Jon Hebditch
A Donside furniture shop owner said it was “very disappointing” retailers had not been given the same relief as the hospitality industry or offices.
James A Gordon and Sons has been a landmark on Alford’s Main Street for the best part of a century, first opening its doors in 1923.
But next year owner Allan Gordon will shut up shop for good, blaming the decline of shopping in the town after the recent closure of local banks.
His large shop, which has about 9,000sq ft of retail space, has been on the market for many months but there has been little interest shown.
Mr Gordon’s last year in business will be further blighted after he discovered his rates are to go up 64% – from £33,000 to £54,000 – and will not be eligible for the capping announced on Tuesday.
The 64-year-old is disappointed that the announced capping didn’t reach retailers and said: “We are facing a 64% rise. I don’t see how they think this kind of increase will help anything given the situation there is just now in the north-east.
“I’m retiring next year anyway because there is just no money in retail now. After the banks left and with the effect of the oil downturn there just isn’t enough coming in any more.
“My grandfather originally opened the business, I’ve worked here since I was in primary school and it’s the only thing my son Andrew has done too.
“We had made the decision before that we were closing – but these rises won’t help Alford, which is already dying.”
His son, Andrew, added: “It is very disappointing that retailers haven’t been given the same package as the hospitality industry or offices. We are trying to get our rates re-assessed and are meeting with the assessor this week to start discussions.”
North-east Conservative MSP Alexander Burnett said: “This is yet another example of the potentially devastating impact that these business rates rises are having on the north-east economy.”
