Kirkcudbright businesses challenge council to extend emergency support
Some businesses lost thousands of pounds during the bridge closure.
Dumfries and Galloway Council is being called to extend emergency support, including temporary rates relief, to Kirkcudbright businesses, who are struggling to recover financially from the bridge closure.
Although the bridge partially reopened last week, some shops are having to find ways of making up the 40% footfall, totalling thousands of pounds.
The Kirkcudbright Bridge Action Group says these next few months will be critical, especially for hospitality and tourism businesses.
One of the co-founders of the group, Nick Morris, says, “We most definitely feel that the council should extend emergency support financially, including temporary rate relief to businesses, and also look for compensation for residents and local tradesmen who have also suffered financially because of this closure.”
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is backing the action group’s call.
Hisashi Kuboyama, Development Manager at FSB, said: “It’s very welcome news that the bridge has partially reopened to cars and vans ahead of the busy summer season. However, these next few months are critical for hospitality and tourism businesses in the town.
“Local businesses are relieved, and we appreciate the efforts made by Dumfries and Galloway Council to reopen the bridge as quickly as possible.
“However, since the bridge’s closure in late March, many businesses have felt the impact, reporting significant drops in footfall and turnover. Some have lost thousands of pounds compared to the same period in previous years.”
Morris adds that being granted their request could potentially save the high street from being rundown:
“A lot of businesses are suffering, and this could be the difference between in a year’s time, seeing our local businesses thriving on our high street in Kirkcudbright or potentially having to downsize, or in a worst case scenario, even close.
“The closure of the bridge is very much at the council’s feet. I do feel that they have a responsibility to acknowledge the residents, trades people and businesses of Kirkcudbright. But as far as the discussion of compensation goes, is not happening.”
Chris Walker, owner of The Selkirk Arms Hotel, and other co-founder of the local action group says: "I’m glad the bridge has partially reopened as it’s had an impact on our business. We've seen a noticeable drop in restaurant customers, particularly during lunchtime.
“I hope the reopening helps bring trade back to normal levels. Like many in hospitality, we’re already facing rising costs for food, energy and supplies, so any support from the council would be very welcome.”
Kuboyama concluded: “We urge Dumfries and Galloway Council to explore every option to support those affected - this should include temporary business rates relief for ratepayers and potentially a small grant scheme for those who have suffered substantial financial losses.
“While the partial reopening is a step forward, it’s not a long-term fix. Given the age and condition of the structure, there remains a real risk of another sudden closure. Local businesses need certainty - and they deserve it.
“Looking ahead, we welcome the council’s intention to build a new replacement bridge. It is essential this becomes an urgent priority, with full collaboration between the council, the Scottish Government and the UK Government to secure funding.”
A Dumfries and Galloway spokesperson says, “Dumfries and Galloway Council will consider applications for Non-Domestic Rates relief in line with current national and local policies. Any awards will be made where the qualifying criteria is met.
"Information can be found on our website".