Vege shop hit hard by road works

Every time customers enter the Veggie Boys store at Albany St, Dunedin, they are welcomed by a conspicuous board at the entrance.

"We are maintaining a low stock of fresh produce due to roadworks. If you didn’t find something you are after, we apologise for the inconvenience," the board says.

For a couple of months the vegetable and fruit shop has faced the impact of the Albany St roadworks.

"Since the work started, our business saw a decline of over 70-80%," store manager Supreet Singh said.

"We were not the only ones suffering. All the businesses here are facing problems."

The lack of parking meant the business had lost many regular customers.

"Vegetables and fruits are very likely to get damaged. So to reduce wastage we are maintaining a very low stock," he said.

"I am not against development and road works. I know it was for the future," he said.

Mr Singh believed that before the work started, discussions should have been held with businesses on how to mitigate the effects.

He also suggested the business should be given compensation, by way of at least council rates rebate, perhaps covering rent or some percentage of the rent.

With reduced business, Mr Singh had also reduced the working hours of staff.

He was also worried about the proposed cycle lane project next year: "Not sure if we will be able to survive that."

Roadworks in the George St Knox Block had also affected businesses there.

Dave Burgess of Vaper’s Nest, a vape shop in George St, said the work had "definitely" impacted business.

"The roadwork has to be done and we need to deal with it. We are seeing a significant impact ... on our business, as [only] a few customers visited the store," he said.

"Earlier, we were not getting any proper communications from the officials about the work. Now things have become better," he added.

"During the Christmas week there will be some parking available and we expect good business."

Burger N Beast, a restaurant in George St had noted a 50% drop in customers.

"We are seeing a significant drop in our business. With the work happening on the side of the road, customers are not coming," store manager Ashok Ainambakam said.

"We were seeing news about cruises and tourists coming to Dunedin. Sadly, nobody is coming to this part of the town due to the work," he said.

Showing the vacant chairs at the restaurant, he said, "We are running the business from our savings as it is not generating any income."

"We need to pay rent and salary."

The road is likely to reopen over the Christmas break.

pradeesh.chandran@odt.co.nz