DRUNK, foul-mouthed and violent commuters are causing havoc for Mitchell Street traders. Some business owners have been forced to close their doors to avoid violent spills into their shops, while others have phoned police in fear of their safety. A group of traders has already sought quotes to employ a security guard along the footpath from Hargreaves Street to Queen Street. John Pawsey from PHProperty said large groups of people that gathered at bus stops outside his shopfront were scaring elderly commuters, intimidating employees working in the Mitchell Street outlets and forcing passers-by to cross the street, therefore taking passing trade away from their businesses. “The behaviour is appalling, several times a week we have brawls and foul language,” he said. “They also drink alcohol, it is very common for people to be drinking or drunk ... it’s terrible. “The language is disgraceful, we shouldn’t have to put up with that. “The behaviour is very intimidating, I’ve had to go out the front and intervene many times.” “We shouldn’t have to do that,” he said. Mr Pawsey said a group of traders had sought quotes for a security guard, but believed such a move would be an embarrassment to the city. “But if we are forced to go down that path, we will.” The local real estate agent said if more buses used Mitchell Street to collect passengers, the problem would escalate. He believes the city should have a bus terminal, possibly at the Bendigo Railway Station, and provide a shuttle service along Mitchell Street. “I think the council have got their head in the sand if they don’t look at the bigger picture here,” he said. The traders will next week meet with City of Greater Bendigo representatives to outline their concerns.
