ANGRY traders in Bishop Auckland town centre have launched a petition over redevelopment work they say will lead to job losses.

Many independent retailers have reported a drop in takings of up to 50 per cent and at least three people face redundancy because of the work.

The traders are calling on Wear Valley District Council to seek permission to reduce business rates or offer compensation until work is completed in mid-July.

Changes to Newgate Street, the main shopping area in Bishop Auckland, include installing extra crossings and wider footpaths and traffic restrictions to improve safety.

But traders Pauline Graham and Graeme Stephenson launched the protest campaign because they say the disruption has almost halved business at their hardware store, Hinge and Bracket, which opened in January.

Miss Graham said: "Because of the noise and dirt along most of the street a lot of people are avoiding the town all together.

"A lot of traders are losing money but still have to pay full rates. Hopefully, the council will see how desperate we are and help us get through this difficult time."

Two shopworkers have already been made redundant because Amritpal Singh, who runs Navita Fashion in the Inshops indoor market, has been forced to half the space he rents.

Anne Nicholson, who works for Mr Singh, said: "I think the disruption was the nail in the coffin. Bishop Auckland's small businesses have been struggling for a while, but the drop in trade here finally got so bad people's jobs were lost."

Manager of Ma's Caf in Inshops, Shelly Beal, said: "Since the work started we've been really quiet. We are going to have to seriously consider job cuts to survive."

Bishop Auckland town centre manager Ken Wilson, who works closely with Wear Valley district and Durham county councils, said: "Unfortunately, disruption is to be expected and there may be other factors affecting trade.

"Hopefully, in the long term the measures will improve the town centre and all businesses will benefit.