The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Barricade torn down by angry residents
ARBROATH: Wooden panel put up to block off shortcut between shopping centre and High Street
Angry Arbroath residents have torn down a disputed barricade installed at a popular thoroughfare in the town centre.
The wooden panel, installed on Monday at the shortcut between the Abbeygate Shopping Centre car park and the High Street, had prompted a furious reaction from local people.
The barrier, built on privately-owned land, forced shoppers to either go through the Abbeygate centre if it was open or add around an extra half mile to their journey.
Arbroath councillors, who have been flooded with complaints, said an 85-year-old lady slipped on ice on Monday evening after being forced to travel the extra distance and was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg.
It is understood people kicked the barrier down after the outcry, which has even seen an image of the blockage turned into a social media meme featuring Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
A wall appears to have been damaged when the barrier was removed.
Kay Sturrock, a business owner in Arbroath, said she watched elderly
“I’ve watched people not paying attention walking right into it. People are very angry. KAY STURROCK
people and young mothers with prams struggle with the barricade on Monday.
She said: “Young people can jump it but the others have to go all the way through the shopping centre. I’ve watched people not paying attention walking right into it. People are very angry.
“Two guys appeared and put it up quickly and then went away. The situation is completely ludicrous.”
Conservative Arbroath councillor Derek Wann said many constituents had called him to say the barricade was a “disgrace”.
He said no signs were displayed informing shoppers it was going to be installed.
He said: “I have spoken to one of the shopkeepers who said it is a nightmare, the amount of complaints they are receiving.
“I am not saying they are not entitled to block this right of way, but the way they have went about it is a disgrace.
“When I attended there were at least five older people there with walking sticks who all had to go the long way around.”
Independent Arbroath councillor Lois Speed said: “When I arrived people were shocked, angry and upset.
“This is a main thoroughfare that connects people to the town centre. Alternative routes are lengthy especially, for example, if you have restricted mobility, a sight impairment or heavy shopping.”
The agent for the shopping centre owner confirmed the barricade had been built on privately owned land but declined to comment further.