Sadler Gate shopkeepers struggling to stay in business

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Traders in one of Derby's oldest shopping streets have said they are struggling to survive.

Shopkeepers on Sadler Gate claimed they have been badly affected by the new Westfield Centre, which opened in 2007.

About a third of shops on the street are empty and traders have called for help from the city council.

The council said it was aware of the pressures and would look at ways to help, such as extra signs and revised parking charges. The authority has also set up a big wheel in the Cathedral Quarter to attract more shoppers to the area.

Trader Nick Horne said: "Unless the council do something for us [Sadler Gate] is not going to survive."Three shops closed down in the last week. There used to be a premium to be on Sadler Gate, now you can't give them away."