BUSINESSES in Ely are furious about hoardings surrounding a demolition site in Market Street which they say are destroying passing trade. The former grocer s shop that occupied the site was the cause of controversy after leading city figures branded the

BUSINESSES in Ely are furious about hoardings surrounding a demolition site in Market Street which they say are destroying passing trade.

The former grocer's shop that occupied the site was the cause of controversy after leading city figures branded the abandoned building an eyesore.

Furious traders say the hoardings intrude too far into High Street Passage and footfall has been decimated as a result.

Proprietor of the Bay Tree gift shop, Cheryl Hancock, said: "People can't see that there are shops down here and work doesn't seem to be progressing very quickly - our trade has certainly been affected by this."

Robert Lowe, who runs Two Ticks, a jewellery store in High Street Passage, said: "It's disgraceful - it's taken up a lot of space and we are denied the visual impact of people seeing the shop."

He added that stock deliveries have become nearly impossible because he cannot park in the street outside his premises.

Traders in High Street Passage have been told that "A" board advertising is illegal and there are fears that businesses will be hit hard if summer tourist custom is lost.

Will Marston, director of Lollipop Animation, also in High Street Passage, said: "My only question would be why it has to stick out so far.

"Everybody here is glad that the building is getting sorted, but I don't think we anticipated the difficulties the site has caused."

There are concerns that building work will be slow, causing further damage to businesses.

"If it takes much longer it really will be taking the mickey," said Mrs Hancock.

A spokesman from the district council said: "Work at the site has begun on timescales outlined by the developer at a recent planning committee meeting and our enforcement officers are happy with the progress which has been made so far."

The owner of the former grocer's shop, John Borland, was unavailable for comment.