TRADERS in Loftus are vowing to fight back in the wake of disasters which have left businesses crippled.

The 18-month closure of Loftus Bank followed by flooding in parts of the town have left people demoralised and depressed, says a traders' leader.

"After all the problems with the Bank, the floods came and it is as though the waters washed away all our courage," said Mrs Linda Bell, secretary of Loftus business group.

Now there are plans to form a fundraising arm of the group to speed up installation of CCTV cameras. After that, traders intend to press for more parking in a bid to revitalise the centre.

"We need the community's support," said Mrs Bell, "and we need more backing from both town and borough councils. But if we don't get it we will do this anyway. Loftus is fighting back."

Business group treasurer, Mrs Doreen Bramwell, said the aim was to run a 100 club along similar lines as Saltburn 500 club. This would be a fundraising scheme to contribute to the cost of CCTV cameras which can only be installed with business commitment on upkeep.

"If we can raise some revenue it would offset some of the strain on local firms," she said. "After losing the bank for nearly two years, traders are really hurting. We have not picked up since the bank was reopened. Not at all. It is very bad.

"Loftus has a close-knit business community which works together, but when people get into the habit of shopping elsewhere it is hard to win them back.

"We lost NatWest Bank and now many people go to Guisborough to bank and end up shopping there as well."

Mrs Bramwell said firms were pinning their hopes on Christmas for a boost to trade. "We hope the festive season will make a difference and that we can make the town look attractive for people to want to come and try Loftus again," she said.

Group members have discussed the 100 club idea and taken advice from Saltburn 500 club founder, Miss Jackie Taylor.

"Townspeople want to see CCTV in Loftus and this would be one way they could contribute through a fundraising club," said Mrs Bramwell.

Mrs Bell said: "Loftus is very demoralised at the moment. We have had one blow after another but we are fighting back. We want to go all out to make the town safe, attractive and prosperous for people to live in.

"We will start with the cameras and then tackle parking. We want to see more parking at the bottom of the town.