Traders say business is down 25% to 30% since work began

Traders say the project is taking too long and making customers go elsewhere.

It follows the demolition of shops and closure of a multi storey-car park at Aylmer Square in the town, as well as a wrangle between the council and Tesco.

The partnership charged with the �40m regeneration of the town centre is adamant that despite any delays the plans are moving forward.

The Chamber has been a participant in every consultation we have had Keith Everitt, Regeneration Officer

The town's Chamber of Commerce said business was down between 25% and 30% since redevelopment work began.

St Austell has about 80% of independent traders and acting chamber chairman Paul Scott said delays and lack of certainty could damage them even more.

He said: "The car park closing has led to fewer people coming into the town, and it could go down worse than that."

Local businessman Steve Hurst said that, after a flourish of dialogue at the beginning of the regeneration scheme, traders no longer had real contact with Restormel Borough Council and the Regional Development Agency (RDA).

He said: "We haven't got a problem with what they're going to do, we've got a problem with what knowing what they are going to do. We would like open dialogue and then to just get it done."

The council's St Austell Bay Regeneration Officer, Keith Everitt, said: "I'm surprised at the lack of dialogue mentioned because the chamber has been a participant in every consultation we have had.

"The RDA did come clean and say there had been a delay of about six months in a problem with acquiring two of the remaining properties in the town centre, including Tesco.

Marketing campaign

"In terms of buying the Tesco building, the council has resolved to compulsory purchase it if no agreement can be reached.

"But that doesn't preclude reaching an agreement and we are continuing to discuss it. The RDA would purchase it and not the council."

"Businesses are suffering a bit, but the council is doing everything it can with the RDA to help them."

The Chamber of Commerce has launched a new marketing campaign in an effort to win people back.

Paul Scott said: "It has to be pushed St Austell is open for business."

On 9 August, the council and the RDA will exhibit the latest designs for the town centre.