Businesses in Dundee’s west end are slashing prices as roadworks hammer trade by up to 60%.
A catalogue of up to 13 separate sites are currently located along the west end of Perth Road and Blackness Road meaning side streets between such as West Park Road are closed off entirely.
Elsewhere, diversions are also abundant along Lochee Road, Coupar Angus Road and connecting avenues.
Some in the area have been without water for long periods of time, one resident even claiming he went four days without running water.
Other business owners have complained of a drastic drop in customer numbers and dwindling profits.
Tahier Yunus, owner of Karachi Tandoori on Blackness Road, said: “The business is totally dead whereas before it was OK.
“It’s been two weeks now and it’s just such a big inconvenience. I’d say I’ve lost around 60% of my business because of the road works.
“My regular customers are going to get food from places where they don’t have this problem and there is just much less footfall.”
June Fullerton, manager of The Day After Bakery, said her business has, too, been badly impacted by the ongoing works.
She said: “There’s usually a queue out the door by this time, but it’s dead.
“I’ve only seen about 10 people all morning and only have pennies in the till.
“I’ve marked a lot of things down to £1 because it will be going in the bin if it’s not bought.”
Zee Aljumailee, whose father owns Al-Noor Halal Food Store, also on Blackness Road, said he doesn’t understand why there is so much work going on at the same time.
“It’s a hassle, especially when I have deliveries,” he said.
“You would think they would finish one section then begin another but they are everywhere.
“The road works are just making things more difficult for everyone and there are less people coming down the streets which also means fewer people coming into the shops.
“The post office and the butcher’s are usually packed but it’s so quiet just now.”
John Jordan, from hardware shop, Andersons Stores, admitted his business was also suffering.
He said: “It is a bit quieter than normal, but this area has been quiet for a while.
“There’s only been a couple of people come in so far today and I’m still expected to pay rates.”
A Scottish Water spokesperson said the works being carried out are essential and that the improvement work now being carried out had been delayed to ensure children returning to school would not be effected.
He added: “Scottish Water is in constant dialogue with retailers in the area to minimise any disruption and all appropriate measures are being taken to ensure local businesses can continue to trade throughout these two weeks of works.
“Scottish Water would like to apologise for any inconvenience during these essential works.”
A spokesman for SGN, who also commissioned road works for the area, said: “We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by our work. We’re aware that this is a busy route in Dundee and are working hard to complete our work as quickly as possible.”
