A million-pound makeover planned for a Highland Perthshire town centre could have a damaging impact on local businesses, it has been claimed.
Council chiefs want to regenerate the historic public square at the heart of Aberfeldy and make it “less dominated by cars”.
The proposals include a new pavilion and lighting columns that could provide electricity for markets and outdoor events.
While there is strong support for the plan locally, some businesses have raised concerns about the five-month construction phase, which is due to begin in June.
Mike Haggerton, who runs the Habitat Cafe, said it could signal the death knell for his award-winning business.
“We barely make any money during the winter months,” he said. “More often than not, we are running at a loss. I’m a business owner, but I’m not even making minimum wage.
“So the only time this business is viable is from the middle of July until the end of October.
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“If we don’t get people through the door in the summer, then there is a credible risk that we just won’t be here next year.”
He said if they cafe did close, around eight people would be out of work.
“We’ve known about this regeneration plan for about five years, and we have been supportive of the changes they want to make,” he said.
“But so far, I have been very disappointed with the reaction we get whenever we raise concerns about the timing of the work.
“People see us busy in the summer time and they must think we’re making millions, but this could really harm us.”
Perth and Kinross Council put the work out to tender, with a deadline of April 15, but no award has yet been made.
A spokeswoman said: “The planning application for the project has been submitted and is under consideration at present.
“The decision to undertake the works in the summer has been made to reduce the risk to the project from poor winter weather conditions, which could impact adversely on construction and result in significant maintenance work going forward.”
She added: “We recognise there will be local disruption as a result, however progress must be made on delivering the project, which has been in development for five-and-a-half years.”
Regularly farmers’ markets will be transferred to the local community campus during construction.
