The timing of a two-week stretch of roadworks on the A81 in Callander has been slammed by businesses left counting the cost. The works, on the A81 from the junction with the A84 to its junction with the B8032, have been in place from July 20 until the end of this week.
Stirling Council published the traffic order notice to “facilitate roads maintenance work”, but a group complaint has been published with the authority from 18 businesses based in the town. The complaint centres on a lack of consultation over the timing of the closure during the ‘Glasgow Fair’ holiday fortnight, traditionally one of the busiest for footfall.
Business owner describes 'economic vandalism'
Neil MacFadyen, who runs the Willow Botanic shop in the town alongside his wife, labelled the move “economic vandalism” and emphasised the impact on services for locals, with some arriving late or facing cancellations. Speaking to the Observer, Mr MacFadyen said: “We first found out when the signs were put up on the Main Street in Callander, so it just came completely out of the blue for most of the traders here.
“Most of the visitors coming into the town from Glasgow and the west are coming on that road and the business has just felt quite limp this week. In the first week of the Fair fortnight, we took in around 50 per cent more than we did in turnover the previous week, but it was actually 20 per cent down on the previous seven days last week so that’s a major impact.
“The town itself has just been so much quieter, we’ve had people coming into us late and not realising the road would be closed. All the council say is that the closure was advertised online and to apologise for the inconvenience, but they always say they are going to do better and they don’t.”
Councillor calls for better planning
Trossachs and Teith councillor Martin Earl raised questions over the timing of the closure during the school holidays and the potential for more overnight work to lessen the business impact. Cllr Earl said: “This road should not have been closed during the school holidays. Had there been the ‘Sensitive Roads’ designation in place that I have asked for then issues such as business impact and timings would undergo full scrutiny prior to the official notices being issued that, once in place, make it virtually impossible to change dates.
“The council satisfying the legal requirements for notice is not sufficient especially in rural areas where diversions are often long or not present at all and impact from road closures can be very significant.”
Council responds to concerns
In response, a Stirling Council spokesman said: “We acknowledge the disruption that has been caused to road users, residents and businesses while these essential resurfacing works were carried out and thank the community for their patience. By completing all phases of resurfacing work on this important stretch of road at the one time and ahead of schedule, we have avoided further closures and disruption to the community in the future.”
