Edinburgh retailers are being affected by the closure of Shandon Bridge, which has been closed since January.
CityFibre was reportedly digging a trench on Shandon Bridge at Ashley Terrace to lay cables as part of its work to install a full-fibre network across the city when its workmen dug too deep and dislodged stonework on the underside of the bridge.
The company is currently in talks about repairs with Network Rail, who own the bridge, but it is unclear when the necessary work will be carried out.
Keystore convenience store told Edinburgh Evening News it had seen a 60% drop in trade and had some deliveries cancelled because of diversions.
In addition, food store Margiotta said business was down from lack of passing trade, and several shops told the newspaper that the diversion of the No 38 bus had also led to fewer customers.
Christopher Cowdy, Conservative Councillor for Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart, told Edinburgh Evening News: “Businesses have been having difficulty with deliveries and refuse collections. Some have said if they knew what was happening they could contact the delivery companies and make arrangements, but they don’t know what’s going on. People have to take detours to get to their houses. Traffic is being diverted, which is causing knock on problems with congestion.”
He added: “We need to open the bridge, get traffic flowing, let people know what’s going on and allow people to get around.”
Paul Wakefield, CityFibre’s area manager for Edinburgh, said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and to reassure residents that we are working closely with the council and Network Rail to find a solution to reopen the bridge as soon as possible.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “While we appreciate that the bridge is a key route for residents and businesses, it can only be re-opened to traffic after a safe and appropriate repair has been proposed and completed.”
