LOCAL businesses are aghast at the tactics employed by the City of Ballarat in its attempts to remove antique bike racks from outside their premises.
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Contractors for council on Friday arrived unannounced at Cafe Cornucopia on Mair Street to tell owner Chris Gusman they were removing his rack.
No paperwork or communication had been lodged prior to the visit, according to Chris Gusman.
“If they are prepared to turn up a 7am, we’re worried what other times they might come,” he said.
Two antique bike racks remain across the city – at Cafe Cornucopia and Bike Rack Cafe, Doveton Street North.
Bike Rack Cafe owner Arthur Shaw said he understood his bike rack, which has been outside the shop for almost 40 years, was next on the contractors’ removal list.
“There’s going to be an almighty fight if they try and remove it (bike rack),” Mr Shaw said.
Mr Shaw said he secured the future of the bike rack through a heritage Ballarat planning permit when he did renovations to the cafe in 2011.
However, the City of Ballarat has been gradually replacing all bike racks across the city, preferring to install metallic, coiled structures, which Mr Shaw described as “ugly”.
City of Ballarat general manager of city infrastructure Eric Braslis said the bike rack outside Cafe Cornucopia was scheduled for renewal.
Mr Braslis said consultation had been sought previously with the owner and, following feedback, work will be deferred with further discussion to take place with the owner.
He also said the Bike Rack Cafe’s bike rack was not being removed.
william.vallely@fairfaxmedia.com.au