By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
GREATER Dandenong Council is facing the ire of traders as it launches a trial ban on footpath displays.
The two-year trial, which may start as soon as February, has been described as an attempt to retain Lonsdale Street’s ‘city boulevard’ feel. It is backed by the Dandenong Retail Traders Association but 48 traders have signed an opposing petition.
Mark Li, who runs the Two Up Shop, headed the petition. He argues that traders are already disadvantaged by less street parking and two years of roadworks.
“All of the traders have suffered from the long-time construction with hope that this is only temporary but now they realise business is too hard to recover,” Mr Li’s petition stated.
He further stated footpath displays created a “warm atmosphere” and helped the public to “understand more of the business”.
A council report last month stated that footpath displays suited Springvale’s “street market” style but detracted from the “new Dandenong’s city boulevard” look.
Cr Jim Memeti supported the trial as a means of “cleaning up the sidewalks and the shops”.
“We’re trying to lift up the bar and we want to try to take the people who are already there with us. People think the way it looks now is unprofessional. If the retailers comply we will attract more people and get more customers. t’s short-term pain for long-term gain.”
He said retailers could still buy or have made a uniform display unit design endorsed by the council.
Greater Dandenong city planning director Jody Bosman said the pilot ban was “in line with [a] pedestrian-friendly atmosphere” and that the council would work with affected traders on alternative marketing methods.
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