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Glasgow bar closes due to months of Scottish Water road closures

Glasgow bar closes due to months of Scottish Water road closures

West Regent Street is in the midst of a three-month closure from July 7 to September 26. Three months of essential sewer works being carried out by contractor George Leslie on behalf of Scottish Water have cost Roots alone thousands of pounds in weekly revenue, according to bosses. Beer Below is now closed, with three staff laid off. Footfall has dried up amidst a dizzying mess of barriers and Heras fencing that surrounds West Regent Street between Hope Street and Renfield Street. By the time the barriers are packed away, Nunzio fears his businesses could be gone for good.
'I have had many sleepless nights because I can see my business is going down the drain,' Nunzio says.
After taking the difficult decision to close Beer Below, Nunzio also felt compelled to slash hours at Roots, closing up every evening of the week except for Friday and Saturday. It meant the seven remaining workers saw their hours cut to two short shifts a week, making it hard for them to pay their bills.
Nunzio Russo, left and his brother Mariano Russo (Image: Colin Mearns) West Regent Street in the heart of Glasgow (Image: Colin Mearns) 'They are struggling, literally begging for more hours, but we are not able to give them,' says Bartek, general manager at Roots. Bartek reckons the losses are between £5,000 and £7,000 a week since the sewer repair started, and the restaurant itself has fallen behind with invoices.
Sitting inside the empty restaurant on Wednesday afternoon, it is hard to hear him and head chef Carmen over the drilling outside. Carmen says they are not getting any help. 'It's so demoralising,' she says, lifting up a softly closed fist and dropping it on the table.
The business had only opened last October. Now, less than a year later, the team is devastated that they might have to end operations permanently. 'We were slowly getting there, and then this happened to us,' she says.
Those customers who do venture into Roots for a meal are forced to listen to the thundering sound of machinery just outside the window. 'We have had people sitting down and looking at the menus, and because of the noise, they say they are very sorry but can't stay,' says Bartek.
The cancellations have been bad, but the no-shows are worse. At least when bookings cancel, the team can plan the evening and staffing levels a bit better.
'It's heartbreaking for us,' says Carmen, holding back tears. 'We are doing everything we can.'
They can't keep the business afloat out of their own pockets. The only option left has been to hold off paying bills for the time being. Carmen says a lot of the suppliers have been very understanding and are trying to help them through, but suppliers are affected as well. 'Before the work started, when we were busier, our orders were a lot higher,' Bartek says.
The head chef has had to watch produce expire while they wait for business to pick up. 'I cook fresh, all my produce is fresh,' she says. 'If I wouldn't eat it, I wouldn't give it to someone else.'
The street is a mess of fencing (Image: Colin Mearns)
Bartek says they were told there would be no compensation because the entrance is available. But the Heras fencing around the worksite juts out into the crossroads, shielding the restaurant from the view of any potential passersby walking up from Glasgow Central Station. Carmen has watched customers try to navigate around the fencing and enter the restaurant from West Regent Street before circling around the entire block to find the entrance to Roots on Renfield Street.
The stress is taking its toll on Bartek. He understands that these things need to be fixed, 'but there's got to be a better way to deal with how it affects businesses,' he says. Bartek says he wants some financial support to help with the bills and compensation for the staff who lost hours or were laid off.
Scottish Water is required to consider all public liability claims on a strict legal liability basis, but there is no statutory duty on the firm to compensate for economic loss under the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 and the Sewage (Scotland) Act 1968. Because the company is publicly owned, it has a duty to ensure that money raised from customer charges is invested in improving water and sewerage services.
The entrance to Roots (Image: Colin Mearns) The significant repairs on the sewer network are being carried out to address property and Network Rail tunnel flooding under the street. While Scottish Water has approved the road and footpath closures with partner agencies and made the site compliant with health and safety regulations, business owners are feeling left hanging.
Nunzio's liability insurance told him they could only help with interior damage. He has contacted [[Scottish Water]], George Leslie, Glasgow City Council and his local MP on numerous occasions. 'They are just passing the buck,' he says. 'No one is willing to help us get compensation, and our landlord is breathing down our back.'
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: 'These works are a matter for Scottish Water to discuss.'
Councils bill and collect non-domestic rates on behalf of the Scottish Government. The amount payable is not determined by councils but jointly by the rate poundage set by Ministers and the rateable value for each property set by the independent Scottish Assessors. If a business wants to request an adjustment to the NDR they pay, based on a material change in circumstances, that needs to be appealed to the Scottish Assessors.
'It has majorly affected walk-ins, you just can't get by,' says Christina Chung, manager at Amber Regent. She says the family-owned Cantonese restaurant is in the worst position on the road, and customers must walk in a great U-shape around the work area to access the entrance. She is trying not to get too angry about the disruption, but it has caused her stress and anxiety.
'It's very unsightly and I'm the worst off as it is,' Christina says. 'It's stopping people from walking in.'
Members of the Scottish Water project team met with the business owners to 'understand the circumstances that the business is facing', and signage has been posted to advertise that the businesses remain open during the road closure.
A Scottish Water spokesperson said: 'We appreciate that there is inconvenience caused by these essential works to help reduce the risk of sewer flooding, though these are necessary and will bring long-term benefits to the wider community.
'We will continue to work with residents and business owners to help minimise any disruption for the duration of this major investment project.'
Stuart Patrick, the chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said that financial compensation for disruption is 'highly unlikely in most circumstances'.
He said: "It is, unfortunately, not uncommon for businesses to experience a dip in trade during major infrastructure works. Glasgow City Centre faces a significant backlog of repairs and improvements, many of which are in response to long-standing concerns raised by businesses themselves about the area's condition.
"Our advice is to engage directly with the organisation responsible for the works. In most cases, they are open to dialogue and will do what they can to minimise disruption. Glasgow Chamber of Commerce is always ready to represent the concerns of our members and continues to do so on a regular basis.
The businesses have been told that the work could be finished sooner than anticipated. 'I'll believe it when I see it,' says Christina. The team at Roots feel the same. 'I think they just say that to keep us quiet,' Carmen laughs. 'Keep us positive,' Bartek adds.
Marissa MacWhirter is a columnist and feature writer at The Herald, and the editor of The Glasgow Wrap. The newsletter is curated between 5-7am each morning, bringing the best of local news to your inbox each morning without ads, clickbait, or hyperbole. Oh, and it's free. She can be found on X @marissaamayy1
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Glasgow business forces to close due to Scottish Water works
Glasgow business forces to close due to Scottish Water works

Glasgow Times

time2 days ago

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Glasgow business forces to close due to Scottish Water works

Beer Below has shut its West Regent Street doors, after the road was closed between Hope Street and Renfield Street to all traffic. This was done on July 7 to address property and Network Rail tunnel flooding in the area. Part of the road closure is outside Beer Below and the bar's entrance has been fenced off, and some footpaths leading to the establishment have been closed. Works are expected to last until the end of September. (Image: Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Nunzio Russo, owner of Beer Below, told the Glasgow Times that the bar has seen a rapid decline in footfall as a result and has had to close. He added: 'The business is already gone as far as I'm concerned, especially since the city centre is already so quiet. 'When we can finally reopen again, we will have to try to make back everything we have lost during the closure, which will be a big operation for us. 'This has been a lot of stress, and even my family are stressed out of their boxes. It's tough.' (Image: Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Due to the lack of income but the ongoing need to pay rent, three members of Beer Below staff have been let go, much to Nunzio's anguish. He went on to say that he may have to ask his landlord for some leeway on rent payments. He added: 'To keep the business afloat and staff paid without being fully operational is just not something I think is sustainable.' READ NEXT: Police pictured at construction site after 'human remains' found Though the business received a letter from Scottish Water to inform them of the work before it took place, Nunzio said they did not detail that the bar's entrance would be blocked in any way or that his business would be affected. (Image: Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Nunzio also owns Mediterranean restaurant Roots Bar & Brasserie, based on Renfield Street, which is being affected by the works too. Unlike Beer Below, people can enter Roots as the entrance is clear of any apparatus. However, due to the surrounding fencing and signs in the vicinity, Nunzio said his business now lacks visibility to the wider public and he has lost customers. This has meant that Roots has had to reduce its opening hours. While they remain open all weekend, they are now only open during lunchtime on weekdays. 'The staff are so worried about if they're going to have a job in the future,' Nunzio said. He added: 'I'm not sure if we are going to be able to keep running the business or keep staff in work. It is causing everybody a lot of stress.' (Image: Image: Newsquest) Kaukab Stewart MSP has been helping Nunzio and pushing Scottish Water to resolve the matter. She said: "I was very concerned to hear about the significant disruption to Mr Russo's businesses as a result of the ongoing works being carried out by Scottish Water. 'I was first made aware of these concerns on Friday 25th July, and have since raised the issue directly with Scottish Water. They have assured me that they are treating this as a matter of priority. 'While I fully recognise the importance of essential public works, they should not come at the expense of local residents and businesses. I urge Scottish Water to constructively engage with Mr Russo to minimise any further distress." READ NEXT: 19 incredible photos of US props taking over Glasgow streets for Spiderman filming (Image: Picture by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Scottish Water said they have implemented mitigation measures to help advertise that this and other businesses remain open in the area. They anticipate finishing the work during August. A Scottish Water spokesperson said: 'Members of the project team have met with the owner of this business to understand the circumstances that the business is facing and have implemented mitigation measures to help advertise that this and other businesses remain open in the area. "We appreciate that there is inconvenience caused by these essential works to help reduce the risk of sewer flooding, though these are necessary and will bring long-term benefits to the wider community. 'We will continue to work with local residents and business owners to help minimise any disruption for the duration of this major investment project.'

Glasgow bar closes due to months of Scottish Water road closures
Glasgow bar closes due to months of Scottish Water road closures

The Herald Scotland

time2 days ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Glasgow bar closes due to months of Scottish Water road closures

West Regent Street is in the midst of a three-month closure from July 7 to September 26. Three months of essential sewer works being carried out by contractor George Leslie on behalf of Scottish Water have cost Roots alone thousands of pounds in weekly revenue, according to bosses. Beer Below is now closed, with three staff laid off. Footfall has dried up amidst a dizzying mess of barriers and Heras fencing that surrounds West Regent Street between Hope Street and Renfield Street. By the time the barriers are packed away, Nunzio fears his businesses could be gone for good. 'I have had many sleepless nights because I can see my business is going down the drain,' Nunzio says. After taking the difficult decision to close Beer Below, Nunzio also felt compelled to slash hours at Roots, closing up every evening of the week except for Friday and Saturday. It meant the seven remaining workers saw their hours cut to two short shifts a week, making it hard for them to pay their bills. Nunzio Russo, left and his brother Mariano Russo (Image: Colin Mearns) West Regent Street in the heart of Glasgow (Image: Colin Mearns) 'They are struggling, literally begging for more hours, but we are not able to give them,' says Bartek, general manager at Roots. Bartek reckons the losses are between £5,000 and £7,000 a week since the sewer repair started, and the restaurant itself has fallen behind with invoices. Sitting inside the empty restaurant on Wednesday afternoon, it is hard to hear him and head chef Carmen over the drilling outside. Carmen says they are not getting any help. 'It's so demoralising,' she says, lifting up a softly closed fist and dropping it on the table. The business had only opened last October. Now, less than a year later, the team is devastated that they might have to end operations permanently. 'We were slowly getting there, and then this happened to us,' she says. Those customers who do venture into Roots for a meal are forced to listen to the thundering sound of machinery just outside the window. 'We have had people sitting down and looking at the menus, and because of the noise, they say they are very sorry but can't stay,' says Bartek. The cancellations have been bad, but the no-shows are worse. At least when bookings cancel, the team can plan the evening and staffing levels a bit better. 'It's heartbreaking for us,' says Carmen, holding back tears. 'We are doing everything we can.' They can't keep the business afloat out of their own pockets. The only option left has been to hold off paying bills for the time being. Carmen says a lot of the suppliers have been very understanding and are trying to help them through, but suppliers are affected as well. 'Before the work started, when we were busier, our orders were a lot higher,' Bartek says. The head chef has had to watch produce expire while they wait for business to pick up. 'I cook fresh, all my produce is fresh,' she says. 'If I wouldn't eat it, I wouldn't give it to someone else.' The street is a mess of fencing (Image: Colin Mearns) Bartek says they were told there would be no compensation because the entrance is available. But the Heras fencing around the worksite juts out into the crossroads, shielding the restaurant from the view of any potential passersby walking up from Glasgow Central Station. Carmen has watched customers try to navigate around the fencing and enter the restaurant from West Regent Street before circling around the entire block to find the entrance to Roots on Renfield Street. The stress is taking its toll on Bartek. He understands that these things need to be fixed, 'but there's got to be a better way to deal with how it affects businesses,' he says. Bartek says he wants some financial support to help with the bills and compensation for the staff who lost hours or were laid off. Scottish Water is required to consider all public liability claims on a strict legal liability basis, but there is no statutory duty on the firm to compensate for economic loss under the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 and the Sewage (Scotland) Act 1968. Because the company is publicly owned, it has a duty to ensure that money raised from customer charges is invested in improving water and sewerage services. The entrance to Roots (Image: Colin Mearns) The significant repairs on the sewer network are being carried out to address property and Network Rail tunnel flooding under the street. While Scottish Water has approved the road and footpath closures with partner agencies and made the site compliant with health and safety regulations, business owners are feeling left hanging. Nunzio's liability insurance told him they could only help with interior damage. He has contacted [[Scottish Water]], George Leslie, Glasgow City Council and his local MP on numerous occasions. 'They are just passing the buck,' he says. 'No one is willing to help us get compensation, and our landlord is breathing down our back.' A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: 'These works are a matter for Scottish Water to discuss.' Councils bill and collect non-domestic rates on behalf of the Scottish Government. The amount payable is not determined by councils but jointly by the rate poundage set by Ministers and the rateable value for each property set by the independent Scottish Assessors. If a business wants to request an adjustment to the NDR they pay, based on a material change in circumstances, that needs to be appealed to the Scottish Assessors. 'It has majorly affected walk-ins, you just can't get by,' says Christina Chung, manager at Amber Regent. She says the family-owned Cantonese restaurant is in the worst position on the road, and customers must walk in a great U-shape around the work area to access the entrance. She is trying not to get too angry about the disruption, but it has caused her stress and anxiety. 'It's very unsightly and I'm the worst off as it is,' Christina says. 'It's stopping people from walking in.' Members of the Scottish Water project team met with the business owners to 'understand the circumstances that the business is facing', and signage has been posted to advertise that the businesses remain open during the road closure. A Scottish Water spokesperson said: 'We appreciate that there is inconvenience caused by these essential works to help reduce the risk of sewer flooding, though these are necessary and will bring long-term benefits to the wider community. 'We will continue to work with residents and business owners to help minimise any disruption for the duration of this major investment project.' Stuart Patrick, the chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said that financial compensation for disruption is 'highly unlikely in most circumstances'. He said: "It is, unfortunately, not uncommon for businesses to experience a dip in trade during major infrastructure works. Glasgow City Centre faces a significant backlog of repairs and improvements, many of which are in response to long-standing concerns raised by businesses themselves about the area's condition. "Our advice is to engage directly with the organisation responsible for the works. In most cases, they are open to dialogue and will do what they can to minimise disruption. Glasgow Chamber of Commerce is always ready to represent the concerns of our members and continues to do so on a regular basis. The businesses have been told that the work could be finished sooner than anticipated. 'I'll believe it when I see it,' says Christina. The team at Roots feel the same. 'I think they just say that to keep us quiet,' Carmen laughs. 'Keep us positive,' Bartek adds. Marissa MacWhirter is a columnist and feature writer at The Herald, and the editor of The Glasgow Wrap. The newsletter is curated between 5-7am each morning, bringing the best of local news to your inbox each morning without ads, clickbait, or hyperbole. Oh, and it's free. She can be found on X @marissaamayy1

Public ownership of Scottish Water is protecting West Lothian residents from bigger bills
Public ownership of Scottish Water is protecting West Lothian residents from bigger bills

Daily Record

time4 days ago

  • Daily Record

Public ownership of Scottish Water is protecting West Lothian residents from bigger bills

Figures show that the average annual water bill in Scotland is £490 Fiona Hyslop MSP has highlighted how action taken by the Scottish Government is protecting residents in West Lothian from spiralling water bills. ‌ The MSP for Linlithgow has pointed to the public ownership of Scottish Water as the reason for water bills north of the border being a fifth lower on average than residents in England and Wales. ‌ Figures show that the average water bill in England and Wales is £603 this year, almost 20 per cent higher than the £490 a year average in Scotland. ‌ Fiona said: 'Following a major review into England and Wales' water industry which shows that bills will soar by over 30 per cent in the next five years, it is clear that while England's water companies are run for profit, Scotland's are run for public benefit and ensures that Scots pay far less for their water. 'By ensuring Scottish Water is in public ownership the Scottish Government have kept costs down for my constituents across West Lothian, who receive high quality water for a lower cost. ‌ 'Despite what we have heard from UK Government ministers, 87 per cent of Scotland's water environment is assessed by SEPA as having a high or good classification. 'This just goes to show that when we have the power in Scotland, we make the right decisions, and we could go so much further with the full powers of independence.'

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