LOCALS VOW TO CONTINUE THEIR FIGHT AGAINST CAUSEYSIDE STREET WORKS

Local businesses are continuing their fight to prevent a cycle lane being built in  Causeyside Street, a move they say threatens the very future of Paisley town centre. 

Joining forces with local residents including Paisley West and Central Community  Council, local businesses took to the streets on Thursday warning that there will be a catastrophic impact if the plans are allowed to proceed. 

James Peacock of Phelps Butchers said: “We will do whatever it takes to keep  fighting these proposals.  

“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, added: “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, who has been running her business in Paisley town  centre for almost 40 years, is concerned that people aren’t fully aware that as well  as the addition of a cycle lane, changes to the flow of traffic are also included in  the plan – changes she fears will worsen congestion and emissions as well as discourage people from visiting the town altogether.  

“The proposed alternative routes onto Wardrop St, and George St are not adequate  for the volume of traffic,” said Liz. “For others having to travel to Lonend, and filter  back along Gordon St, 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.” 

Also strongly opposing the plans is the Paisley West and Central Community Council,  with Chair John Wilby, stating: “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.”

Colette Cardosi, Chair of Paisley First, agreed and also claimed that officials had  failed to take on board both local business 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.”