By ALESHA CAPONE
THREE St Albans traders have taken up Brimbank City Council’s offer of an $800 bonus to remove solid steel roller shutters from their businesses, since 2010.
The council’s director of city development, Stuart Menzies, said the St Albans Shopfront Improvement Program (SASIP) was established to help retailers improve the appearance and safety of shops.
The program offered operators up to $800 to detach roller shutters, and also urged traders to replace old signs, paint, fix lighting and illuminate verandahs.
Mr Menzies said between 2010 -2012, more than 25 St Albans businesses successfully applied for SASIP funding to help improve their businesses.
Of these, one applicant received the $800 bonus for removing of an existing steel roller shutter.
Mr Menzies said during the SASIP’s 2012-2013 round – which is still in progress – another eight store-owners had been granted funds.
“Of these, two successful applicants will receive the $800 bonus for the removal of an existing steel roller shutter,” he said.
“Council encourages the installation of open security grilles or transparent roller shutters, so as to provide security and protection from vandalism while maintaining visibility into premises.”
After a council listening post with St Albans residents last year, the council issued a summary of issues raised.
“Council acknowledges that the use of roller shutters is unsightly and has a negative impact on the appearance and amenity of the area,” the summary said.
Asip Demiri, from theSt Albans Traders Association, said many traders wanted security cameras installed in the area’s CBD.
“The reasons people have shutters is for safety reasons, no doubt about that,” he said.
“What we really need to be successful, is street cameras.
“I think, we have the same anti-social behaviour in the streets which any Melbourne suburb would have, and I don’t think we are different to anywhere else.
“But I understand some traders’ safety concerns.”
Mr Menzies said a recent evaluation of SASIP had “shown evidence that the upgrades have attracted new customers and increased the commercial value of the City Centre’s shops by improving aesthetics”.
