INDEPENDENT traders in Colchester’s St Botolph’s Quarter and “Walls” areas, say they have been forgotten since the opening of the High Street market and the park and ride.

Shopkeepers say footfall has dropped and they are seeing fewer council services, such as street cleaners, because they are being concentrated on the High Street.

They have set up a group to make sure their voices are heard.

Jim Juby, who runs Coffee and Cream, in Eld Lane, said: “Red Lion Walk has got a strong voice and Culver Square has got a strong voice. I think we need to speak for ourselves.”

John Humphreys, who runs the greengrocer in Eld Lane, said: “A lot of trade has been squashed on to the High Street.

“When the market moved, the council did it without any consultation with independent businesses.

“They didn’t contact anyone in this area.”

The High Street market was launched on April 3 and the park and ride started on April 13.

Shopkeepers say they are in limbo because they do not knowwhat is happening with Vineyard Gate development and other regeneration projects in the area.

John and Kate Allen, who run Allen and Son butchers, in St Botolphs Street, want to refurbish the shop, but do not know if they will lose their site under the proposals. Mrs Allen said: “We don’t want to spend money if we’re going to lose our shop. It is really frustrating.

“The council doesn’t seem to know how the town centre works.”

Mr Allen said: “I just think this is a bit of solidarity.

“We like the park and ride, but they just ride past our street.”

The group, which met on Thursday, also had concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area, including drinkers and beggars. PSCO Emma Mill will attend a future meeting to offer advice.

Lee Pugh, from the Minories, was at the meeting to show support on behalf of the “Cultural Quarter”, and representatives from the Colchester Retail Business Association also attended.

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “Businesses and traders have the opportunity to respond and have their voice heard throughout the planning stages of any project.

“Significant investment is being made across Colchester, which is designed to boost the whole borough, including traders in a number of different locations.

“The St Botolph’s Quarter is benefiting from an extensive regeneration programme, with substantial investment being made in number of innovative projects.

“These include Firstsite, the Creative Business Centre, the Wonderhouse and the newCurzon Cinema, all of which will continue to increase footfall and trade for the area.”