Over the years, a net loss.
Front street has been dug up so often by various utilities it was in poor condition. Heavy wagons did not help. A few years ago the council took up a lot of cobbles and patches of tarmac were put down, it was not pretty. The fate of those cobbles is not known, but conspiricy theories abound! A lot of "consultation" and then close-downs last year for test patches then a big shut down this summer. Only a short length, about 30m near the market cross, has been restored, but they do look good. Has been very divisive in Alston, so I don't know if any more of the street will get the cobbles restored.
The Tour of Britain did use Front Street - a diversion round the back of the cross and temporary ramps were constructed for the day. Most residents just made the best of it and enjoyed the day, but some were definitely not amused.
As I said, with covid and lockdowns local businesses have had a very tough few years.