‘Gloom and despondency’ Traders’ profits are blasted by centre traffic ban

Mar 5 2008 By Marc McLean, Lennox Herald

A SHOCK survey of Dumbarton traders has underlined the desperate need for change to the town centre traffic system.

The Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce handed out questionnaires to struggling shopkeepers last month to gauge how they are performing.

Despite being a couple of weeks away from publishing the exact findings and figures, it is already clear that the High Street has hit a real low.

The Lennox Herald can reveal that:

l One business is down 70 per cent in its turnover since the traffic changes, but is tied into a lengthy lease

l Another business owner has not drawn a salary for four months to keep the firm afloat

l Another business is considering walking out on the High Street because its profits have almost halved

John Corcoran, chairman of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, organised the survey.

He said: “These are a few soundbites from our survey, which is still to be completed.

“The over-riding majority have made it clear that trade is down, turnover is down, and footfall is down.

“For the most part it’s doom, gloom and despondency.”

Clinton Cards this week became the latest High Street shop to close after more than five years.

The company, which is part of the Birthdays group and has over 700 stores nationwide, follows discount fashion store Ethel Austin, which walked out on the Artizan Centre in November.

However, Woolworths’ head office this week quashed rumours that its Dumbarton store could be closing.

A spokeswoman said: “It is a strong performer and has a bright future with the company.

“High street stores are an integral part of Woolworths’ current and future business. Online shopping at Woolworths relies on conveniently located high street locations so customers can collect their online purchases and make online purchases in the stores from our extended range.”

Other town centre traders have been heartened by the news that West Dunbartonshire Council is considering reintroducing cars to the High Street.

Ian Wilson, of Photo Ecosse, said: “It’s nice to see the council doing something that actually shows they are accepting there has been a problem.

“I’d now like the council to have more direct dialogue with us, the actual people who are down here trying to trade in this situation.

“Every second customer has got an opinion on the state of the town centre, saying things like ‘it’s a pain in the neck to park’ or ‘it’s a shame we’ve not got a butcher anymore’.

“I don’t think the council realises how much bad feeling this traffic system has created.”

LH052808F

CLOSING: Clinton Cards in Dumbarton High Street is shutting up shop.

LH063908F

EMPTY: Around half of the town’s Artizan Centre units are lying vacant.