The majority of traders say they now welcome a controversial shopping centre pedestrianisation scheme.

There was strong opposition when Brighton and Hove City Council first proposed daytime pedestrianisation for George Street.

A survey carried out by Hove Business Association was timed to mark the first anniversary of the official opening of the new-look street by Brighton and Hove City Council after a facelift.

It shows 70 per cent of businesses welcome the pedestrianisation, with a further 13 per cent showing no strong view either for or against.

Chairman Keith Bryden said: "This result reflects the fact that 70 per cent of traders also say they have seen business increase or stay the same since pedestrianisation."

He added: "Overall, we are impressed trade has picked up so well in the last year.

"Local business leaders have worked with the council to promote the excellent range of shops and valued personal service available in the area which, coupled with the new environment, has proved a winning formula."

Only ten per cent of businesses felt their customers did not like pedestrianisation, with one of the main gripes being the difficulty of collecting large items from shops.