Three Alexandria businesses 'on brink of closure' amid town centre roadworks

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Warnings have been issued that three Alexandria traders “are on the brink of closure” amid renewed calls for urgent financial support.

In June, West Dunbartonshire Council’s Labour administration voted against a Community Party motion for universal rent abatement for small businesses in the Vale whilst extensive renovation works take place.They insisted more targeted support would be provided immediately.However, Community Party councillor Jim Bollan says they still haven’t received any financial help, warning three local firms are close to shutting for good.As part of a £12m masterplan to transform the Vale, the iconic Smollett Fountain will be restored, the Main Street is being reprofiled and the eyesore Mitchell Way shopping precinct is being demolished.However, the project is coming at a cost for traders, who have seen their takings down by up to 40 percent - with works set to continue until at least November.The upheaval has caused chaos for motorists, with Sian Wilkie of Alexandria Traders’ Association previously warning that local shops could be forced to close if more isn’t done to help them.It comes weeks after warnings the town’s Post Office could be forced shut down after owner Zunair Butt said ongoing works had “killed footfall”.The Leven councillor has now written to the local authority to question when promised support for businesses would be delivered.In an email to senior officers, seen by the Lennox, he wrote: “Regarding the council decision on June 22 to provide urgent financial and other assistance to small local family traders affected by the works to enable them to continue trading, I am being advised that we have still not settled any financial support and, if and when we do, some offers will be as