TRADERS frustrated over delays to a revamp of Young St in central Frankston have implored the state government to help out financially since the project was initially slated to finish in May.
Federal Dunkley Liberal MP Chris Crewther has forwarded a letter to Labor Transport Minister Jacinta Allan signed by several business owners who say they have suffered a downturn in trade since foot traffic past stores has fallen during the Young St works.
The letter in part asks that “affected traders be granted just financial compensation and relief from the original completion date in May 2017 to the final end date”.
The joint letter – co-signed by traders, Frankston deputy mayor Steve Toms and councillors Glenn Aitken, Quinn McCormack, Kris Bolam, Sandra Mayer and Lillian O’Connor – demands “a guaranteed locked-in end date for the project be given” to give certainty to traders.
VicRoads and the state government have revised the Young St precinct works end date as 27 October but businesses fear more delays could have an impact on Christmas time trading for the second year in succession.
The plea for financial support from the state government comes after Frankston Council pledged to give businesses who can prove a 30 per cent drop in turnover over 12 months a one-off $750 payment.
“In speaking to council, I can say that the shop closure rate in Young St is no higher than prior to the roadworks, but the shop front opening rate is much higher,” Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said.
“The community asked for a rejuvenation of the Young St precinct and that is what I am delivering and for that, I absolutely make no apologies.
“We are getting it done in Frankton and for Frankston.”
The Young St revamp is part of a $63 million rejuvenation of Frankston train station and its surrounds.
The need to move underground electrical cabling in Young St and handle asbestos in Telstra pits with care have been reasons for delays previously given by VicRoads.
The roads authority is working with contractor firm Seymour Whyte on the “more welcoming civic space” along Young St to include new paving and improved street lighting.
