An owner of a small Edinburgh business, situated within a police box claims to have been 'boxed in' and feeling 'disheartened' while reopening her city centre business.
Belinda Boyd, who operates The Chocolate Box at George Square, claims that Underbelly has left her business 'blocked off from the public', as the festival company finalises their work ahead of the Fringe's launch today.
Belinda has told Edinburgh Live that she has felt 'completely frustrated' at continually having to ask Underbelly to move their equipment so she can access her business.
The cafe owner states that her business has been 'trying to fit out the interior, complete the painting and getting ready to reopen', but claims the installation and equipment left by Underbelly had prevented this from happening.
Belinda alleges that: "I have asked Underbelly for only one thing, that I have full access to the box at all times.
"It is getting extremely frustrating that we have to continually ask Underbelly to move stuff, like the barriers, so we can access our business."
As shown in a photo sent to Edinburgh Live, barriers can be seen installed in front of The Chocolate Box.
Belinda also claims this is not the first time Underbelly has damaged her business.
She says that: "In 2019 I accommodated them and agreed to move into a temporary box about 10 metres away while they set up and packed down.
"This was far from ideal for me, and I regret that decision because they damaged the paintwork on my box that I had to redo.
"They didn't offer any compensation or even apologise for their misdemeanour."
Belinda has thanked the local community for their support during her issues with the festival company and suggested how a compromise could be made.
She said: "Ideally, full safe access should be via the footpath, but when I asked about this I was told it was not an option because cars need to be parked there.
"I feel the council should provide an access point, and a map or plan prior to any event being set up."
Previously, Edinburgh Live reported on how The Chocolate Box had claimed to experience issues with the festival organiser while trying to reopen their venue.
Underbelly refused to provide comment.
