Traders worry over shopping slump

The Westfield renovation in Derby cost £340m

A major new shopping complex in Derby is threatening the future of small traders in the city centre, some shop owners say.

The £340m Westfield Centre opened on 9 October with 150 shops.

Shoe shop owner Terri Reynolds is calling for a rescue package including a decrease in council rates to help traders hurt by a drop in business.

City council leader Chris Williamson said they were working with businesses to raise the profile of the area.

'Disrupted trade'

He said local traders had been aware that Westfield was opening for a long time.

"We have done a lot to promote the Cathedral Quarter with 200,000 leaflets distributed and improved signage," he said.

Some businesses said their trade had increased, but he admitted others had said they were suffering from a dip in trade.

Shop owners in the city's Cathedral Quarter are meeting on Thursday evening to discuss the situation.

People are laying off staff and people can't take stock in - people are struggling Terri Reynolds, shop owner

Anthony Hughes from House of Cards on Green Lane said sales during November and December represented 40% of his annual business so getting trade soon was vital.

Ms Reynolds said: "People are laying off staff and people can't take stock in - people are struggling."

The Westfield Centre, which was formerly called the Eagle Centre, is the biggest shopping centre to open in England this year.

But Westfield managers said the extra retail outlets and the increased number of shoppers they would attract would benefit everyone.