Petition against Elgin High Street barrier
Businesses at the west end of Elgin High Street have signed a petition calling on Moray Council to open their street up to traffic again.
As part of efforts to allow more space for pedestrians to socially distance a barrier was put in place at the end of the street on July 6.
But the businesses say the ban on traffic between 11am and 4pm, six days a week, has hit trade extremely hard.
They are now calling on the council to reconsider the measure.
Lawrence Fraser, from Cathedral Windows, started the petition which has been signed by about 30 businesses.
He said: "There are companies who have been paying rates to the council for the past 50 years.
"They don't deserve to be hung up to dry."
The Northern Fish Restaurant has been serving hungry customers since 1923.
For his part Michael Miele has been working there since 1970.
He said: "I wouldn't mind the barrier if I thought there was any logic to it, but nobody can tell me what it's for.
"Anyone can see that the High Street isn't heaving with people.
"And why is it only from 11am to 4pm? Doesn't the virus exist outside those hours?
"We should be encouraging people into the town. Instead we're doing the opposite."
FP Birnie Pet Shop has been operating on High Street for the past 70 years.
As an essential store, it was able to stay open throughout the lockdown.
However, Andrew Birnie, the grandson of the shop's founder, stated there was a noticeable drop in custom as soon as the barrier was put up.
He said: "I've lost bulk custom because people can't get parked.
"Likewise, I've lost customers with mobility problems.
"Trade is coming back now, but it's annoying because it could be so much better if this street was open."
The lack of traffic has allowed several cafés in neighbouring Batchen Street to put out chairs and tables for al fresco dining.
However, now the summer is drawing to a close, the feeling on High Street is that things should revert back to how they once were.
Mr Birnie describes the scaffolding outside Poundland as "the elephant in the room".
He said: "If that wasn't there the traffic could turn down North Street and everything would be fine.
"But it is there and it's likely to be there for a long time."
Lisa Dunbar is the manager at John Davidsons Butchers.
She said: "Nobody really asked our opinion beforehand.
"And nobody has ever been round since to ask how we're getting on, which I think is a real shame."
The petition was handed into Elgin Bid, the town centre management organisation.
Elgin Bid has, in turn, passed it onto the council.
The social distancing arrangements will be reviewed as some point in the future, although no date has yet been set.
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