Shops closing, break-ins, vandalism and abuse - as if Rutherford business operators don't have enough to contend with.
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But there is one other arm to their plight which has left West Ward Councillor Henry Meskauskas fuming.
West Mall - part of the old shopping centre flanked by businesses and running from Aldi carpark to the former IGA supermarket - is an eyesore.
According to Cr Meskauskas the 'arcade' area receives no regular maintenance from its owner Maitland City Council and is regularly the target of graffiti and vandalism.
Business operators have asked council to put the property on its maintenance and cleaning schedule but according to one retailer who has spoken to council officers, council does not have the resources to carry out the work.
It is a view Maitland Council challenges, saying it is working with business in the area to manage the situation and to clean up West Mall.
Cr Meskauskas said he recently spoke to someone at council about the state of the mall which resulted in some work being carried out on garden beds and weed eradication.
"As for the day-to-day maintenance, council is saying no, they can't do the work on a daily or a caretaker basis," Cr Meskauskas said.
"Its not good enough. The only time it gets cleaned is if a complaint is made.
"The area needs to be put on a council program so it is attended to on a regular basis. Rutherford always seems to be put on the back burner," he said.
"This is totally unacceptable. The retailers are copping it from every direction - crime, no CCTV - council has completely washed its hands of West Mall."
Cr Meskauskas said council spent about $700,000 five years ago on new lighting in the shopping centre precinct.
"But it's about time they spent some more money on beautifying the area, regular cleaning and CCTV," he said.
"Go to The Levee, East Maitland and its spotless and cleaners going through every day.
"Business operators pay rent and rates - they deserve better," he said.
Maitland City Council said pressure cleaning of the Council owned pathways started last Thursday. Removal of graffiti, burn damage repairs, and painting works in the area had recently started and will continue into early November.
Council said it would continue to partner with local businesses in the area to manage the situation
