TRADERS affected by the pedestrianisation of Darlington town centre are seeking cuts in business rates to compensate for their loss of trade.

Several retail outlets have recorded a sharp downturn in turnover since the £6.5m Pedestrian Heart scheme was introduced, with some claiming to lose hundreds of pounds each week against expected revenue.

Complaints from the town's retailers include a vast reduction in footfall, re-routed bus services, and increased traffic.

However, David Lyonette, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for economic regeneration, said the long-term improvement to the town centre would outweigh the expected short-term disruption.

"Darlington only saw a two per cent fall in footfall last week, compared to four percent nationally," he said. "The Pedestrian Heart will rejuvenate the local economy and make the town centre a much more attractive place to visit."

However, businesses have now joined together in demanding a drop in business rates, with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) - which sets the rates - revealing it has dealt with 125 cases from Darlington town centre retailers since the pedestrianisation came into force.

Last night, traders told The Northern Echo of their grievances.

Clive Whiteman, chairman of the Cornmill Shopping Centre Tenants Association, said: "The town centre pedestrian works are having a detrimental affect on businesses and it is only fair that they should be compensated accordingly. Rate values will undoubtedly need to be reduced to take the disruption into account."

Jackie Jones, from Latimer Hinks solicitors in Priestgate - now a busy bus route - said: "The level of noise outside our offices has increased significantly since the work began.

"We are seeking the appropriate advice to make sure that our rates are reviewed as soon as possible, in line with the works being done."

Andrea Borlant, of Seymours, on East Row, said: "We are proud of our business and, of course, want to see our town centre improve, but we are also keen to highlight how the changes are having an affect on companies in Darlington."