A SHOP boss has appealed to Darlington Borough Council to do more to help traders while the town centre is being dug up for the controversial Pedestrian Heart project.

Brian McPherson said traders' profits had suffered because of disruption from the building work in the town centre for the £6.5m scheme.

The council said there was no evidence that fewer people were coming into the town, and said businesses can apply for rates relief.

But Mr McPherson, managing director of LifeStyle, in Blackwellgate -which is celebrating its 40th year -said shops had been told they would not qualify for compensation until after the project had been completed next year.

He called on the council to do more to help shops and market traders now, before they go out of business.

He said: "Shop retailers are receiving no help from this council while we undergo all the upheaval.

"Why they decided, in November 2005, to start this scheme in my peak retailing cycle over Christmas and January sales, I do not know, and it still continues outside my shop front.

"The council have blown out the candles of our birthday cake and have dulled our 40th year celebration.

"I ask this council as an independent, ratepayer and employment provider in Darlington for 40 years to put my request for compensation for traders on their agenda."

A council spokeswoman said rates relief was controlled by the Government and that the council was not allowed to give rebates.

She said: "Businesses must apply for rate relief to a valuation office in Durham and, if successful, this is paid retrospectively.

"We are continuing to promote Darlington while the works are ongoing."