West End councillor Fraser Macpherson has urged Dundee City Council to help “unique” businesses thrive.
Mr Macpherson believes the local authority has a responsibility to help promote district shopping areas like the Perth Road and Blackness Avenue.
The Liberal Democrat representative’s comments come as “challenging” roadworks in the area near an end.
As the works move toward a conclusion, Mr Macpherson has requested help from Dundee City Council in lending a helping hand to independent firms in the area.
According to the West End councillor, creating a Perth Road brand or enhanced advertising could help increase footfall in the area.
Mr Macpherson said: “As a local authority, we have a responsibility to promote local shopping areas.
“I don’t want to be a talking shop, I want to see quite clear action. For example, things like environmental improvements, advertising — we’re quite keen on creating a Perth Road brand.
“We have a working group up and running to see if there are ways we can further support business.
“I want to see the council be very proactive in supporting all district shopping centres in the city.
“I’m very pleased to see a number of units which have been empty are now being reoccupied.
“We also have a new operator coming into Nisa, which is the biggest business in the area.
“This is an excellent and vibrant area.”
Mr Macpherson believes improving parking in the area will further benefit the lives of businesses and residents.
The Liberal Democrat councillor believes freeing up spaces through a review of yellow lines on the Perth Road could assist traders.
In response to Mr Macpherson’s call for assistance, a spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “There are five district shopping centres in Dundee, of which Perth Road is one.
“A group has met in the area comprising representatives of the council, local elected members, traders and the community council to look at ways of boosting activity.
“That group is due to meet again to discuss how some of the ideas that have already been generated could be taken forward.
“Anything that is implemented requires partnership and buy in from all stakeholders.”
