A mixed reaction greeted the first day of a continental-style “café culture” scheme in the heart of Aberdeen.
Owners of cafes around Belmont Street, Little Belmont Street and Gaelic Lane welcomed the first day of the three-month trial yesterday as their customers basked in baking sunshine.
However, the owners and managers of a number of other premises – including Nandos, Revolution, Prohibition and Poldino’s – have raised concerns about the scheme, which they say was carried out without their prior consultation.
During the three-month trial venues in the zone can apply for a licence to place chairs and tables for patrons outside while the streets are closed to almost all traffic from 11am to 6pm.
Objectors raised a series of concerns at a meeting last week, including the possibility of pubs missing deliveries and the loss of disabled parking spaces.
Yesterday Bill Hay of Jenson and Ledingham Opticians on Belmont Street wrote to the Press and Journal outlining his objections.
And Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart penned a letter to council chief executive Angela Scott, saying he had consulted with local businesses and felt “this café culture initiative has been poorly thought through and that key elements has been missed”.
Among those in favour of the trial is Jamie Hutcheon, the director of café Cocoa Ooze, who said he had recorded a huge jump in profits yesterday.
He said: “We had sales up by about 45% on what we would expect on a usual Monday.
“Obviously the weather helped a lot but we were only expecting around 5% to 10% more so it has well exceeded our expectations.
“I think it’s a great scheme, for too long people have been thinking that Aberdeen is standing still but I think this is really forward looking for the city.”
Craig Willox manager of Books and Beans café said: “From our point of view it has been a great success, we have had only positive feedback from our customers.”
However, Simon O’Brien, a manager at Slains Castle pub, said drivers were now having to come before 11am to make their deliveries.
He said: “It was alright today but I really hope it doesn’t become an issue.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “The street closure trial will last for an initial three months, and has the potential to become permanent if it proves successful.”