BELEAGUERED local traders have claimed that Peebles’ Hollywood appeal is costing them money.

Filmmakers attracted by the town’s old world charm came to shoot scenes for a major movie directed by Sir Sean Connery’s son Jason.

But businesses believe their presence meant far fewer customers came through their doors.

Parts of the Northgate were blocked off as shooting took place last week for Tommy’s Honour, a film set in the 19th century.

The production team smartened up the empty building at Veitch’s Corner and gave it the appearance of old stores.

But traders in the area were disappointed that access was made difficult to many of their shops.

“It was good for the town that they came to shoot part of the film in Peebles, but no good for us,” said the manager of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, a store across the road from Veitch’s.

The manager, who asked not to be named, added: “It certainly drew a crowd but I was disappointed that they stopped people walking past on the pavement and it did affect our business on the day.

“We did have a letter to say they were coming but we did not realise that it would make access to our shop so difficult.

“This is all so exasperating coming on top of the cycling events during the summer. We read all these stories about how good these events are for the local economy but it’s simply not true.

“They put barriers up for the cycling making it much more difficult for people to get into the shops. Many visitors simply won’t bother trying and go off to other towns instead.” Fellow businessman Alan St Clair had some sympathy for the filmmakers but agreed that their presence had a detrimental affect on trade.

Mr St Clair, joint owner of the Couchee Righ in Northgate, said: “We were very quiet that day - though it is possible that it might have been that way even without the filming going on.

“On the whole it’s good that it’s put Peebles on the map from a Hollywood viewpoint but more could have been done to ensure that people realised the town was still open for business.

“Some potential customers took a look down Northgate and seeing it blocked off would have just gone away and not bothered coming back. Locals might have tried to get to the shops they wanted to do by going a different way but visitors to the town would have just given up and gone somewhere else.

“I spoke to some of the people from the property department and they told me they would be doing everything they could to allow through traffic but some people told me they were unable to get through.

“All of the filmcrew and their vehicles started to arrive around 10am and they did stretch right down to my shop from Veitch’s Corner.

“Some of the customers told me that they had not come until later in the day because of the filming.” Mr St Clair agreed that the cycling events had also made it difficult for Peebles traders. “We all find it difficult once the roads are shut off. Visitors will see that access is difficult and just go somewhere else,” he said.

“Something needs to be done - the council needs to help small businesses to survive. We are all struggling with the business rates.

“We need to find a way to get the coach parties to come back to Peebles - and to make cycling and other events all encompassing for the town.” Mr St Clair will be watching Tommy’s Honour when it hits the cinemas. The biopic tells the story of Scottish golfing legend Tom Morris and his son Tommy.

“I am a golfer myself so it is certainly one I would like to see,” he said. “I am not sure what Peebles will look like Peebles in the film. But it’s great that our town is becoming a film location - it has a lot to offer.

“They certainly made Veitch’s look good and it would be great if the council or civic society could keep it looking like that until somebody takes it over.”