Shopkeeers have hit out at a city letting agent after scaffolding was erected around their building without warning.
The corner of Dock Street and Commercial Street houses several independent businesses, many of which have reported a drop in footfall in the wake of the works on flats above from Hillcrest Enterprises.
Traders claimed the first they knew about the scaffolding was when they asked the workers erecting it.
Lovely Things owner Lynne Duffus has still not received formal notice of the scaffolding, which will be up for three months.
She said: “I understand that the work has to be done, but it’s hard enough with the years of roadworks, building work and demolitions to have this on top of it.
“All we are looking for is some signs on the front of the scaffolding that tell everyone we’re still open for business, and will be right though the works.
“For a footfall-based business like mine, something like this is already having an effect on passing trade.
“But the scaffolding company are in talks with us right now to get something like that right away, but it’s still hurt our trade.
“I fear that with works like that going on, people will think we’re shut.
“I just want to shout from the rooftops that we’re open as usual.
“Short of some sort of neon lighting, I can’t think of any way to get the word out.”
Another shopkeeper, who asked not to be named, said: “We got a letter after it went up. All the businesses are already reporting a downturn in trade with people saying they thought the shops were shut.
“No one seems to be getting anywhere with Shepherds or Hillcrest who put it up. The least they could do is give us big signs so people know we are there.
“What’s the point in having sign written shop fronts if no one can see them?”
Appointment-based businesses, such as salons and a tattoo parlour, are holding out better.
Commercial properties in the building are operated by Shepherds, but Hillcrest is responsible for the residential properties above and the erection of the scaffolding.
A Hillcrest spokesman said: “Hillcrest Enterprises provides management services to the flats in question on behalf of the owner.
“Discussions have taken place with the shopkeepers and it has been agreed that signs notifying the public that shops are still open for business have been ordered to be displayed on the scaffolding.”