A local restaurant owner says Perth councillors s are not doing enough to assist firms caught up in the ‘super sewer’ disruption soon to close off Tay Street to cars until January 2025.
On Wednesday 26, a meeting hosted by Scottish Water was held at the Salutation Hotel in Perth to discuss its plans to dig up and improve the sewer system under Tay Street and Shore Road. About 80 people went along to the drop-in.
The Scottish Water 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.
Local businesses based on the riverside route have expressed concern that the disruption could push them under financially.
They were looking to Scottish Water for assurances that they will not be left stranded when workers shut off the street to traffic for 20 months.
Scottish Water told the PA: “We are engaging with affected businesses about the kind of support that we can provide – there are limits to what we can do and discussions are ongoing.”
Former manager of the restaurant 63 Tay Street Christopher Strachan bought the business and reopened it in February. He intends to see out the street closure and remain active.
Mr Strachan told the PA: “The meeting on Wednesday was partially satisfactory in that there were some positive assurances given by Scottish Water, but nothing concrete.
“They indicated they would cover advertising the restaurant and some cleaning costs for dealing with all the dirt and dust we’d expect through our open foyer door.
“They wanted to see our accounts after the work is done, to see if we can prove footfall and revenue fell because of the sewer activity.
“But that is like waiting till we fall off a cliff to take action. We need something before to stop that happening.”
Regarding the Perth City Centre councillors who went along to the drop-in, Mr Strachan was scathing.
“I’ve had zero contact with them,” he said. “I mean zero.
“It’s disconcerting not one councillor has been in touch. It is not really my job to reach out, they are paid to do that.
“Small, independent businesses in Perth are closing right, left and centre. The disappearance of Cairncross jewellers is a fine example.
“The politicians need to do more and have our backs if we are to remain.”
Perth City Centre councillor Peter Barrett attended the information session and met with Scottish Water’s corporate affairs team.
Cllr Barrett said: “It was good to be able to give direct feedback to Scottish Water on the main concerns that have been expressed to me... specifically regarding the disruption to the city centre and clarity on access and the traffic diversion routes and targeted help and support to local businesses in terms of marketing and customer incentives whose footfall will be impacted.”
Bailie Chris Ahern was also present.
He said: “I am reasonably happy with the plans that Scottish Water have put in place. It is always concerning when roadworks occur, especially in a city centre because of the massive disruption it causes in a relatively small area and especially for the length of time this is going to take place.
“However, as I have already said, this work is needed to be done and will hopefully resolve some of the issues we have in the city centre with regard to localised flooding, especially in heavy rainfall.”
Councillor Andrew Parrott said: “There is no doubt that this huge £100m investment by Scottish Water represents a vitally important improvement to Perth’s waste water and sewage infrastructure.
“It will, however, cause considerable disruption to residents, businesses and traffic for the duration of the planned work.
“Scottish Water’s engagement with the public on Wednesday was an important component of what must be ongoing work for the duration of the project to minimise and mitigate the impacts of the work for all those who will be affected by it.”
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 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.
A spokesperson for Scottish Water said: “We would like to thank everyone who attended the information event held at the Salutation Hotel in Perth.
“We are in the process of following up the issues raised; and this will influence decision-making as we continue to prepare for work to begin.
“Communication and engagement will continue to be important over the full duration of our project – and we will provide a further update ahead of work beginning.”
