Aberdeen business bosses only learned about major upheaval outside their premises when council workers turned up with their tools.
The latest temporary widening of pavements to allow pedestrians more space for physical distancing was rolled out in Chapel Street, Thistle Street and Rose Street yesterday.
It follows the closure of part of Union Street, as well as Schoolhill and Upperkirkgate, last week.
The council, transport body Nestrans, NHS Grampian and Aberdeen Inspired devised the plan, funded by a £1.76 million Scottish Government grant, to allow safe room for walking and queuing when more businesses reopen after lockdown.
Shop owners in Thistle Street said they only learned of the one-way system being imposed on them when double yellow lines were being painted on the tarmac.
The loss of on-street parking could hit takings by 20%, it has been estimated, leaving them fighting for survival.
Rob Goldie, franchisee of the Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop, said: “There was no notice whatsoever and businesses were struggling as it was.
“The council has painted double yellow lines all over the place and what it will do to the businesses doesn’t bear thinking about.
“When I was told by some guy in a hi-viz jacket, who was fixing up signs threatening to tow cars away, I thought he was joking.
“It’s ridiculous as Thistle Street is not that busy at the best of times and is hardly a hive of activity.”
Firms further down Union Street have claimed the works will drive them out of business.
Thistle Street is home to cafes, opticians, orthodontists, an art gallery, hairdressers, a sports shop and clothes shops, including Esslemonts.
Owner Norman Esslemont thinks had businesses been consulted they would have suggested alternatives, like making pavements on either side of the road one-way.
“Most of us will reopen in around two weeks so this did not need to be done with such haste.
“Some of us do collection services while others, such as the opticians or hairdressers, have elderly customers who can’t walk far – so what will they do now?
“Why does our stretch have to be narrowed but Victoria Street, just as busy, narrow and only yards away, does not?
“They pavement is barely narrower than 6ft, people only need to step off the kerb.”
Similar plans are being formed next for Rosemount Place, George Street, Torry’s Victoria Road, North Deeside Road, Cults and Peterculter.
Aberdeen City Council transport spokeswoman Sandra Macdonald said: “The temporary physical distancing measures will allow people to move and queue for shops safely away from traffic which in turn will help the social and economic recovery of the city.
“The health and wellbeing of residents is at the forefront of our minds as we make these changes to city centre streets during this public health emergency.”
An online questionnaire has been launched by the council to get public views on the work, which will be reviewed throughout the duration of the measures.
You can give your views at
consultation.aberdeencity.gov.uk/planning/physical-distancing/
