SHOPKEEPERS in Bromsgrove's Worcester Road claim takings have nose-dived since a walkway linking the busy Market Hall to their premises has been temporarily closed.

They are now calling on the district council to erect a simple map and direction notices in the car park pointing the way to their shops and businesses.

Visitors have no way of knowing where their shops are, says the traders. Many say that because of the wide range of stores, Worcester Road is what Bromsgrove's High Street used to be like 50 years ago.

Little Lane, an ancient route to the church, has had to be closed for at least two months while building work takes place on vacant land adjoining the brook on both sides of the path.

The complaint from Valda Timmis, from Victoria Road, who opened her shop Stitch n Crafts Corner in August was typical of her neighbouring traders.

"Trade is dead some days since Little Lane closed and with Christmas approaching that is not good news," she said. "I believe it needs a sign by the Market Hall to indicate that there are shops in Worcester Road."

Anita Mears, a partner in The Clothes Rail Etc. . . almost opposite, and who chairs the traders' organisation BroMark, said: "We have noticed our passing trade has been affected because people cannot now use Little Lane.

"A sign would be useful in pointing out how people can still access shops in Worcester Road," she added.

Peter Michael, Bromsgrove District Council's economic development officer and the man whose task it is to encourage shoppers to the town, said the temporary closure was for safety reasons and was the responsibility of Worcestershire County Council.

However, he said he will look into the question of erecting a direction sign.