Nelson Brown, owner of salon Browns on Lockerbie’s Station Road, was over the moon earlier this year when his business gained a five star excellence award from the Good Salon Guide.
The Ecclefechan native, who also owns a Dumfries branch of the business, proudly put signage outside his salon at the end of February to display the accolade.
But shortly after the sign went up it was struck twice by out at careless driving large vehicles — believed by Nelson to be buses — leaving noticeable traces of damage.
He said: “Both times the bus drivers have failed to report the incident. The second time our salon was hit my employee witnessed it and reported it to the police.
“I feel frustrated and annoyed that the drivers have not been in contact to report the incident.
“Private property was damaged and I am left to pick up the pieces — it’s appalling.”
The hairdresser added: “More importantly, members of the public’s safety is at risk. Buses mount the pavement. I have witnessed with my own eyes buses scrape by the salon missing the window by centimetres.
“I dread to think what might happen if this erratic driving continues.”
Nelson is calling for more parking to be developed in the town, particularly near the station and a wide load restriction put on Station Road.
He said: “There is a lot of free parking at the station, which is great, but it tends to fill quickly and the overflow parking isn’t big enough to take large volumes of traffic.”
Parking issues have been rife in Lockerbie for some time, with the promise of results from a parking survey to be made public yet to materialise.
Annandale North Councillor Stephen Thompson said: “We need to have a meeting of minds to make any serious improvement and ensure there is a proper focus on Lockerbie’s needs, which are regularly represented by those who live and work there.
“Time is dragging out and we’re still having to press for the end of the High Street footpath works to be completed and see the end of the concrete base that’s been sitting in McJerrow car park for that very purpose.”
