Wick ironmonger reopens shop on trial basis
A WICK ironmonger shop has reopened – after closing last week when double yellow lines were put in place in Bridge Street and neighbouring parts of the town centre.
Kevin and Dawn Milkins, who have run Birons for eight-and-a-half years, said the measure would result in less trade as fewer customers would be able to stop at the premises.
They have now decided to open again on a trial basis, although they still have concerns about the impact the parking curfew will have on their shop.
Asked why the couple decided to reopen, Mr Milkins replied: "We completed our stock-take and our staff and my wife persuaded me to stay open and give it a trial period. Our regular customers are delighted."
He explained that most of the restocking had been done before the shop closed.
"We had a 10 per cent sale to clear the stock and it ran for nearly three months while we were waiting for the double lines to be done," he said.
"When we heard they [Highland Council] were advertising for a local warden we thought that they had reconsidered the double yellow situation.
We have opened up to give it a try to see if we can make it work by altering the way we do things.
"Despite the fact we asked and emailed all departments they would not communicate with us, then just turned up and put the lines down.
"We have opened up to give it a try to see if we can make it work by altering the way we do things and also exploring internet options, but early indications show that footfall to street has dropped."
Mr Milkins, who employs two full-time and two part-time staff, still has worries about the impact the double yellow lines will have on his business.
"We do have concerns that many camper visitors that used to stop are now driving straight through the town. The speed of traffic has dramatically increased with several near misses already, and this comes at a time when the council has gone to great expense putting up 20 miles per hour signs.
"I feel as if they have tried to reinvent the wheel when all was needed was a full-time warden to police the single line that was already there. It worked okay before and could work again."
