Published: Tuesday, 6th May, 2008 15:15
YOU MUST ACT NOW
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The Cutty Sark
THE masterplan for the future of a flagging town centre might have come too late for a once thriving pub.
The Cutty Sark, which sits just off Dumbarton’s High Street, has been serving customers for over half a century.
But it is set to become the latest casualty of failing business in the area.
It will be decided today (Tuesday) if planning permission is to be granted to allow a change of use into a betting shop.
The Dumbarton bar, which was named after the world famous Burgh-built Cutty Sark ship, has struggled recently and it is believed it is now no longer financially viable.
A fall in customers, rising rent costs, a rise in alcohol prices and the smoking ban have all believed to have contributed to the situation the pub faces.
Hundreds of signatures have been put forward in a petition to the council from concerned regulars, who are desperate to save their local pub.
Robert Ryan, of Business for Dumbarton is disappointed another High Street trader has suffered and has warned imminent action must be taken to prevent more closures.
He said: “We are disappointed to see yet another long term High Street business failing because of the fall in visitors to the street. Something has to be done now — this is not for master plans for ten years from now.”
There have been objections to the betting shop application from two Dumbarton community councils.
The Housing, Environment and Economic Development committee will decide on Wednesday, after feedback from a consultation period, whether they will adopt the masterplan.
Owners of the Cutty Sark, Punch Taverns were unavailable for comment at time of going to print.
A decision whether or not to accept a masterplan for Dumbarton town centre will also be taken this week.
If approved it will be adopted as guidance for the improvement of the ailing shopping area.
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YOU MUST ACT NOW