Shops will be forced to close in Alexandria unless businesses aren’t supported during major revamp works, it has been warned.
The heart of the Vale is undergoing extensive works which will see the iconic Smollett Fountain renovated and the eyesore Mitchell Way finally demolished.
However the works - which are expected to remain in place until at least November - have caused chaos for motorists, with Sian Wilkie of Alexandria Traders’ Association warning that local shops could be forced to close if more isn’t done to help them.
She warned Alexandria risks being left a ghost town if businesses are snubbed.
Sian said: “There is a real risk that there won’t be a town centre after this refurbishment.
“Shops are going to shut. We aren’t all going to survive this.
“We’re going to push a campaign to save Alexandria town centre.
“Through Covid people were really supportive, but now we aren’t getting any help.
“It’s very simple, we won’t survive if people don’t come into the Vale.
“But I fully understand why people don’t want to come to the Vale right now.
“We’ve already seen a cafe shut and it’s already really bad outside the Post Office and the fishmongers.
“There’s no support at all from the council. I understand that roadworks happen all the time, and if it was a few months then we’d have to suck it up and deal with it.
“But it’s until November and we’re being left with no help and it feels like there’s no understanding of the situation we are facing.”
And Sian admits she is concerned about the impact getting worse as demolition of Mitchell Way takes place.
She explained: “Mitchell Way is obviously being demolished, and there’s a real concern that that side of the Vale could be blocked as well.
“As traders we got together to voice our concerns to the council and asked if that could be stopped from happening. But we were told that it couldn’t.”
Traders have also been left angry with the lack of consultation, with Sian, of Wilkie and Ryder, keen to see more done to highlight that the Vale remains open for business - despite the works.
She continued: “The council have basically told us that this is happening and we should be happy that the Vale is getting investment.
“Susie’s Wool Shop was told Gilmour Street would not be shut. The next thing she knew it was closed.
“When she asked if there was a date for reopening she was told there wasn’t one.
“We aren’t told when things are going to change, when traffic lights are going to move or what. It just happens.
“It’s happening. We can’t change that now. But we need to look at how we communicate to the local community, and tell them that we need their support.
“We’ve asked for signage for car parks and saying businesses are still open, and we’ve been told that will be happening.
“But if someone is in the car and can’t easily get parked then there’s the risk they keep driving and go to Balloch or Dumbarton. That’s a massive concern; that people will find another town centre to service their needs and not come back to the Vale.”
A council spokeswoman said: “We understand the challenges presented by any long-term work and continue to liaise with both local traders and residents to provide support and reassurance.
“As well as multiple consultation opportunities and regular updates on timescales and progress, we also installed signage to advise that businesses are open as normal before any work began.
“We are committed to making positive changes in Alexandria for the benefit of all residents, and when complete this project will improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and create an attractive and welcoming town centre.”
