Business owners have hit out at council chiefs for failing to consult them before staging a continental market in Perth’s High Street.
Various food traders were allowed to set up stalls in the street for four days last week.
Perth and Kinross Council said the aim was to boost business by encouraging more people to visit the area.
However, Elspeth Munro, who co-owns Brew and Chew coffee shop in the High Street, said a “noisy and smelly” generator located right outside led to a fall in takings for the four days of the event.
Mrs Munro said: “I know these traders have to make a living but we had no consultation at all from the council that this continental market was taking place. And we had to contend with a noisy generator belching out fumes that had been placed near the seating area of our shop for the duration of this market.
“Our takings were down during this time as the generator was putting people off coming along and sitting outside having food and a drink. This was a real shame as the weather was good, particularly at the weekend.”
Michael White, 31, owner of Willows coffee shop and restaurant in St John’s Place, was also critical.
“I feel it was the wrong time of year to hold this market and by staging it, the council were allowing all these food traders to take business away from local shops and cafes,” he said.
“Our takings were down overall during the duration of the market. We even had a couple of people sitting at our seats outside the restaurant eating some food they’d bought at the market, which isn’t on.”
Laura Wilson, owner of Whispers in the Past, said the council should prioritise local traders in its spending plans.
“The council seem so preoccupied with allowing the likes of this food market to take place and pay for so-called celebrities to switch on the Christmas lights but retailers like me suffer as a result,” she said.
“I feel the local authority should be promoting shops like mine to attract visitors to Perth, instead of bringing a market to Perth that only sold foodstuffs.”
A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said a survey sent to businesses had generated very little negative feedback.
“Since this survey went live a few days ago, 12 responses have been received, of which a number of businesses have stated the market had no negative impact on their business,” he said.
“The continental market generally runs for four days in most locations and on its last two visits has run for four days, which were both well received by city centre businesses.
“The council has worked with the operator to grow the market, to encourage people to visit George Street and St John Street, taking on board feedback from businesses in these areas.
“There is no external cost to the council to bring the continental market to the city,” he added.
