill.

On asking if Ian Blackford would support the proposals to de-pedestrianise the High Street, he suggested that perhaps asking Highland Council to consider a trial period would be a way forward with which he was happy to assist. Brexit was an issue of ongoing concern to many at the meeting and while several traders have found the weakness of the pound helps sell more to foreign visitors, many believed this would only be short-term benefit, with more challenging times ahead.

Lack of advice and assistance though Business Gateway was also raised, with Lochaber not having a dedicated adviser for almost a year. The MP promised to look into what was happening and report back.

Disappointment was also expressed at any lack of benefit to this area from the Inverness City Deal granted by the Scottish Government, which local business owners believed would also be used to help the Lochaber economy.

After the meeting, Gillian Sloan said: ‘As owners of small businesses in Fort William and other parts of Lochaber, we often feel we are never consulted and have no voice, despite the huge benefits we area in products, attracting visitors.

‘It was great to see such a diverse range of businesses represented and I thank them for making the effort to attend in such bad weather. Hopefully they now feel as I do, that someone is actually interested in what we do and hearing our views.’

Mr Blackford said he was delighted to attend the meeting and hear about the group’s concerns.

‘They raised many interesting and valid points which I will, where I can, follow up and try to provide answers for them,’ he said.

‘I feel it is vitally important they are listened to as they are on ‘the front line’ of trade, dealing directly with local and visiting customers and better able to gauge what needs to be done to preserve and grow business for the good of us all.’ bring to service the and