Council chiefs have been told to rethink controversial plans for Paisley’s Causeyside Street or risk businesses shutting up shop.
The alert comes after a crunch meeting at the Wynd Centre on Monday night at which officers fielded questions about the regeneration project.
The proposals – including a two-way cycle route between Canal Street and Gilmour Street stations, so-called ‘floating bus stops’ and junction alterations – have been opposed by town centre traders.
Despite the local authority’s efforts to alleviate concerns, business owners are worried the planned changes could cause congestion and put off customers from visiting their shops, with one warning “their livelihoods are in jeopardy.”
Liz Stewart, owner of Finishing Touches on neighbouring Johnston Street, believes it would spell the end for her business after almost four decades in the area.
She said: “My view is that any disruption to the work involved will only serve to redirect people out of Paisley and encourage them to shop elsewhere.
“My customers, many of whom also support the surrounding outlets, have intimated to me that they will not come into Paisley, therefore resulting in my business having to close after almost 40 years of hard work.
“The effect this proposal is having on business owners and their staff is mentally draining as their livelihoods are in jeopardy.
“Hopefully the council will redirect the cycle route to enable everyone to continue their way of life free of chaos.”
Questions have previously been raised about pedestrian safety, with cyclists expected to give way to people crossing the path at points, and level of demand for the idea.
James Peacock, of Wm Phelps Butchers, said: “We have served countless customers in the town over the last 58 years and we believe we need an inclusive town that works for everybody, not one that’s been specifically designed for a minority that may or may not wish to use a cycle lane through Paisley town centre.
“How this can be described as a regeneration plan for the town and the businesses in it is beyond belief.”
A petition launched by Paisley First, which has urged the council to listen to traders, has been gathering pace in the last week.
Colette Cardosi, chair of the business improvement district, said: “It was clear at Monday evening’s meeting that there was unanimous opposition to this project from local businesses and residents.
“In little over a week, more than 2,000 signatures have been collected for our petition asking the council to halt this process and rethink their plans.
“Our local businesses are the heartbeat of our town centre and we must do all we can to ensure their survival.
“It’s clear that if the council choose to ignore these concerns, many long-standing and valuable businesses will close and jobs will be lost.”
Kenny Fallon, owner of Kenneth Edward Hair, added: “I have not spoken to a single person, customer or fellow business owner, who is in favour of this massive change that the council are trying their hardest to impose on us – on one of the few streets that remains busy and buoyant.”
The local authority has expressed hope the project can boost active travel and public transport connections in the town centre area, while improving traffic flow.
It also assured there would be no loss of parking, but rather the addition of 46 permanent on-street spaces and eight loading bays.
When asked by the Paisley Daily Express if the council intends to go ahead with the scheme in its current form, a spokesperson said: “The plans for improvements to Causeyside Street aim to improve accessibility and provide renewed offerings for the local community.
“We thank the businesses who attended the public meeting for their feedback and we are taking it on board as we consider the next steps.”
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