Businesses in Dunblane have condemned a three-month road closure on Stirling Road and Station Road for demolition of the fire-damaged Chip Inn, warning of devastating impact on trade.
Closure details and business reaction
A traffic order published by Stirling Council has closed a stretch of Stirling Road from its junction at Millrow and Station Row from its junction with Stirling Road. A one-way stretch of road at nearby Bridgend has also been closed for the works, which began on Monday until October 6. The closures are necessary for demolition works at the Chip Inn on the corner of Stirling Road after a major blaze in May.
News of the order has been met with surprise from businesses based along Stirling Road, who have raised concerns over a potential devastating impact on trade. Ruby Ruby Shoes, one of the affected firms, posted an update on Facebook calling for council chiefs to rethink the closure and introduce alternative measures, such as temporary traffic lights.
The post read: “Upcoming plans to demolish a fire damaged building across from our shop may include traffic restrictions or closure of our street while the work is undertaken. We will give you updates if and when this happens. We wanted to share this news with our customers, but assure you we will remain open and you’ll still be able to find parking nearby to visit us. Along with other businesses on Stirling Road and Station Road, Ruby Ruby has been in correspondence with the council regarding the proposed road closure for the upcoming demolition works. We completely understand that the demolition needs to be carried out safely, and we’re not opposed to the work itself. What we are asking for is meaningful consultation to explore whether there is a safer solution that also protects the local businesses that rely on passing trade. Like many independent businesses, this has already been a challenging year. The summer months are vital - they’re what help us survive the quieter winter season. We’re simply asking that the proposed closure is paused long enough for genuine discussions to take place. We believe there may be alternatives worth exploring, such as temporary traffic lights or other traffic management measures that would allow the demolition to proceed safely while keeping Dunblane’s businesses accessible.”
Further business concerns and political support
Another business, the Village Inn pub and restaurant, added their own frustrations about the three-month closure. They wrote: “Our trade has already been affected with the closure of the train station car park and the spaces outside. This additional closure is also a huge concern for us. We fully understand the need to safely close the street for demolition and a rebuild for our neighbours and businesses. However, it needs to be done in conjunction with the businesses and neighbours around that area to minimise the knock on effect. Our summer trade is vital to keep us going through the winter and this closure is going to have a huge impact on all the businesses in that area.”
Local businesses affected have also set up a group chat to keep themselves informed and come up with a plan on the issue. Dunblane Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache has taken up the businesses’ fight and said: “The local traders affected by the road closure on Stirling and Station Road in Dunblane have been in contact. They are deeply concerned about the effect this closure will have on their businesses. I have had telephone calls and messages and emails expressing this concern. I have contacted officers asking for alternatives to be looked at. I hope a solution can be found that minimises the effect on businesses while doing the demolition safety.”
Council response
A Stirling Council spokesman said: “We are continuing to engage with owners of the fire-damaged building and their insurers and will support them on appropriate compromises to limit disruption to road users, businesses and local residents during the demolition works. We have also been highlighting the importance to the building owners of providing regular updates to businesses and the local community during the works and our willingness to support them with this. A Traffic Order is in place to enable traffic restrictions to be implemented as and when required within the period of the Order.”
