Traders fear a planned "bus gate" blocking traffic except public transport from using the road will kill passing trade.

And parish councillors in Myland are worried the traffic scheme could threaten a parade of shops and businesses in Nayland Road, Colchester.

The proposal is part of the Northern Approaches road scheme. And while the parish council is not against the development of the area, they felt a bus gate - which would stop through traffic using the road - would affect passing trade vital to the lifeblood of the shops and businesses there.

Jackie Lester, who has run Jackie's hair shop in Nayland Road for 23 years, said the proposal would harm all the shops.

"We would not survive. It would be the death knell.

"The borough council is not listening to us," said the Myland parish councillor.

"If this does happen, it will not affect businesses for a little while, although I would think the filling station would disappear overnight.

"Selling on the business would be difficult who would want to buy a worthless shop? No-one would want to buy a business in a cul-de-sac."

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Published Friday December 28, 2001