Shopkeepers in Workington claim potential customers are turning their backs on the town because of difficulty in parking.

And the building work is leading to dirt and noise problems.

However, those in charge of the �40m regeneration project say the town will benefit when the work is completed.

About 75% of the existing 1960s development in Working Town Centre is being demolished.

The redevelopment will lead to new stores, including a Debenhams, 400 additional car parking spaces, and the creation of 500 jobs.

In the interim, however, local shopkeepers say they are struggling.

'Minimise disruption'

Jim Knight who runs a bridal shop, which is shortly to close, said: "We have suffered a 70% loss in turnover, and the building work is creating a tremendous amount of dust and dirt which we cannot tolerate coming into our shop."

Alan Moore, who runs a fitness centre, said: "The developers just decided to bulldoze three quarters of the town and have not provided parking in enough quantity.

"I'm presently losing between �300 to �500 a week, but I still have to pay rates and wages."

Rob Rimmer, from Workington Regeneration, said: "We have done all we can to minimise disruption, though we cannot eliminate it.

"We have park and ride schemes operating over Christmas, and have made one of the car parks free, so I think we are doing quite a lot to make coming into Workington an attractive proposition."

The work is due to be completed in 18 months' time.