Shawlands

Traders say Shawlands BID failed to bring in extra business

The Glasgow Times reported how a letter was sent by a group of business owners to My Shawlands, which operates the Business Improvement District scheme which all firms in the area must contribute to.

After the letter, which was responded to by the operators who defended the scheme, the Glasgow Times visited the area and spoke to small firms in and around the main street. Several said they see no benefit from the annual fee and, with rising bills for rent, rates and energy costs, say it is a charge they do not want to pay.A number have started to get final warning letters from Glasgow City Council, who collect the fee on behalf of My Shawlands.Steven Steele, of Corner Bikes, has recently been invoiced by the council for payments.

He said: “There has been zero benefit to me as a business. "It has not assisted me in any way. I've not seen a rise in trade." He wants more detail on what cash has been used for. He added: “They can’t back up their spending claims.” Alex Mills of Handsome Jack’s Barbershop said trading conditions are extremely difficult.

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