A Perth retailer is furious about a proposed pilot project to install street furniture that she fears will lead to reduced access for customers and drive her business from the city.
Diane Brown, owner of delicatessen Provender Brown in George Street, has revealed Perth and Kinross Council plan to run the scheme from June to August.
It the council press ahead with the proposal, it will see a parklet — an extension of a pavement which can be furnished with greenery and/or benches — put in a current loading parking bay in George Street.
This loading bay is currently used by delivery lorries for businesses in the busy road, keeping them out of precious parking spaces.
Mrs Brown, 51, said she has “real concerns” that the parklets move will cut her shop’s takings after citing last Saturday’s Perthshire Classic Car rally, which saw both George Street and part of Tay Street closed to normal traffic, as an example of how such events can impact on local businesses.
“Our takings were nearly 30% down on the same Saturday last year,” she said.
“This year, the council have plans for at least one continental market, a three-day food and drink festival, a chocolate and gin festival, a cheese festival and a malt whisky festival. I can’t imagine that they actually want to drive us out of Perth but that is how it feels.”
She continued: “I want the council to stop putting barriers in my way in the form of street closures, markets and restrictions on the ability of my customers to access the street and park conveniently.”
A senior council officer canvassed opinion on the parklets pilot scheme around two weeks ago and this was followed by a meeting of Perth Traders Association at the local authority’s Perth headquarters when more details were provided on the controversial scheme.
Mrs Brown added: “The council are hoping to run a pilot scheme through June, July and August. Their view is that these will draw footfall to George Street, create a buzz and encourage people to stay longer.
“The initial proposal is to give up part of the loading bay outside Gillies for the pilot scheme and if considered a success they would look at re-jigging the parking, loading bays, bus stop and coach drop-off point to accommodate, possibly, a few parklets.
“I have real concerns about where this is leading and that it may be the start of a creep towards reducing car access to George Street. Although the council denies that this is the ultimate aim, their city plan that was produced in 2015 talks about ‘extending car free areas,’ which, by implication, means fewer or no vehicles in George Street.”
She continued: “We are told by the council that we, as retailers, put too much emphasis on the importance of cars and convenient parking in the city centre but I really can’t see these parklets drawing people to the street.
“Why would anyone choose to sit in amongst traffic in George Street?”
Laura Wilson, who owns Whispers of the Past in George Street, said: “The council officer told us they have parklets in Belgravia in London and parts of America but to put one in a loading bay used by deliveries for George Street retailers is just crazy.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “Consultations have begun with businesses in George Street and the Perth Traders Association regarding a proposal to design and fund parklets there.
“Following invitations from feedback from businesses, a detailed proposal for a three-month pilot scheme will be developed. A full consultation will take place before any plan is finalised.”
