Call for rates reduction to help West End shops

A REDUCTION in rates is one of the measures being put forward to help businesses in Dundee’s West End during major roadworks this summer.

Other proposals include forming a traders’ organisation or finding public money to promote shops on Perth Road.

West End l abour councillor Richard McCready said the suggestions had been put forward at a recent meeting of councillors for the area.

Roadworks got under way this week at the busy thoroughfare.

Access to t he area will be restricted for a few weeks.

Vehicles will be allowed to travel in one direction on Perth Road while Scottish Water carries out its £5 million programme of pipe upgrades.

The road will be closed eastbound between Blackness Avenue and Nethergate for eight weeks.

There will also be further disruption at Marketgait and South Ward Road.

Mr McCready said: “The message must go out that the Perth Road is open for business.

“I urge local people to continue to use the shops.

“Those of us who live in the West End are lucky to have a vibrant shopping area.

“But in recent times, a number of businesses in this area have closed their doors.

“I’ve been working with the council to ensure that everything possible is done to promote and protect the Perth Road shopping area. The council needs to have an agenda which looks at promoting the Perth Road.”

One of the measures being considered is a possible reduction in rates.

Cllr McCready said: “We also need to ensure that sufficient signage is present in the area to make sure that people are kept aware that the shops will stay open during the roadworks.

“Investment has been made in other areas of the city, including Lochee, to ensure the area flourishes and survives and perhaps something similar could happen in the Perth Road.

“Money could possibly be made available from the public purse to promote and encourage business in the area.

“We have to look at the bigger picture and recognise that people’s shopping habits have changed over the years.

“People buy online these days and we need to take that on board when we are trying to encourage them to shop in a certain area.”

Fraser Reid, of Fraser’s Fruit and Veg, said a reduced level of rates would be helpful to businesses.

He added that he hoped shoppers are aware that Perth Road is still open for business.

Fraser said: “Parking is still available and we have a great range of super shops for people to visit.”

The roadworks are part of a £5 million upgrade by Scottish Water.