Edinburgh restaurant attacks council over trams

A West End restaurant has introduced a new 'Pothole Pizza' to signify the damages caused by the Edinburgh Tram Project to local businesses.

La Piazza was recently recognised for creating statement pizzas called the 'Pothole Pizza', the 'Leith Walk Siciliana' and the 'Haymarket Blues'. It was seen to jester the damage caused by the City Council and Edinburgh Trams.

However, The Journal understands the real reason for the creations was to attract media attention after they felt local news outlets were not reporting the serious effect the delayed project is having on their restaurant.

Tony Pia, the restaurant’s owner spoke of the affects that the trams have had on his business and his fellow business peers. He told The Journal: “I know people in Leith Walk who have lost their houses, their businesses, their wife, children based on the damage these people are causing and nobody’s talking about the real issues here.

“We’re talking about the damage and pain these people are causing. It’s not being spoken about. It should be. This is what gets to me. I can’t understand why nobody really prints the truth about how many homes are wrecking, how many people are left without a roof over their heads. And, if it doesn’t change, I will be one of them.”

Mr Pia describes Shandwick Place, La Piazza’s home for 13 years as a shadow of its former self with To Let signs dotted along the road. He prides himself in running a successful business and he blames the road closures for his current economic crisis. He has made numerous calls and sent letters to his MSPs, Edinburgh Trams and the council. He has yet to receive an explanation.

Gavin Henderson, a spokesman for Edinburgh Trams confirmed that support is offered to businesses. He told The Journal: “Edinburgh Trams are a regular presence at business groups such as the West End Traders Association where businesses are given the opportunity to express any concerns they may have about our programme of works and its impact on them personally. In every case we work in conjunction with businesses to mitigate against possible disruption.”