A Loch Leven business claims it was left out in the cold over the impact of a controversial £1 million Kinross regeneration project.
The ongoing work to improve the appearance of Kinross High Street is hitting takings and affecting footfall at struggling town centre businesses.
And the impact has spread to businesses at Loch Leven who have seen customer numbers drop by 20 per cent since roadworks started at the beginning of July.
Owners of The Boathouse Loch Leven claimed they only became aware of the roadworks the day before they began.
Boathouse partner Julie McGrattan said: “We received no notification about the roadworks at all. We took over the boathouse about three months ago.
“Our landlord received nothing prior to us taking it over so we were completely and utterly out of the loop.
“It was not until literally the day before that we found out about the diversions and then discovered the impact it’s going to have.
“There are so many signs that it can be confusing even when you know Kinross, never mind if you don’t.”
A section of Kinross High Street, from Mill Street to Montgomery Street, closed to traffic in early July until late September.
Since Thursday July 23 another section of Kinross High Street has also closed, between Avenue Road and Station Road, until the end of August.
Julie continued: “It affected us immediately. On the Wednesday that the roadworks went up we would normally have done between 50 to 70 lunches. That went down to about 20. It had a huge impact. It was worrying.
“We’re certainly not seeing the tourists that we were seeing in June, that’s for sure. Numbers are down on average 20 per cent.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said numerous engagements were held in the area over the past three years to highlight the works timescales and impact.
The spokesperson said: “These events were all promoted locally through posters, local newsletters, social media and the Kinross Partnership and followed up by reminder publicity in the weeks before work began.
“It is disappointing that this level of coverage and the amount of discussion stimulated locally was missed by anyone living in the area.
“Direct letter drops and visits by council officers were targeted at the businesses operating in Kinross High Street as these are most immediately affected, but the other measures were intended to raise awareness of all businesses including those at Loch Leven.
The spokesperson added: “As a result of constructive conversations with local businesses we have updated signage in place around Kinross High Street, including signage directing visitors to the attractions at Loch Leven, to make it clearer that these businesses remain open for business.”
A meeting will be held tonight between local businesses and Kinross councillors at The Boathouse to discuss their issues.