Traders say new traffic scheme is bad for business

Traders operating at the junction at Catherine Street and Cowgate say they have lost business as a result of safety concerns by customers.

Mary Spence of Gemini cards said: “A number of elderly people have told us they are not coming back into town as they are too scared to cross the road.

“There has been no consultation. The council seem to forget it’s ‘our town’ – not theirs.”

Trisha Browne, manager of charity store Capability Scotland said takings were down 15 to 20 per cent.

She added: “The new layout is too confusing for people. Last week I saw two near misses between cars.”

David Conlon, whose family firm Conlon electrical appliances has been in the area for 60 years, said: “I’m angry about the way the council has railroaded this through.”