Perth’s Christmas market plans have been hastily revised after a flurry of complaints from furious business owners.
The council was forced to pull the plug on Thursday’s launch event amid claims several stalls and wooden cabins were blocking access to shops on the High Street.
The market, which is the biggest of its kind in Perth and will run for nearly a month, aims to offer a variety of artisan street food, alcoholic drinks and free entertainment including street acrobats and celebrity look-a-likes.
The launch has been delayed to give operators extra time to sort out the layout and reposition their stalls.
Shopkeepers argued that, rather than delivering a festive boost, the market would actively harm their trade.
They said the cabins and stalls hide away many of the stores and prevent access for delivery workers and shoppers.
Concerns have also been raised that emergency services and disabled drivers will have difficulty getting along the street.
A series of swiftly-arranged meetings have taken place between the council, shop owners and stall holders in an effort to soften any blows to the economy.
Douglas MacGregor, who runs the Scottish Seasons gift shop, complained a large, L-shaped marquee set up on the High Street would block access to his store and other outlets on St John Street.
“I was fuming when I saw what they had done,” he said.
“The marquee was right across the main entrance to St John’s Street. It looked like the road had been closed off.
“Credit to the council because they agreed to meet us and a few other local business representatives and listened to what we had to say.
“We’ve been told the marquee will be taken down and moved along the street.”
He said: “A lot of businesses on the High Street are still unhappy though. The council is getting a lot of flak about this.”
Mr MacGregor added he had serious concerns about how ambulances and other emergency crews could access the area.
As part of the festivities, a burger stall specialising in buffalo meat is planned for a site directly in front of Bayne’s bakery.
Company director John Bayne said last night: “We have experienced markets like this at our branches in other towns and I can guarantee that we are going to see a dip in trade. This will not benefit us at all.”
Many traders said they were surprised by the size of the market stalls and are calling for them to be moved further away from their shops.
Perth and Kinross Council enterprise and infrastructure committee convener John Kellas said it was important businesses were listened to but insisted that the event would be good for city centre trade.
A council spokeswoman confirmed the market would now begin on Saturday and will be in place until December 22.