Business owners stage protest against plans for Paisley street

The controversial proposals for Causeyside Street include a two-way cycle route between Canal Street and Gilmour Street train stations, so-called 'floating bus stops' and junction alterations.

Members of Paisley West and Central Community Council recently joined town centre traders on the street to warn of a "catastrophic impact" on local businesses if the plans go ahead.

James Peacock, of Phelps Butchers, told The Gazette: "We will do whatever it takes to keep fighting these proposals.

Causeyside Street regeneration visualisation (Image: Renfrewshire Council)

"If the council wilfully ignores the strong opposition to this scheme from the people who know the area best, then businesses will close and jobs will be lost, not to mention the risk to public safety – how can this be called improvement works?"

Kenny Fallon, of Kenneth Edwards Hair Salon, said: "No evidence of any economic benefit to the local community has been provided by the council.

"These works are simply being rushed through in order to meet a deadline to receive external EU funding with little regard to what it will mean for the people who live and work here."

Liz Stewart, of Finishing Touches, is concerned about changes to the flow of traffic, which she fears will worsen congestion and emissions, as well as discourage people from visiting Paisley altogether.

"The proposed alternative routes onto Wardrop Street and George Street are not adequate for the volume of traffic," said Liz. 

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"For others having to travel to Lonend, and filter back along Gordon Street, is absolutely ludicrous.

"This is not about being against cyclists, it's about making sure Causeyside Street is safe for everyone.

"I do wonder if the planners and councillors realise or actually care about the devastating effect this will have on the businesses that attract people to the area."

John Wilby, chair of Paisley West and Central Community Council, added: "The community council has produced a further report that clearly reveals Renfrewshire Council failed to follow regulatory guidance and advice before implementing the project.

"We continue to support all the local stakeholders in opposing this scheme."

A new two-way cycle route on Causeyside Street would connect Paisley Gilmour Street train station with Canal Street Station (Image: Renfrewshire Council)

Colette Cardosi, chair of Paisley First, also claimed that officials had failed to take on board both local businesses and local residents' strong opposition to these proposals.

“The entire consultation process appears to be flawed with multiple freedom of Information responses from the project team stating one thing, then at public meetings, the project team insisting otherwise,” said Colette.

“Despite the tender for the works not yet being issued, the project team still state that works will begin in May as they have to be completed by September, in order to be eligible for the funding.

“Given there is no evidence of demand for cycling, specifically between the two railway stations, as well as the project team’s admission that Sustrans are aware of the project, but not directly involved, we maintain our firm belief that this project cannot and must not be allowed to proceed.”

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said: "We thank the businesses for their feedback and are taking it on board as we consider the next steps."