Delays for commuters as traders protest crossing closure

Traders protesting the closure of a major Reservoir thoroughfare will head back to the train tracks after what they say is a poor response from the State Government. And they’re promising to be bigger and more disruptive than last time.

A group of traders blocked a train at Reservoir Station last month.

Commuters in Melbourne’s north face potentially major delays on Thursday when Reservoir traders railing against the High St crossing closure head back to the tracks in protest.

The traders are promising to block both the Mernda line and High St, Reservoir for as long as possible on Thursday afternoon.

The group blocked trains for about 10 minutes on August 19 before being moved on by Victoria Police.

The protest is in response to what they say is unsatisfactory management of the closure by the State Government.

High Street traders say business has dropped by around 75 per cent due to LXRP works.

Small Business Minister Adam Somyurek told parliament he would arrange meetings with the small business commissioner and a mentoring service to assist suffering traders.

“When you are creating such massive amounts of infrastructure … there is going to be disruption,” he said.

“There will be disruption for small businesses because there has just got to be. Now, our job is to minimise that disruption to small businesses, and that is what we try to do.”

The four-month closure from August to December is to build sky rail over High St and create a new, elevated Reservoir station.

State Government spokesman Matt Macklin said the Level Crossing Removal Project was in regular contact with all traders offering support.

Broadway Lotto owner and protest organiser Simon Alan said offers of business mentoring and promotions weren’t enough to compensate for the loss of trade.

“They want to look like they’re trying to help us,” he said.

“They’re treating us like mushrooms, keeping us in the dark and feeding us …”

MORE NEWS: NEEDLE FOUND IN BIRTHDAY STRAWBERRY

DAREBIN KEEPS $20M AS PROJECTS FALL BEHIND SCHEDULE

BUSINESSES BRACE FOR IMPACT OF PLENTY RD CLOSURE

Mr Alan has called on the State Government to offer compensation for what he says is a drop in trade of up to 75 per cent.

“This is our livelihood. Our hard work and money is invested into these businesses.”

Mr Alan said traders from Coburg and Mentone were interested in lending their support ahead of their own level crossing removal projects.

“I’d like to see 500 (people) out there,” he said.