Battle plans have been drawn up by traders in George Street, Hove, who say they are preparing to fight a drastic drop in their profits.

Business owners in George Street believe they have been dealt a double blow in recent months, with some claiming their takings have plunged by half.

They have criticised Brighton and Hove City Council for failing to take their problems seriously and gathered in Heebie Jeebies restaurant last night to discuss action.

The traders are worried about the impact the new Tesco superstore in nearby Church Road has had on their businesses.

Customers of the store can park for two hours if they spend £5 but business owners claim this does not give shoppers enough time to visit George Street.

Keith Bryden, chairman of Hove Business Association, told the meeting discussions were continuing with store managers about the possibility of increasing the amount of time people can park for free.

But he warned a final solution should not be expected soon.

Traders also voiced their anger at the council's decision to pedestrianise George Street, where traffic has been banned from 10am to 6pm daily since June.

They claim drivers no longer stop and shop in the area and want cars given access from 4pm in the run-up to Christmas.

More than two dozen people attended the meeting where suggestions for action included seeking compensation from the council for loss of business and even withholding rates.

Traders decided to highlight their plight by organising a petition for customers to sign.

Some of the worst affected business owners will also collect till receipts to prove how drastic their drop in profits has been.

They will then address the next full city council meeting on November 27.

Dee Borrill, manager of New Look, told the meeting: "We have got Christmas trade coming soon and if we don't get people back on the street then shops will start to die off."

Peter Tompsett, who owns Truffles bakers said: "I have been here for 15 years and feel in the last five years the council has treated us with contempt."

The traders' cause was supported by Conservative councillors Garry Peltzer Dunn, Ted Kemble and Jan Young.

All three attended the meeting, where Coun Peltzer Dunn told traders: "I have always been in favour of some form of pedestrianisation on George Street but I firmly believe no one is going to be sitting outside a cafe after 4pm on a cold November day."