A change in legislation. has been called for after an award-winning chip shop in Helensburgh was forced to close down.
The Wee Kelpie on West Clyde Street has been closed since October 2021, and this week the owners announced that the closure would be permanent as problems with subsidence have not been fixed.
Now Helensburgh Central Cllr Fiona Howard has asked other businesses in the town to contact her if they have had similar problems with getting repairs carried out on rented properties.
“Helensburgh lost a much loved, award-winning business this week because it was housed in a rented property,” she said.
“It beggars belief that a private landlord can force someone out of business by not carrying out essential repairs on their property and I believe there should be a change in legislation to make this impossible.
“It is hard enough following Covid and with the cost of living crises for small businesses to get back on track, without the added pressure of persuading some landlords to do essential repairs.
“Closing down should always be a business decision and not because an impasse over repairs.”
Cllr Howard wants to find out how many businesses have had problems and how long repairs have taken so she can build up a picture for the whole of the town centre.
She can be contacted at fiona.howard@argyll-bute.gov.uk .
The Wee Kelpie was named the best takeaway in Scotland in the 2018 Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality Awards.
Ann announcement on Facebook said: “We are a leased premises and there has been no progress to solve the building problems and allow us to reopen.
“We would like to thank all of our wonderful customers who have supported us over the past 12 years or so and helped us to win many awards along the way.
“We hope you all appreciate that too much time has now passed for us continue in limbo.
“We wish you all well and thank you again for your support over the years.”
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