DESBOROUGH Road traders have slammed council plans for the town centre redevelopment and say they want action now to help their struggling businesses.

The group of shopkeepers told councillors at a meeting last Thursday their trade had gone down 50 per cent since work started on the Eden development. They say they need help from the council to get back on their feet and become part of the town again.

The meeting was organised by Wycombe District Council (WDC) to discuss the proposed re-development in Desborough for the next 20 years, once Eden opens in 2008.

Bob Cowan, 67, who has run furniture shop Second Hand City, in Desborough Road, for 27 years, said that at a similar meeting 15 months ago, shopkeepers were told they would be integrated with the Eden development.

But he says they now feel cut off by it.

Mr Cowan said: "We're suffering now, not in ten or 15 years time. You should be helping us now. We want to know why we have been shut out now for this Eden project."

During the meeting councillors explained proposals to get rid of the Abbey Way flyover and redirect traffic around Eden and through Desborough. But this also worried traders who felt it would turn people away from the area even more.

Charles Craft, who owns Crafts furniture shop, also on Desborough Road, said: "That's going to turn Desborough Road into the main A40 and we're concerned that that's going to have an adverse effect on our business. We have noticed that people are more reluctant to come into the town generally. Traffic problems and parking problems have deterred people from coming to town."

Mr Craft, whose family have been trading in the town since 1928, added that he thought the plans were important but were not protecting established businesses.

Catherine Spalton, WDC spokesman, said: "We are aware that some Desborough Road traders have faced periods of disruption and change, as a result of Eden. Along with Multiplex, the council has done its best to minimise the impact.

"We would be interested to hear any suggestions about how the council could help them during this time and would ask them to contact us on 01494 421124."