Perth and Kinross Council has defended work on a Perth bridge in the face of criticism that the project is causing “total disruption”.
Lynn Morton (48), who owns John’s Corner Store in Craigie Cross, hit out after claiming the “building site” at St Leonard’s Bridge lay empty for three days over the Easter period.
Work on the bridge began on March 25 and is set to last for four months, with diversions in place for both motorists and pedestrians.
The local authority decided work was necessary on the bridge, which is owned by Network Rail, to replace footways and build new beams at a cost of £500,000.
Perth and Kinross Council met businesses and residents in the Craigie area and told them the bridge would be closed as it was deemed unsafe to allow vehicles across it during the period of construction.
Last night, Ms Morton claimed Craigie Cross is like a “ghost town” and slammed contractors for not working seven days a week to get the job completed.
“The signs here say ‘business as usual’, but that’s a joke,” she said.
“All the local traders get up and go to work to try and put food on the table and try and make a wage.
“I am terrified I’m going to lose my business due to this necessary construction, but when the building site sits empty for three days I find this to be absolutely disgraceful.”
She continued: “These works are a total disruption for the traders and public alike.
“Why are the workers not working seven days a week to fix the bridge and get back to normal as soon as possible? I can’t speak for the other traders, but this is a very difficult time.”
However, Michael Clark, who runs the Fish n’ Chip Co on St Leonard’s Bridge, said he feels everyone is entitled to a day off and that there should be a more positive outlook regarding the bridge works.
“I had thought our takings would drop by 50%, but they have dropped by around 5%,” he commented.
“We are a lot busier than I expected to be. Ourselves and China China have posted on Facebook that we are still working and the parking is actually better. The bridge works will safeguard the public.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said the local authority “recognise” the concerns raised regarding the St Leonard’s Bridge works.
“We also wish to see the works completed as quickly as is practicably possible, while minimising the impact for the community,” she said.
“The contract for the works on St Leonard’s Bridge, therefore, requires six days a week working, with a day off on Sundays in order to provide a break for residents from the noise and disturbance associated with the works.
“In the past week, the contractors were on site every day except for Sunday and Monday, which was a public holiday.
“Work is currently under way on the two outermost arches, which includes the installation of scaffolding under the bridge, as well as preparatory measures ahead of the first period of night-time working later this month.”
The council spokesperson went on: “From the outset, we have worked closely and proactively with local shops and services in efforts to minimise the effect of the works on their trade.
“Signs advising that the businesses were open as normal have gone up in eight locations on the various routes to the Craigie Cross area, and additional signage is also being installed.”