'I've lost everything': Glasgow takeaway forced to close due to council roadworks
Alaa Asaad says he's lost his life savings after two large metal containers were placed on his doorstep, making his shop 'invisible' to customers
The owner of a takeaway in Glasgow city centre has revealed he has been forced to close down due to ongoing roadworks outside his store.
Alaa Asaad, who owns Alaa's Takeaway, claims his restaurant has been made completely invisible to customers by large metal containers on Pitt Street.
Alaa, who lives in Govan, came to Glasgow 7 years ago to fulfil his dream of running his own food business after training to become a qualified chef.
Just before celebrating the first anniversary of his shop - mental fences and containers appeared on the street, where they are set to remain for the next year.
He says he has now lost his life savings after having to exit a 20-year lease on his shop early.
The 29-year-old went from making between £2,000 and £5,000 in a single weekend, to making between just £5 and £15 in a day after the containers were erected.
He said he was physically unable to cover bills and rent, leading to the permanent closure of his store.
'Definitely too close'
Alaa said: "They put it about half a meter away from my front door, and I thought 'that is definitely too close'.
"About 20% of our customers were loyal, returning customers who are students and office workers.
"The majority of our customers are passers-by, as we're surrounded by hotels and the theatre.
"If you're drunk at night time, are you going to look for signs pointing out that a business is open as usual? No.
"We all know that after a few drinks, customers are drawn into shops by the light."
'I'm having to see the doctor now'
Alaa added that it has severely impacted his mental health.
He said: "It's damaged my business, which was a family business. I've spent all my years and all my money working on it, and I'm losing it all.
"I'm now having to see the doctor, because of all the anxiety and stress this has caused me.
"My business was so successful, and I've lost everything so unexpectedly.
"I tried to survive under these conditions and I just couldn't."
'Available to discuss any issues'
However, Glasgow City Council says the containers were necessary for the essential works, and will be available to discuss any issues local businesses are facing.
A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “The work currently taking place on the Holland Street Avenue project will see major improvements at Holland Street and sections of West Regent Street and Pitt Street once work is complete next summer.
"Local businesses and residents were advised of the need to erect a site compound on Pitt Street for the delivery of the Holland Street Avenue works, with the site manager visiting each of the businesses around the site compound to provide information on the proposals.
"The decision to locate the compound in Pitt Street was made as a result of other ongoing development projects taking place nearby - at 225 Bath Street and the MODA development at the site of the former Police Scotland headquarters - making it difficult to place the compound (which is necessary for the people working on the project) closer to the works.
"Any city centre project such as this can cause a degree of disruption and inconvenience, and in recognition of this we worked with local businesses to create signage showing that all of them remained open.
"As always, we are available to discuss issues any local businesses may have, and we are aware that various economic factors at national and global levels mean this is a challenging time for businesses.”
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