Calls for financial aid have been made to support Tay Street businesses directly affected by a near two-year road closure for the installation of a “super sewer”.
Owner of the 63 Tay Street restaurant, Christopher Strachan, believes it will be vital to ensure no units on the Perth city centre street are “forced to close”.
A number of affected businesses are also expected to attend a public meeting later this month.
Tay Street, from its junction with Canal Street, and a section of Shore Road, will be shut to traffic for 20 months as Scottish Water completes work - previously expected to take 11 months.
The project begins on May 15 with signposted diversions in place for motorists while pedestrian and cycling access remains.
Scottish Water will install 500 metres of new pipeline with a diameter of 2.2 metres between Tay Street’s junction with Canal Street and the section of Shore Road that runs alongside the South Inch.
The section of ‘super sewer’ is intended to play a key role in “supporting the city’s continuing growth”, while also reducing the risk of sewer flooding affecting Muirton and the city centre.
Members of the public are invited to drop in to raise any concerns with the project team at the Salutation Hotel on Wednesday, April 26 between 3.30pm and 7.30pm.
Popular restaurant 63 Tay Street was closed in November by previous owner Graeme Pallister, blaming the then 11-month long proposed works.
Manager-turned-owner Christopher Strachan took over and saved the diner, reopening in February.
Mr Strachan has questioned the timing of the works and the perception of how big an impact they will have.
“I think this is going to have to be done at some point,” he said.
“But the fact they expect business to remain open and not be at general risk of closure is ludicrous really. I think all the businesses are in the same boat.
“Why wasn’t this being done during lockdown? It doesn’t make any sense.
“It is such a damaging piece of work to businesses and residents.”
When asked if he will be attending the public meeting, Mr Strachan replied: “I will be there for sure and I think their arrangement is that there will be public access.
“But the reality is about where we are situated.
“Our windows were rattling and glasses were shaking when work was going on here before. There was a digger outside during lunch service.
“I don’t think the dinner trade will be hit too hard. But day trade and any wedding meals - people are not going to want to have their wedding meal when work is going on outside.”
He added: “More is needing to be done to protect small businesses before they are forced to close.
“Businesses will need some form of financial support.
“No one is going to be here when work is going on and Scottish Water and the council don’t seem to realise that.”
Cameron Grassick of Robert Cameron Hair also previously raised a formal objection to the works.
During the works westbound traffic on Tay Street will be diverted via Canal Street, Scott Street, Victoria Street and King Street.
The diversion for eastbound traffic will be via King Street and South Street. Signposted access to Shore Road will be via Edinburgh Road and Friarton Road.
Scottish Water’s major projects delivery manager Dominic Flanagan said: “We recognise that infrastructure work of this scale is disruptive and that the areas where we need to work are an important part of the city’s road network.
“Our team is working hard to identify arrangements to minimise disruption as far as we can, while delivering the investment that is needed.”
