Published: Tuesday, 26th February, 2008 10:00am

'DISASTROUS' POLICIES ARE KILLING TOWN CENTRE

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ON the eve of a critical court hearing that could determine the future of Dumbarton"s flagging High Street, calls have been made to end the town"s 'disastrous' traffic management policy.

Robert Ryan, chairman of Dumbarton for Business, blames the policy for making Dumbarton a "ghost town".

He insists it is time for an urgent re-think after a similar traffic ban in Paisley town centre was axed last week.

Mr Ryan"s appeal comes at a crucial time for Dumbarton town centre, with a regeneration masterplan being discussed and a court case underway.

He has even voiced his disillusionment over the current situation in Dumbarton town centre on internet video site YouTube (see below).

In a short film with the Specials" song Ghost Town as the soundtrack, he attacks West Dunbartonshire Council"s (WDC) traffic management strategy.

He first posted the carefully edited video back in 2005 but has regularly updated it. The film gets frequent hits and there are many postings of support for his critical views.

Entitled "Dumbarton Ghost Town", Mr Ryan has filmed a deserted and desolate looking Dumbarton High Street with words describing how 'a local authority can hasten the demise of a traditional town centre, which has survived for hundreds of years'.

Artizan Centre owner"s, Jermon Developments, landmark civil action against West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) began today (Tuesday) in the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Jermon alleges the move to expand St James" Retail Park followed incorrect procedures and acted 'contrary to planning law'.

Mr Ryan fully backs Jermon and says the current traffic scheme – which bans vehicles using Dumbarton High Street during business hours - is another policy that needs serious revision.

He believes that WDC should follow the lead taken by Renfrewshire Council, which has decided to pilot a scheme allowing greater car access to parts of Paisley"s town centre.

Mr Ryan, owner of Ryan"s Pet Store on the High Street, said: 'Finally [Renfrewshire] council has acknowledged that their traffic management scheme has been a disaster.

'It is now time for WDC to do the same.

'We need to re-instate a policy that allows cars on the High Street and short-term parking.'