Restaurant and gift shop owners on the Île de la Cité have reported a significant decrease in sales following the fire last month and are calling on the government to intervene.
With many local traders claiming a 70% drop in revenue and some being forced to close their doors for weeks at a time, the economy minister, Bruno Le Maire held a meeting last week to address the problem.
According to The Times, Mr Le Maire has said between 25 and 30 businesses have suffered ‘considerable losses, sometimes as much as 100%’.
He said: “For all these businesses, which are often family-run, I am proposing very direct and very personalised help.”
A second meeting is set to take place next month.
The tourism slump is in part due to the decision made by The Paris Council to close the Notre Dame forecourt and surrounding streets after the blaze.
Mr Le Maire said the government may consider delays to tax payments and possible compensation to support struggling traders.
Restoration of the cathedral is expected to take five years according to President Macron, but many architects suspect the work will take much longer.
Some are asking for plans to be made to draw tourists back to the area and allow prayers to continue on the Notre Dame forecourt during the restoration period.
Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily…
… Read More
—
Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.