Traders fear they could struggle to survive the next few months after a nightmare bank holiday weekend.

Some businesses in Brighton and Hove reported takings were down as much as 50% compared to the same weekend last year.

They blamed the bad weather and the credit crunch for keeping customers away over the last two days.

They said they were counting on a busier day today to help see them through the next months in the hope that trade picks up by Christmas.

The city centre was quieter this year compared with previous August bank holiday weekends.

Shop staff said visitors were more interested in browsing and sheltering from the wind and rain than spending their money.

Seafront traders were particularly badly hit as visitors continue to feel the effects of the recession.

But even in The Lanes, which are usually packed with shoppers, staff said there were times when their stores were completely empty.

Carron Goodman, of Pecksniffs perfumery, said: “It has been a complete washout.

“We rely on bank holidays for our best sales. It is going to be hard now for everyone until Christmas.”

Mark Cooper, of Beach House Cafe in Kings Road, said his takings were dramatically down on last year.

He said: “It is half as busy. We are down by 50%.”

Michael McPartlin said traders at the weekly market by the West Pier had been particularly badly hit by the weather and fewer visitors.

Some stall holders had already been hit by loss of earnings after the Beachdown Festival at Devils Dyke was cancelled at the last minute.

Mr McPartlin said: “Many of them run their businesses as a living and with this on top of losing the money they were expecting from Beachdown they are going to struggle until it picks up again at Christmas.”