Constitution Street business 'forced out' of Leith over tram works after 25 years

A Constitution Street businessman is facing a £50,000 bill to find new premises as reduced footfall and parking restrictions mean he is being ‘forced out’ of his current shop over the tram works.

Dave Conquer of Premier Windscreens says his turnover is 35 per cent down on last year and customers are struggling to bring their cars close enough to his workshop at number 155-157 due to roadworks and future changes to parking rules in the area.

“I’m being forced out of my own premises and out of Leith because of the trams,” said Mr Conquer, who employs eight staff members.

Dave Conquer has owned his business on Constitution Street for decades. Picture: Greg MacVean

Since work began on extending the tram line to Newhaven in mid November, Mr Conquer’s customers have had limited access to his workshop and footfall has dropped dramatically.

However the issue will not be resolved when the tram works finish as plans to reduce parking spaces in the area mean customers will not be able to bring cars close enough to the shop.

“In the past customers would park on Laurie Street round the corner, but that will be double yellow lines once the work is done, and Constitution Street will be solid red,” he said.

“What am I supposed to do, lock the shop and go down to see a car parked 300 metres away?

Mr Conquer has space for four vehicles in his shop, but has to accommodate six mobile units and four other employee cars.

“If I have four of my drivers in here loading up to do a job, no customers will be able to come in,” he said.

'They don't really care'

Mr Conquer has contacted several councillors and Trams to Newhaven about the issue.

“The council has basically told me I’m on my own, they don’t really seem to care,” he said.

“You just go in circles, you speak to one person and they say one thing, and then another person and they say something else.

“There’s £6000 available per business, but that’s £4000 after tax. It wouldn’t pay a week’s wages, and the only way to get that is by going to the council cap in hand.

“I’ve got eight guys depending on me, they’re asking me about their future. I need to keep the business going.”

After 25 years on Constitution Street Mr Conquer is now actively looking for new premises, which he estimates will cost him around £50,000 as due to the development work his current is not marketable at the moment.

“I just want to run my business and I can’t do that because of Edinburgh Council and the tram works,” he said.

“I won’t be here in 2023, that’s for sure.”

'Evolving transport landscape'

The council said the proposed extension of the controlled parking zone, to address significant parking issues for residents in the area, will also impact on the number of spaces for business use.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “We have been working closely with businesses on Constitution Street to find ways to support them during construction, including the implementation of an open for business digital campaign, the creation of a logistics hub to help with deliveries and on-street customer service. As part of this have ensured ongoing access for Premier Windscreens.

“The space on this street is currently for everyone to park on, and should not be reserved for any single business. As well as the tram extension, our proposals to introduce parking controls in the area will change the existing provision to address residents’ parking issues. Overall these changes reflect an evolving transport landscape in Edinburgh.

“We have been in close communication with residents and businesses about future changes to the road layout resulting from the tram line, including a reduction in car parking. We will continue to directly liaise with Mr Conquer to ascertain potential support from external sources, and to better signpost his business.”