Shop owners fear drop in trade due to roadworks

SMALL business owners fear another drop in footfall as of a six-week road closure outside their shops looms.

Hilltown will be shut from Alexander Street to Ann Street from Monday June 25 for road realignment and service connections to be put in place at the new Coldside Campus.

Construction has been well underway on Alexander Street as the new campus gets set to open its doors to pupils in August.

Ishdiaq Ahmed, supervisor at the Continental Food Store, said a similar closure last year had caused a downturn in passing trade. He said: “It will be quite bad I think. “This is actually the first I’ve heard. They did this last year and we were quite badly affected by it, I have to say. The shop was a lot quieter, you really noticed it.

“At that time, some drivers weren’t aware it was closed off and were driving down anyway.

“I hope the work isn’t on for too long and t here isn’t too much disruption.

“Obviously the work does need done but it does affect the local businesses quite badly.”

Barry Moir, store assistant at Peco Electrical, said the last time the work was on the distruption had been “quite bad”.

He said: “It certainly did affect business the last time.

“No one could get in or out. We also couldn’t receive deliveries and just customers in general couldn’t get in because there was no access or parking.

“You saw quite a big downturn in passing trade.

“I know they were doing it further up the Hilltown so I’m not surprised that it’s coming down this way.”

Coldside councillor George McIrvine said: “Unfortunately there is going to be disruption that we have witnessed across the city in the recent months.

“It is work that needs done to ensure that the Coldside Campus opens on time.

“I appreciate the frustration of the people and drivers alike and ask people for their patience as the work is carried out.”

Meanwhile, Fintry Drive will be closed from Finella Place to Fintry Road for five days from Monday June 25 for carriageway resurfacing works.

The work will be carried out by Dundee City Council.