The owner of a bespoke furniture shop in the centre of Perth fears she will be driven from the area following a sickening series of incidents.
Helen Harcus opened A Country Affair on St Paul’s Square almost nine years ago and has customers across the UK.
Her prime position amid Perth’s boutiques had always been a key selling point but over the past year the ambience has been “shattered.”
The shop window was smashed last month, ornaments have been stolen from outside the front door and just last week a copper water pipe in the common close above was removed, flooding the shop.
Shoppers are regularly greeted by shouting, swearing and fighting in the street outside.
Scone resident Helen contacted The Courier on Tuesday to say she had reached the end of her tether her repair bill is sitting at more than £3000 and she is concerned that trade will suffer.
Helen said, “I just don’t know what else to do.
“I have worked hard to build up a good reputation for my business and rely on people’s custom… these incidents don’t paint the picture I would like.
“The area around the shop has always been fine but over the last year new folk have moved in and brought with them a swarm of druggies.”No longer the ‘Fair City’She added, “Every day there are people shouting outside about needing their ‘gear’ and they sometimes wander into the shop, scaring customers.
“I now come to work worrying what is going to greet me it isn’t nice.
“I’ve had a window smashed, people throwing up outside the shop, and I am currently dealing with damage caused by a burst pipe. I had to throw out thousands of pounds worth of stock and the floor might have to be replaced.”
Helen has reported the incidents to the police and Perth and Kinross Council’s temporary accommodation team, who let out a number of nearby properties.
She said, “I really don’t want to move shops but I may not have an option.
“I have pondered and cried about it but the fact is I have no control over the situation and no-one seems to be able to help.”
She added, “I have persevered for the past six months and worked hard to tidy up any mess quickly but my insurance premiums are going to go through the roof.
“I’m not sure we can call it the ‘Fair City’ any more.”
A council spokesperson said all allegations of anti-social behaviour by tenants would be taken seriously.
They said, “We received this complaint only this week, and will be visiting the tenant to investigate.
“We will liaise with the police and will take any action that we feel is necessary following our investigation.”