A subway used to gain access to Brighton beach is still shut more than six weeks after its entrance was rammed by a lorry.

Gates to the tunnel, which links the beach and West Street, were unhinged when they were hit by a reversing delivery truck.

Access has been blocked by Brighton and Hove City Council and repairs have yet to be carried out.

However, traders say it has been closed for too long and their businesses are being affected by the closure and loss of passing custom.

One trader said: "They think by closing the tunnel for three months it will deter drug dealers but it hasn't stopped them.

"It's the main artery to the beach and we have all lost money."

But Adam Chinnery, owner of the Kayak company, said the closure could be helping to rid the area of drug dealers.

The subway had become a hang-out for dealers and is one of a number of hot spots police hope to target over the summer season.

Six dedicated officers are being drafted in to tackle drugs, anti-social behaviour and illegal trading on Brighton and Hove seafront.

Mr Chinnery said: "It does affect businesses down by the tunnel. But we have seen a dramatic decrease in the amount of drug dealers down there.

"That could also be down to the presence of a mobile police CCTV unit, which is down there a lot.

"We are all trying to work with police and the council to make sure the seafront doesn't become a no-go area."

Mr Chinnery, a member of the Seafront Local Action Team (Slat), said traders were in talks with police and the council about closing the tunnel at night, from 6pm to 8am, in a bid to tackle late-night problems.

Mr Chinnery said: "It would probably be a good idea.

"If you are a young lady coming out of a nightclub, you are very vulnerable in the subway.

"We need to find a solution which will rid the area of some of the problems but not affect business."

A council spokeswoman said contractors' quotes for repair work were still being sought.