STORE bosses met yesterday in a Brighton fish and chip shop to discuss a trade crisis caused by London Road traffic chaos.

Around 20 store owners and workers sat over cups of tea and bottles of vinegar in Bardsley's restaurant in Baker Street to cook up their response to the £4 million traffic management scheme. All have reported less custom because of the roadworks and now fears are growing that some part-time shop jobs may soon have to go. Representatives from Sainsburys and Somerfield said they would wait to see how the road scheme affected trade after the work is completed in June. Both said business was slightly down but stressed they had no plans to leave the area. The meeting was attended by Coun John Sheldon, who has agreed to help take the concerns to Brighton and Hove Council. He is now trying to set up a meeting with the director of environmental services, Alan McCarthy, on Monday. Roy Brown, the manager of Bardsley's who organised the meeting, will lead the delegation to the council. Points they intend to raise include: Better traffic management and road signs to bring people into London Road. The need for a left turn going up Ditchling Road into Baker Street. Better access for car parks near London Road and for taxis to the Sainsburys store. Roy said: "We needed to have this meeting so we know what we can put forward to the council. We need to make the traffic system work for us because every trader in the London Road area is affected." Coun Sheldon said: "I don't think the council realises how serious this problem is. We cannot allow this area to die." Brian Murray, who runs a jewellery shop in Baker Street, said: "Having better access for cars in the area is the key to sorting the problem out."

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