NEWS: Tram Troubles Roll

By Mark McLaughlin
Edinburgh Evening News
November 17, 2008

Restaurateurs and shopkeepers report huge trading losses

TRADERS on St Andrew Square have become the latest group to complain that their businesses are suffering from the ongoing tram works.

Shopkeepers and restaurateurs have joined the chorus of similar businesses on Shandwick Place and Leith Walk claiming losses of up to 60 per cent since the tram works moved in. North St Andrew Street is currently completely closed off.

Assader Ali, owner of Zest on the corner of Clyde Street, said he missed his rent payment for the first time in eight years last month and fears for the future.

He said: "By this time of year, my December booking sheets are normally full with office parties, but this year it's dead.

"People have been sitting down and placing orders, but after enduring the noise of jackhammers for ten minutes they cancel and walk out.

"When the tram works finish for the day, the place is engulfed in darkness, as there's a streetlight out and the council can't get anywhere near it to fix it, so I'm being hurt day and night."

Mr Ali rejected suggestions that the economic downturn was a contributing factor, saying his other two businesses away from the tram route are doing well.

Fellow restaurateur Phool Chand Thakur, international Indian chef of the year 2007 and manager of Nine Cellars on York Place, has reported a similar downturn.

He added: "People have nowhere to park, so we've had plenty of people phoning in with bookings, but when they see the state of the place they cancel or simply don't turn up."

Parking problems have also been blamed for the downturn in trade at Robbie's Services cobblers and Troon clothes store on York Place.

Jimmy Fairgrieve, owner of Robbie's Services, has a sign in his window that reads "Tramworks Edinburgh: Ripping the Heart out of Local Business".

A spokeswoman for Troon said the business is currently being kept afloat by the company's second store in Cambridge.

"I understand we're facing an economic crisis, but even then you'd only expect a seven or eight per cent drop," she said.

"The other store is doing well, so the credit crunch is not to blame for what's going on here.

"The only business that's making any money is the sandwich shop next door, where the tram workers go for their lunch."

A campaign is under way to secure a rates rebate to companies affected by the trams.

Mr Ali received a letter from the Lothian Joint Valuation Board (LJVB) asking for his contribution to a report it is compiling on the effects of the tram works on city traders.

He reported a 50-60 per cent downturn in trade and no concessions from his landlord.

A spokesman for trams firm TIE said business would be supported. "Areas such as St Andrew Square have seen a recent rise in footfall.

"Edinburgh's unique Small Business Support Scheme has already given businesses along the route financial assistance and is supporting Open for Business initiatives across the city. Should any businesses wish to get further information on the scheme and its grants, they should contact TIE.

"We will continue to work with businesses and business organisations to ensure that the shopping opportunities in the Capital continue to attract consumers."