Business owners on a busy city centre street are worried scaffolding in front of their premises could harm trade.
Managers of The Bank Bar and The Palais Tea Room on Union Street are concerned about the possible effect on trade scaffolding in front of their businesses.
Paul Russell, manager of the Bank Bar, said he had been given almost no prior warning scaffolding was going to be put up in front of his pub.
He said in the week since the construction materials had gone up, the bar had lost almost £1,000 of trade.
Mr Russell is also upset about the lack of communication he has received from the factors responsible for putting the scaffolding up, J Reavley Factoring Ltd.
He said: “We received a letter in February saying that work was going to need to be done on the roof of the building, but apart from that I didn’t know when work was going to begin until the day the builders turned up.
“The scaffolders very kindly agreed to put up a banner for us, and they have been good to deal with. I appreciate they are here to do a job that needs doing.
“I am upset at the factors, who have made little to no contact or attempt to communicate what is happening.
“We have not been given a time scale for how long the scaffolding is going to be up for, it could be three months or it could be six.
“The factors are not going to help with any of the costs, or offer any help at all.
“In the first week after the scaffolding went up, we had already traded down almost £1,000.”
Nicola Schweikert, owner of The Palais Tea Room, said she was worried about access for disabled customers.
She said: “I’ve noticed a drop in trade already since the scaffolding went up last week.
“I am concerned about access for our disabled customers, as they could find it difficult getting past all of the materials.”
Councillor Will Dawson said he has instructed council officers to assess any potential access issues.
He said: “If it transpires that there has been a lack of communication between the factors and the businesses in the area, then that is unacceptable.”
A spokesperson for J Reavely Ltd. said “essential repairs” were being carried out on the roof.
They said: “It is important to get across there is a serious roof problem with the apartments.
“We empathise with the businesses on the street but, in the long run, it will benefit them by bringing the area up.”
