AN MP has criticised the leader of Nottingham City Council, saying he has refused to meet to discuss Beeston traders whose businesses have been affected by the tram works.
Anna Soubry, MP for Broxtowe, claims she wrote to Councillor Jon Collins to arrange a meeting to discuss the shops that "face closure" if compensation packages aren't improved.
In her weekly constituency e-mail, the MP, who is Under-Secretary-of-State for Health, said: "Jon Collins has refused to meet me and the leaders of both Broxtowe and Notts County Council to discuss compensation for shops and businesses in Beeston and Chilwell who face closure. Some shops like Cameron House are facing losses that the current financial package does not meet.
"The city and county councils have stumped up two million pounds to compensate small businesses in Beeston affected by the works but only up to 70 per cent of losses and with a cap of £13,500.
"This deal was based on Chilwell and High Road remaining open to one-way traffic. It now resembles a building site and is completely closed to traffic. Councillor Collins says I should talk to Councillor Jane Urquhart, head of transport, who is 'not around' until August 12."
The tram route is due for completion by late next year and, while businesses affected by the works will receive compensation for loss of revenue, concerns have been raised about the long-term damage to their businesses.
But a city council spokesman said: "It's a pity Anna Soubry has chosen to include this in her newsletter in a way that detracts from the issue in hand. Councillor Urquhart, who is overseeing the tram project and who is the most appropriate member to deal with this issue, is currently arranging a meeting with Anna Soubry.
"Councillor Collins is also happy to meet Anna Soubry to discuss the tram project as a whole at a mutually agreeable date."
The spokesman added: "Together with Nottinghamshire County Council, we are providing financial assistance to some traders on Chilwell Road and High Road, whose profits are less than in the comparable period last year, prior to tram works starting. It's worth noting that some traders have so far been financially unaffected – in fact, new businesses are now choosing to locate on the road.
"The discretionary financial assistance goes well beyond national land compensation requirements and provides a substantial contribution towards lost profits, which may be due to the tram works, but which recognises that other factors may be evident, such as a business's individual performance or the current economic climate.
"We will continue to work with local traders and provide additional help such as free customer parking areas, a free shopper bus service and a range of marketing initiatives during the works.
"Ultimately the area will benefit from a better shopping environment and a fast, frequent tram service."
