An urgent meeting is to be arranged between Angus Council and angry business owners in Arbroath, who have yet to receive any compensation for loss of earnings and stock after contractors were said to have damaged their stores.
The string of 10 shops in Arbroath’s Mayfield Terrace, in the Cliffburn area, were subjected to flooding misery because builders brought in by the council left giant holes in their roofs after demolishing the flats above.
The shops were being re-roofed as part of a project to remove a first-floor level of hard-to-let Angus Council flats and regenerate what had become a slightly run-down looking area.
The demolition of the flats above the privately-owned shops, and other environmental enhancements, were aimed at creating an improved commercial hub and gateway.
Water poured in, leading to lost trade and damaged stock and fittings, as well as the work of regular mopping-up sessions, and now the business people are getting to the end of their tether.
Arbroath councillor Donald Morrison said he fully understands the anger and anxiety expressed by the shopkeepers and urged the neighbourhood services committee to conclude this amicably.
He said it is important that damage claims are dealt with appropriately and quickly.
“As this committee is aware, on two occasions last year, the shops at Mayfield in Arbroath were hit by a deluge of rainwater pouring into their premises due to the removal of the flats above,” he said.
“However, despite the first flooding incident in April, never mind the second incident later this year, the shopkeepers have yet to receive any recompense for the loss of earnings and stock.Frustration”I share the shopkeepers’ frustration to what is proving to be a very slow process, despite constantly pressing for a resolution, and understand there is a meeting with property services.
“Can I ask pressure be made in concluding this amicably and within an extremely short timescale?
“I would also like an urgent meeting to be arranged between officials and shopkeepers to discuss this and the outcome of this meeting to be forwarded to Arbroath East members.”
Neighbourhood services convener Jim Millar said he would be happy to agree to Mr Morrison’s request.
Neil Clark, who runs the post office, said he is as much as £4000 out of pocket, once lost trade is counted.
“We’re looking for the town to do the honourable thing. They damaged the premises so they should put their hands up and sort this out.”
Daljit Din, whose family run the Spice of Life takeaway, said they are lucky the business is still running.
“Once, a slate fell through a hole in the roof and straight into the deep-fat fryer in front of a customer, ” she said.
“I’ve been told we won’t be able to claim on the shop’s insurance, but we can’t wait any longer for the compensation. We’re lucky we’ve still got a business.”
Angus Council is in negotiations with the contractor and scrutinising and processing the insurance claims it has received from some of the owners.
Other owners have indicated they will be submitting claims, but they have not yet been received.