Council officials have been called to crisis talks in an effort to breathe new life into the Perth Road shopping area.
There have been a number of closures in recent months, including the TSB bank branch, two restaurants, a fishmonger and a baker.
Economic woes and retirements contributed to the loss, but West End Councillor Fraser Macpherson said he had begun to fear for the area’s vibrancy.
Parking has also been identified as a key issue for Perth Road, as commuter traffic occupies many parking spaces, preventing shoppers from easily accessing businesses.
That issue was raised by fellow West End councillor Richard McCready at a meeting of Dundee City Council this week at which he and Mr Macpherson failed to sure a fresh consultation on parking.
Mr Macpherson said the council needs to make more use of its economic development powers to promote and assist the Perth Road shopping area and other district shopping centres across the city.
“It was very disappointing to see the TSB close their Perth Road Branch and there have been a number of other closures,” he said.
“These are not necessarily due to economic reasons some were due to shop owners’ retirements after long service to the local community but I am very keen to see the council use its economic development powers to the full to help promote our local shops both in the Perth Road and in other district shopping centres across our city.
“I do think the council could be doing more to promote local shops and I am keen that discussions look at ways of protecting district shopping centres, using planning powers to make it easier to re-let closed shop units and help publicise the great offering shopping areas like the Perth Road has.
“I want to see everyone work together on this, that talks include all local councillors , across all parties and that there is positive engagement with the local business community and other stakeholders, such as West End Community Council.
“It is important that we all work together to promote our local shopping centres in Dundee, like Perth Road, and the council should be fully supporting and resourcing such efforts.”