TRADERS in Chester-le-Street say that while the Test match has done wonders for the area's profile, it has meant disaster for the town's businesses.

As more than 12,000 people filled the Riverside Stadium to witness the first day of the five-day Test, shopkeepers in the town were left idle.

Despite predictions that cricket fans would help boost trade in the town, the main shopping street was deserted.

Moods bistro owner Gary Collin said that while he normally serves about 30 meals during the midday rush, his only lunchtime customer yesterday was a disgruntled coach driver who had been charged £20 to park his bus.

Mr Collin, whose bistro is in the town's busiest shopping street, Front Street, said: "I was busy on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday; and today, the day of the Test match, I am empty.

"This is a first in my caf. I had just one person in the caf, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, and it is normally full."

Mr Collin said he had even employed more staff to cope with the expected rush.

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

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

He said: "There is nowhere for normal 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 is on a Saturday and the wives of some of the cricket fans come in to do their shopping."

However, pubs in the town fared better. Michael Cowie, the landlord of the Lambton Worm Hotel reported a brisk trade, with plenty of cricket fans staying in the hotel.