By JASON TURNER
CENTRAL Dandenong retailers fear they will lose business following Greater Dandenong Council approving a two-year trial banning the display of goods on footpaths.
From March 4, traders will not be allowed to display products on footpaths in front of their stores.
The new rules make allowances for small advertising frames and alfresco dining.
Silverleaf Ward councillor John Kelly said the decision had not been taken lightly and he had listened to the concerns of some shopkeepers.
Last September, 48 traders signed a letter against the proposals and in December a petition with 60 signatures was submitted
A number of traders attended the meeting and quickly left the chamber after the decision was made.
“I understand some of the shopkeepers are not happy with this decision but to be perfectly honest they do rent the shop,” Cr Kelly said. “They don’t rent the footpath.
“I think we need to be mindful that we got a street that’s a vast improvement on what it was two or three years ago. It’s a great opportunity to improve the image of the main street of Dandenong.”
Christine Zhang, owner of Hong’s $2 Plus, said the decision was disappointing. “We feel that city council have just ignored small business.”
Ms Zhang said she spent a lot of time and emotional energy fighting the proposals, spending time collecting the signatures and talking to traders along Lonsdale Street and the Palm Plaza shopping area.
Some traders said their businesses would lose customers without the ability to entice them inside with footpath displays.
Two Up Shop owner Mark Li said he felt traders could not do anything more to voice their concerns. “Lots of people’s turnover will drop down,” he said.
The Dandenong Retail Traders Association backed the move but acknowledged the issue had split opinions with traders.
Chairwoman Glenys Cooper said that traders who backed the move believed it would improve the overall look of the main street.
Council officers will conduct a report on the impact of new conditions three months from the trial period ending in 2015.
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