After noting a decline in foot traffic over the past 15 months, the Tall Style Shoes owner attributed the trend to the lack of colour and vibrancy in the section between Guildford Road and Wilson Street.
“My shop has been on the strip for over three years and over the past 15 months there has been a continuous decline in the foot traffic,” she said.
“The centre is such a non-event you’d be forgiven if you missed it.
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READ NOW“The carparks are full, giving the perception that there’s people in Bassendean when actually it’s used as a park and ride for those shirking the parking fee payable at the designated area on Railway Parade.”
Ms Hegge said without council support, it was up to shop owners to make the change.
“I was advised by the council that the reason the traffic island did not receive any attention was due to the market stalls; beautification is withheld because of just 11 markets a year,” she said. “Come on Bassendean, let’s rally together and renew Old Perth Road to make the street come alive with some colour.
“Plants in the traffic island would be a good start. Jazz up your shop; a lick of paint can do wonders, or street art.”
Red Poppy’s Cafe owner Rodney Warner agreed the train station end of the strip was neglected.
“I have been trying for four years to have something done,” he said.
“The focus has been on the oval redevelopment, apartments and shopping centre down the other end.
“I would like to see some landscaping done and the lighting fixed; the street lights have not worked for seven months, it is so dark at night and it is bad for security and business.”
Bassendean MLA Dave Kelly campaigned the State Government last year for it to purchase land at lots 5 and 6 to ensure development, describing the carpark as an “eyesore”.
The Town of Bassendean did not respond to questions before deadline.