Frankston Council dishes it up decision to waive kerbside dining fee for cafes near train station
STRUGGLING cafe operators in central Frankston have been thrown a lifeline with the council cancelling kerbside dining fees.
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STRUGGLING cafe operators in central Frankston have been thrown a lifeline with the council cancelling kerbside dining fees.
The disruption to trade caused by the redevelopment of Frankston Train Station, on the back of last year’s $13 million revamp of Young St, has left desperate owners in dire financial straits.
Traders made a heartfelt plea to councillors, who agreed to waive the fee for the second consecutive year.
Traders advocate, Marie Hardwick, said business operators were doing it tough and financial relief was essential.
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“People just can’t hang on ... people have done it so hard,” she said.
“I’ve had grown men and women cry and have tears running down their face.”
Cr Steve Toms said the cost to the council would be small — about $9000 — but it would be a big benefit to small businesses in the precinct battling to stay open.
Paul Kearney, who runs Rocotillos Cafe, said it was a major boost for cafe operators.
“We needed some sort of relief. We have issues with the parking and the train station (workers) taking parks away,” he said.
Other measures being considered by councillors include introducing two-hour parking in Wells St and spending $6000 on an advertising campaign to encourage customers back into the CBD.
The train station has been demolished and will be rebuilt as part of a $50 million State Government project.
Traders have told the Leader that the loss of many car parks to workers during the redevelopment has driven customers away.