A PENSIONER who has failed to turn her business into a home has received another blow with the news that her neighbours have decided to side with the council.

Seven businessmen with shops in Droitwich High Street say if Nellie Copson is allowed to change the use of her business it will have a "catastrophic effect" on trade in the town.

They claim that the lack of good shopping facilities drives out potential customers to large complexes several miles away and traders need support from Wychavon District Council to rebuild the town centre and ensure there are always shops there.

The property is not part of a retail area and there is every likelihood it could be let or sold in the near future, fear shop owners.

Jack Hegarty, head of planning, said he was relieved the council had won the support of traders.

"An increasing number of shopkeepers are backing us now because they know that the success of the High Street depends on the retail outlets," said Mr Hegarty. "I will be recommending the council refuse permission."

Council planning committee members rejected a proposal from Nellie Copson to change the use of her High Street property from retail to residential just three weeks, ago but were awaiting another letter from a member of the public before they made their final recommendation.

They say a home instead of a business would be detrimental to the vitality and viability of the shopping area and so contrary to the local plan.

Earlier this year, the defiant 81-year-old, who lives above her empty shop, made national headlines after spending two days in prison for her refusal to pay £2,700 in business rates that has accrued over five years.

She maintains she cannot pay the debt. But Councillor Keith Rogers said the shop in its current condition was not viable to let out for retail purposes and the pensioner should be allowed to stay.

"We would allow a condition for her to stay there for five years or her lifetime - whichever is the longer," he said.

Miss Copson has had dozens of letters of support, especially since there are no toilet facilities within the shop area and anyone using the shop would need to use the outside facilities at the rear of the building.

The plan is due to be refused by planners at their meeting on Thursday, November 2.