Businesses concerned over impact of works

CRAIGIE BUSINESSES have urged the council to minimise disruption when St Leonard’s Bridge is closed at the end of the year for essential work.

Owners of the shops and takeaways around Craigie Cross are concerned the three-month bridge closure could have a dramatic effect on their takings if passing trade is reduced.

Work is set to get under way at the end of the year to replace the footways at both sides of the bridge, which crosses the railway line.

A massive hole was recently discovered in one pavement and, while it has since been patched, a more detailed inspection has revealed much more extensive works are required.

Exactly how they will be set out has yet to be revealed and could determine what effect the works will have.

Louise Davidson, who has owned the St Leonard’s Newsagent for five years, said she fears the worst.

She said: “We have not had it confirmed by the council that there will be works but it could be a disaster because the bridge is the link for the whole of Craigie.

“We deliver papers to 500 houses and they all have to get here to pay, so they get off the bus outside or drive up and park or nip in when they’re walking past.

“That may not be possible and there is also the effect on passing trade to consider.”

Louise is selling the shop – refurbished and converted recently to include a café area – and is worried any extensive roadworks could hold up the sale.

She said: “I could lose passing trade, especially from the bus, because a lot of people pop in when they’re waiting for the bus outside or when they get off the bus.

“This is a really good business that we have spent time building up and we could do without this.”

Michael Clark of the Fish and Chip Co, which will be closest to the works, said he would reserve judgement until after he sees the plans.

Other business owners admitted they have fears but refused to be identified ahead of meetings with the council.

A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “A detailed inspection of this bridge by the council and Network Rail has shown that a full replacement of both footway sections is required.

“Consultants are currently in the process of finalising the preliminary design and safe method of construction for the works.

“To minimise the contract period and also the subsequent disruption caused to the travelling public, it is considered that a full carriageway and footway closure is the only option available, which will enable the works to be completed in a safe manner over the minimum period, while at the same time minimising the cost.

“The proposed works are scheduled to commence in December, 2012 and last until February, 2013.

“The road closure for the works would require pedestrians and traffic to be diverted along Glover Street, Glasgow Road, York Street, Leonard Street to St Leonard’s Bank.

“Due to the four metre height restricted low rail over-bridge on Leonard Street, vehicles higher than four metres will be diverted via Glenearn Road, Edinburgh Road, Marshall Place and Kings Place to St Leonard’s Bank.

“The council will do all that it can to minimise disruption to traffic during the period of the works.”

Louise Davidson outside her shop, St Leonard’s Newagents, which will be affected by the closure.