Warnings have been issued that three Alexandria traders “are on the brink of closure” amid renewed calls for urgent financial support.
In June, West Dunbartonshire Council’s Labour administration voted against a Community Party motion for universal rent abatement for small businesses in the Vale whilst extensive renovation works take place.
They insisted more targeted support would be provided immediately.
However, Community Party councillor Jim Bollan says they still haven’t received any financial help, warning three local firms are close to shutting for good.
As part of a £12m masterplan to transform the Vale, the iconic Smollett Fountain will be restored, the Main Street is being reprofiled and the eyesore Mitchell Way shopping precinct is being demolished.
However, the project is coming at a cost for traders, who have seen their takings down by up to 40 percent - with works set to continue until at least November.
The upheaval has caused chaos for motorists, with Sian Wilkie of Alexandria Traders’ Association previously warning that local shops could be forced to close if more isn’t done to help them.
It comes weeks after warnings the town’s Post Office could be forced shut down after owner Zunair Butt said ongoing works had “killed footfall”.
The Leven councillor has now written to the local authority to question when promised support for businesses would be delivered.
In an email to senior officers, seen by the Lennox, he wrote: “Regarding the council decision on June 22 to provide urgent financial and other assistance to small local family traders affected by the works to enable them to continue trading, I am being advised that we have still not settled any financial support and, if and when we do, some offers will be as low as 20 percent of their losses, which will still result in closures.
“You will be aware the auditors are going into the Post Office next week.
“The knock on effect of this alone will be awful.
“Three other small local traders are on the brink of closure, with some at the limit of their bank overdraft.
“We need to get financial support to these small traders urgently, and it needs to be substantially more than we appear to be offering, if not then more closures could be round the corner.”
Speaking to the Lennox, Councillor Bollan added: “Labour made all sorts of promises that they would be on the ball immediately.
“They said they would have urgent discussions with the traders and come up with not just a financial package, but any other support that is needed.
“That hasn’t happened. It was all spin and bluster.”
A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said officers have been working with businesses to offer rent reductions for council tenants.
She said 62 percent of these businesses have reported no or minimal loss as a result of works and are not seeking assistance
Of the 38 percent , which indicated they had been impacted, a discount is being applied to their future rent payments correlated to their loss of income, or other suitable repayment methods.
She continued: “In addition, we have installed additional signage in the wider area to highlight that businesses remain open.
“We will continue to engage with businesses throughout the works and are providing a weekly update on the project to ensure they are fully aware of every aspect.
“Once complete the works will enhance the appearance of the town centre for residents and visitors.”
