ANGRY traders are criticising "over-zealous" security plans for the Queen's jubilee visit next month.

Market traders and businesses around the Market Place, in Darlington, say they could lose thousands of pounds worth of business when the Royal party visits the town on May 8.

The town's police and Darlington Borough Council are preparing security procedures for every eventuality, even covering the possibility of a terrorist attack.

The council denied suggestions last night that the Indoor Market would have to close for the day, but said that benches, tables and chairs, and all flower decorations in the Market Place would have to be moved.

Mike Evers, who runs Cafe Caffae on the square, is not allowed to put his tables and chairs outside his cafe for the day, which he claims will cost him £1,000 in lost business.

One trader, who did not want to be named, said: "Why should we be losing business just because the Queen is visiting? I think our lost business should be replaced out of the Royal coffers.

"We want the Queen to see Darlington as it is, a market town, not with everywhere shut up for the day."

Mr Evers said: "I am not anti-Royal, but I do think that the visit is causing more trouble than it is worth.

"I wish she was just driving by and waving, rather than causing all this disruption."

A council spokeswoman said: "We are expecting a lot of people will want to see the Queen, and the Market Place is the best venue.

"We do need to ensure the safety of the Royal party and the crowd.

"We will do everything we can to minimise the disruption to traders, but must take the necessary precautions."