A Nottingham pet shop owner claims an expanding train network in the city has "driven him out of business’ – despite receiving financial aid from operators NET.The store, called 1st 4 Pets, in Southchurch Drive, Clifton, shut earlier this month after seeing a rapid decline in business since work to expand the tram network began four years ago.
Owner John Barlow, 45, ran the business for 16 years, but says he is now moving to premises in nearby Ilkeston after seeing a huge drop in customers.
Mr Barlow says the tram has led to people shopping outside the Clifton area, and he also blamed restricted parking since the tram platform was built outside his shop's door.
Nottingham City Council, which was behind the expansion, said it had given financial aid to Mr Barlow during the tram works and there were parking spaces nearby.
Mr Barlow said: "I've been here for 30 years and I feel angry and annoyed that the tram has effectively driven me out of business here.
"They gave us 70% of our losses, which was just under £1,000 for the two-and-a-half-years. Despite that, we're still between £35,000 and £40,000 down overall, including our losses since the expansion.
"What annoys me is that they said the tram would bring more business to the area, but in reality it's 16 years down the swanny.
"We have literally had one person come in from the tram in the past nine months. It's absolutely pathetic. This boost that the tram promised for businesses in the area clearly hasn't worked out.
"The council also need to hold their hands up and say they haven't done enough to help the decline of small businesses in Clifton. Its disheartening that they won't do anything to stop it from happening."
An NET project spokesperson from the city council said: "We have been supporting the owners of 1st 4 Pets throughout the development of the tram, through Clifton including providing them with financial assistance well beyond the start of tram services.
"The amount of parking available in this part of Clifton remains largely unchanged since the introduction of the tram, with spaces just a short way from the shop.
"Any business planning will need to consider the general trading situation that exists today, which is very different to the situation that existed four years ago."
