Concerns have been raised about the future of one of the main shopping streets in Dundee city centre.
Tim Allan, president of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, said he has “grave concerns” for Reform Street after Costa Coffee decided to close its popular cafe on the street.
Costa’s premises have been put on the market by real estate agents Cushman and Wakefield.
The coffee chain said the business is now shifting to a new home at the former Monsoon premises on Murraygate.
Mr Allan said: “Reform Street is of grave concern for the city. The prevailing attitude is negative with so many empty units and charity shops. It is not a welcoming or appealing atmosphere.
“It is a very important street that links three important landmarks as well as connecting to the heart of Dundee shopping.
“But it’s a blighted street. A large percentage of the units are empty and some have been for a considerable time. It’s detrimental to Dundee and the situation is getting almost unacceptable.
“It needs to be revisited by the city council, and we’ve yet to see significant moves to improve it.
“We need to look at what’s causing it: whether it’s the location, the state of the units or some issue that isn’t being discussed.
“We want to see a thriving Reform Street, but, at the minute, it is a challenging retail location.”
A spokeswoman for Costa said the move will create new jobs.
She said: “We can confirm that we will be closing our Reform Street store and opening our Murraygate store in April.
“All team members will transfer over to the new store, along with further job opportunities that will be available at the new premises.”
A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said: “The council is working hard to get empty shops let, but also to help people start their own businesses.
“We work with companies to find them the right property, often with the help of private landlords.
“Dundee is undergoing some major changes and I am confident this will lead to a bright and bustling city centre.”