IT'S Barnsley's forgotten street - that's the claim of traders in Regent Street South who believe the ongoing work to improve the town centre is cutting them off and starving them of customers.
There are currently roadworks at either end of the short pedestrianised street, which – the traders say – are making the area difficult to access.
Dawn Collinson, 30, who runs Salon de Belle, said that since the work started trade has slowed to a trickle.
She said: "Six months ago we were busy but not now. We are getting a bit fed up of the roadworks, it's putting a lot of strain on our businesses.
"People aren't walking up and down the street. We have put advertising boards out but the workmen just shift them."
A council spokesman said: "Apart from a small area of work on Eldon Street at the bottom of Regent Street South, there has been no work in front of the shops. Access to the shops will be maintained throughout the construction works, which are scheduled to run from November 25 to February 27."
** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated October 31. **
