A north-east boutique owner says she has seen an increase in trade since the introduction of controversial city centre bus gates in Aberdeen. Inger Helen Vorley, owner of The Fountain in Port Elphinstone, near Inverurie, claims shoppers are “deliberately” avoiding the Granite City for fear of “being caught out” and fined. The 60-year-old is celebrating 21 years in business and told The Press and Journal her womenswear store is “stronger than ever”.
She said a growing number of customers were making the journey to her store from Aberdeen. Aberdeen City Council introduced its bus priority route in August last year. The move was intended to reduce traffic and travel times across the city.
Shoppers ‘scared they get caught out’ , Guild Street and Bridge Street, have been met by anger and confusion from drivers. Inger Helen, who has four employees, said: “Of course, now with the bus gates implemented in the city and the Low Emission Zone, I have many customers – mostly elderly – who deliberately don’t go into Aberdeen. “They don’t know where the bus gates are and are scared they get caught out.
“They city centre is losing out but it’s good for the shire as it, hopefully, encourages people to remember there are other shops. “People come to me to get what they want and then make it a day out. Inverurie has lots to offer.
” The Fountain ‘stronger than ever’ Inger Helen, who also runs fashion firm Tartan Touch, said she had seen a new “wave” o.
