High hopes for street party

Published 8 Jul 2010 11:08

BUSINESS owners in a popular shopping area say a street party will boost their profile but claim it is the least they deserve.

Most businesses in Cross Arthurlie Street have had a tough first half of the year because of necessary road works.

A reduction in passing trade and irregular access to the street mean some shops have seen their takings drop by as much as 50 per cent on last year.

East Renfrewshire Council's roads team has come in for stick because of delays in the £800,000 re-developments which were meant to finish in May but are still ongoing.

However, the council recently announced it is to host a gala re-opening on August 28 as a way for residents to check out what the revamped street has to offer.

The street party will include fairground rides, stalls, a farmers' market and a mobile football pitch.

Davos Hair Design owner, Daniel Kennedy has been disappointed with the delays in the road works but is glad to see the council is putting on the gala.

He said: "Hopefully it will bring people back into the street and they will realise the businesses are still here and you can get full access to the street.

"The council needs to advertise this effectively and will really need to push it.

"Not just advertising in the Barrhead News - they should be advertising on billboards because if they really want to get people back to the street then that's the least they can do."

Jim Cameron, of Barrhead Shoe Repairs, reckons the road works are vital and thinks the party will good for the street.

The cobbler said: "When it is finished I am sure it will look very nice.

"The party is a great idea and it will bring a lot of publicity to the street and hopefully people will realise I am here.

"What we have lost in earnings we can't recover but I knew this was going to happen because it needed done."

Chippy boss, Aldo of L'arcos has not been impressed with the council's handling of the road works and is sceptical of how much an impact the gala will have.

He said: "I was quite surprised when I heard about the street party and I think the council are just trying to get a pat on the back.

"The way the roadworks were carried out was bad and very detrimental to the businesses.

"I suppose the party is a good idea and if anything it will get people back on the street."

Newsagent Farooq Sheikh, 28, of Hickey's is hoping the party will be a great day for the street.

He said: "I think it would be a good time to have a party.

"We have lost business for the last six months so it is about time the businesses on this street got a bit of publicity.

"Our trade has been down 50 per cent on the first six months last year.

"Businesses on the street will have to build themselves back up but it will take time.

"The improved road is a good thing but it has taken a very long time for it to be completed."

A council spokesman said: "We're delighted that so many local businesses and shops in Cross Arthurlie Street have responded positively to the event planned for August 28. It's a chance to celebrate the £800,000 improvement work in Cross Arthurlie Street.

"That's money that the council went out and bid for and work that anyone could see needed doing.

"It's a great chance for residents to see the excellent new-look Cross Arthurlie Street and rediscover some of the local businesses and shops along the street.

"We hope more local businesses will come on board and join in for a great day out."

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This article appeared in Barrhead News 07 Jul 10

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