A hairdresser whose shop was knocked down to make way for a multi-million pound development said his business had failed to recover from the move.

Tony Wheeler, 47, said his business had suffered from competition from high street chains since his old shop at the Quadrant site in Brighton was demolished more than two years ago and he had had to find a new location.

Several shops, including the 156-year-old Quadrant pub, were pulled down by London-based developer Wildmoor. There was disappointment last year when it said Safeway would be built on the site but the chain pulled out in February.

While the other Quadrant businesses closed down, Tony Wheeler managed to find a shop nearby in Dyke Road. But he has been plagued by burglaries and vandalism and his latest challenge is big chains offering cheap cuts.

The father-of-three said: "We were pushed out of our last shop by big developers and now we are being outpriced by hairdressing chains.

"We did really well when we were part of the Quadrant. We were busy every day, six days a week."

Mr Wheeler's family has been in the business for 50 years.

He said: "We are just a small barber shop. I can't afford to put any more money into the business."

Mr Wheeler has employed stylists from London to keep up with the latest trends and offers colouring and patterning for men's hair. He is now open seven days a week.

Meanwhile, the Quadrant site remains under construction.

Councillor Paul Elgood, of Brighton City Council, said: "This is a prime site in the city centre.

"We want and need more boutique-style shops there."

Developers Wildmoor Properties refused to comment apart from confirming a planning application made last week in respect of the site was a minor amendment to a previous proposal.

A council spokesman said: "There are plans for a number of small shops and the top floor may be a residential flat."