Dumfries shop owners frustrated over road blockage
Building repair works have shut off pedestrian and vehicular access through the top of Friars Vennel
Last updated 14th Sep 2023
Concern is being raised by business owners on Friars Vennel in Dumfries, following the temporary closure of through access and a predicted drop in footfall.
The blockage comes as necessary repair work begins on an unsafe building at the top of the street, which is estimated to take around four weeks.
With many relying on passing trade, owners say communication should have been better, and that the impacts could be very serious.
Fiona Dalgliesh from Apex Scotland said: “It took a while for anyone to come and tell us, so we could’ve done with a wee bit more prompting – it feels like it’s just happened!”
“The fact there aren’t any vehicles coming up and down, there’s basically a lot of people who are disabled and use cars to stop for food parcels etc… that will be unavailable to them now.”
Andrew O’Brian runs Sarto tailors. He said: “It’s one of these things that we’re not fully sure right now what the impact will be, but we’ve got an expectation that if customers aren’t coming to the shop then we’re not going to make money and that’s definitely going to affect the businesses.
“In terms of assurances they can give us in that regard I’m not sure. Stick to the timelines, get things back open as soon as possible, communicate effectively that businesses are still open.
Businesses want to see support measures put in place
Carol Ann Cameron from the Treasures Chest said: “We rely on footfall without question."
“Why is there no access at all? Construction goes on all over the world- why can’t we have tunnels of something here?”
In a statement, Dumfries & Galloway Council said: “Through ongoing building work at the property 114-116 Friars Vennel, the property owner’s contractor (Broatch Construction) has advised the council that the building is unsafe, and they require an emergency road closure to allow the removal of the dangerous parts of the building.
“Dumfries and Galloway Council has therefore approved the closure of a section of Friars Vennel between Castle Street (Burns’ Statue) and Irish Street for both vehicles and pedestrian access to enable the works, while ensuring members of the public are kept safe.
“Pedestrian access will be available via Irish Street to any premises/businesses closed off to Castle Street by these works. Signage has been installed at the Irish Street junction indicating Road Ahead Closed Business Access only for deliveries and loading. We ask that, as per the daily restriction, this area be kept clear of vehicles.
“The closure is anticipated to be in place for approximately 4 weeks until work is completed.
“The works required is the responsibility of the property owner. The safety of members of the public is Dumfries and Galloway Council’s paramount concern. Minimising disruption to local businesses, residents and motorists comes next.
“Any road closures/re-openings are subject to Broatch Construction’s timescales for the work and our officers are working closely with the contractor to ensure we take the appropriate measures at the right time.”