An Edinburgh chef has said his restaurant lost £10,000 in a week due to trams being cut off from The Shore.
Dean Banks, 38, behind seafood restaurant Dulse, said his revenue had nosedived by 60 per cent since a fire ripped through the former Debenhams building on Princes Street.
Safety fears related to the devastated building has resulted in tram services being suspended to Newhaven for weeks and chef Banks says no substantial update has been given to businesses.
He believes businesses at and around The Shore could be facing a bleak winter if the issue is not resolved in time for the Festival Fringe.
He said: “Our revenue is down around 60 per cent week on week. Our fixed costs don’t change, so that money is just gone.
“Last week we lost £10,000. Hospitality is already on its knees, and this could be the nail in the coffin unless the council acts quickly.
“We pay business rates and council tax, and we should be supported. The fire isn’t the council’s fault, but the lack of a backup plan is.
“Someone should be held accountable for that. August is the best month of the year, it’s when businesses make enough money to get through the winter. If we lose that income, people will struggle.
“Businesses around the Shore are all saying the same thing. Daytime trade has died a death, and evenings are down too.
The fire at the former Debenhams store on Princes Street Edinburgh.(Image: REACH PLC)
“One business checked its card terminal and found foreign card use was down by 25 per cent, which suggests tourists aren’t coming down to Leith. We’ve only been here a year and a half, but last year we had disruption from buses, before that there were the bin strikes, and now it’s the trams.
“Every August something seems to go wrong during the most important month for showcasing our country. This could be catastrophic.
“The effects won’t be seen immediately because businesses rely on making money now to survive the winter. If we don’t have that, some places could close.
“We just want solutions. Give us clear statements, let us plan, and give us some sort of timeline.”
Chef Banks said he believed the issue would be resolved in a matter of days but he was left scratching his head during a weekly figures meeting as he was informed of the continued disruption and its impact.
He said: “I thought it was a joke. There is still no update or timeline.
“I can’t get over the fact there’s no contingency plan for the city’s main tram route. It wasn’t a question of if Princes Street would be closed one day – it was when.
“I don’t understand why they can’t have trams running as far as Leith. They should be transporting them across the closed section by lorry if that’s what it takes.
“The Fringe is about to begin, Edinburgh is on the world stage, and we’re welcoming tourists during the busiest season of the year. They’re telling visitors to hire bikes, it is laughable.
“This isn’t about party politics, it’s about business. The council is tied up in bureaucracy and can’t act quickly enough.
“If this was my business, we’d have sorted it yesterday.”
Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment Convener, councillor Stephen Jenkinson shared his disappointment at the Scottish Government for not supporting the local authority following the fire.
He said: “We’re doing everything within our power to make sure Princes Street can reopen as soon as possible, but this can only be done when it’s safe to do so. In the meantime, we’re focussed on minimising disruption across the network, alongside Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams.
“For Leith specifically, bus services continue, and we’ve increased the number of Voi e-bike parking locations and hires available. I’d encourage everyone to visit the area and support the fantastic local businesses there.
”I fully recognise how challenging and frustrating this period has been for our residents, businesses and visitors and they have my thanks for their continued patience.
“However, I’m disappointed at the fact that almost three weeks on from the fire, and over ten days after the council leader wrote to the First Minister, we’re yet to see any meaningful action or offers of support from the Scottish Government. This is in stark contrast to the aftermath of the Union Corner fire in Glasgow, where a £10m fund was announced in under a week.
“I’d reiterate the council leader’s call to the First Minister to get around the table and support the capital city during this incredibly difficult period.”
Edinburgh Trams have suspended the route to Leith since the fire. (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Edinburgh Trams have stated a ticket acceptance is in place with Lothian Buses to ensure travel to Leith is maintained.
A spokesperson for Lothian and Edinburgh Trams said: “The safety of our customers and colleagues remains our top priority.
“Tram services are unable to operate between Newhaven and West End due to ongoing concerns raised by the relevant authorities regarding the structural integrity of the affected building, which has resulted in the continued closure of Princes Street. Transporting trams by alternative means is not currently considered a practical option.
“This situation continues to present a significant operational challenge for both bus and tram services, and we are deploying every available resource to minimise disruption wherever possible.
“We thank our customers for their patience and understanding and encourage them to allow extra time for their journey and check the latest service updates.
“We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our colleagues for their professionalism, flexibility and commitment in helping to keep the city moving throughout these challenging operational circumstances”.”
A Scottish Government Spokesperson said: “Ministers are acutely aware of the impact the aftermath of the Princes Street fire is having on city centre commuters, businesses and tourists – particularly as Edinburgh prepares for the August Festivals.
“The Scottish Government is working with City of Edinburgh Council and other partners to ensure everything is being done to ensure the public’s safety while minimising and reduction disruption, alongside analysing the wider impact on business and support required.”