CHESTER-le-Street traders say that although the Test match has done wonders for the area's profile, it spelt disaster for the town's shops.

As more than 12,000 spectators filed into the Riverside stadium to witness the first test match there, shop-keepers were left twiddling their thumbs.

Despite predictions that cricket fans would help boost trade, the main shopping street was bereft of shoppers on the first two days of the match.

Bistro-owner Gary Collin said while normally he expects to serve about 30 meals during the lunchtime rush, on Thursday his only customer was a disgruntled coach driver who had been charged £20 to park his bus.

Mr Collin, whose bistro, Moods is based in the town's busiest shopping street, Front Street, said: "I was busy Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and today, the first day of the Test match, I'm empty. This is a first in my caf. I had just one person in the caf from 12.30pm to 1.30pm and it's normally full on a lunchtime."

Mr Collin said he had even employed more staff to cope with the expected rush, which never transpired.

Not only were cricket fans not visiting the town centre, but local residents also stayed away, fearing they would not be able to park near the town centre.

Jason Lamb, from Fawcett's butchers in the In Shops, off Front Street, said parking problems were exacerbated because cricket fans were leaving their cars for a full day.

He said: "There's nowhere for our customers to park. It has been extremely quiet today, but to be honest I pretty much expected it. The only time when the cricket does any good for trade is when it's on a Saturday and the wives of some of the cricket fans come in to do their shopping."

Pubs did well. Michael Cowie, landlord of the Lambton Worm Hotel, reported a brisk trade.