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Perth businesses furious as controversial Tay Street roadworks approved

Cameron Grassick, left, and Graeme Pallister own businesses on the affected section of Tay Street Perth. Image: Phil Hannah.
Cameron Grassick, left, and Graeme Pallister own businesses on the affected section of Tay Street. Image: Phil Hannah.

Business owners in Perth have hit out after planning bosses green-lit an 11-month road closure outside their premises on Tay Street.

A busy stretch of Tay Street will be shut early next year for sewage works that are scheduled to last just under a year.

Business owners already concerned about their future say the approval by planning bosses at Perth and Kinross Council has come as a fresh blow.

They criticised what they describe as a lack of communication and consultation and say their concerns have been ignored.

Those affected previously told The Courier how they were having sleepless nights as they feared for their survival.

The road will close for 11 months.

Scottish Water says the repairs, between Canal Street and Marshall Place, are necessary to prevent future sewer flooding.

They also pledged to support companies affected by the work.

Cameron Grassick, who owns Robert Cameron Hairdressing, was one of those who objected.

He feels he has been “shown a total lack of respect” from the council.

He said: “After no contact what so ever from the council this is how much respect business in Perth has been show. Frankly it’s baffling.

“I’ve requested further meetings with the appropriate department so again concerns have been totally ignored and they have shown a total lack of respect.

‘We are collateral’

“We’ve had nothing. Absolutely nothing.

“We are collateral and the actions from Perth and Kinross Council show they don’t actually care.

“It is depressing for Perth that this is the attitude shown from local council.”

Fellow Tay Street businessman Graeme Pallister said he was “disappointed” to hear the work was going ahead.

Graeme announced at the start of the month that his business was going to close, blaming coronavirus restrictions, the cost of living crisis and the road closure.

Graeme outside his business on Tay Street. Image: Phil Hannah.

He added: “Despite understanding the work needs to be done, my only communication back from the council after three months was to inform me of their approval status.”

More details about what is being done and the diversion route are still to be released.

‘We appreciate how frustrating roadworks can be’

Eric Drysdale, depute leader of Perth and Kinross Council stressed the work was essential to support the planned growth in and around the Fair City and to address flood risks.

He added: “We appreciate how frustrating roadworks can be for businesses and residents alike, so the works will be phased to minimise disruption as much as possible.

“Scottish Water are continuing to engage with the community in this part of Perth regarding appropriate traffic management arrangements which they will be required to put in place in the interests of safety for pedestrians, vehicles and workers on-site.”

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