AMHERST - The warm summer months bring about a number of constants every year - both good and bad.
With the construction to the downtown Amherst area, some business operators are concerned about foot traffic, including tourists, into their businesses.
"There are no tourists around," said Paul "Skippy" Farrow, owner of Long Lake Trading Post on Church Street.
"There are very few Americans around. I've seen a few tourists from Ontario and Alberta, but this time last year I saw hundreds of tourists."
The town has been working on revitalizing the downtown area that's seen detours put in place while work has been ongoing.
"Victoria Street at the lights with Church Street has been closed off and on," said Farrow. "I took a look down there today and I can't understand why it's closed. They're working under poles."
At Duncan's Pub, manager Bill King said business has been a little slower than usual but can't say whether it's from the construction.
"A lot of the tourists wouldn't necessarily know we have a back entrance, but the locals do and they will use it," he said.
"Even though there's construction going on out front, customers are still sitting out on the deck when they're working. When they're working it's noisy and dusty but people still go out there if the weather's nice."
King said the parking spaces out front could have a potential of 30 additional customers to the restaurant, so having the road closed at times could have an affect.
But, he also said the work the town is doing is great for the downtown.
"Amherst downtown is beautiful. It's a shame that further up the street there are empty buildings," he said, adding a kudos for the town for trying to spruce up the area.
