Shopkeepers claim takings have slumped because of long-standing roadworks by Yorkshire Water.

Ram Taheem, 61, owner of Empress Traders CB radio shop, of Thornton Road, Bradford, said excavations started in Agar Street two months ago by Yorkshire Water are driving customers away. But today a Yorkshire Water spokesman said it was unaware the works had disrupted businesses and was willing to discuss the problem.

He added that the Agar Street excavation would be filled in within two weeks.

Mr Taheem claims customers unable to park in Agar street are snubbing the Thornton Road shops and going elsewhere.

He said: "Yorkshire Water has promised to come and fill in the hole but it never comes. It doesn't fulfil its promises. There are barriers up around the hole but it is dangerous for children." Mr Taheem claimed that his takings are down by as much as a third since the excavations began.

Another Thornton Road shopkeeper who did not wished to be named, said that the lack of parking was affecting all the shops on the parade.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.