BUSINESS representatives are concerned at the growing number of empty shops in Colchester.

They called for help to stem the problem and accused the council of putting obstacles in the way of the town centre’s economic recovery.

Essex Federation of Small Business spoke out about vacant premises after a survey found the town was one of the hardest-hit in the county.

According to the Local Data Company, Colchester has a 10.2 per cent vacancy rate – the third highest in Essex, after Harlow and Basildon.

Keith Brown, regional organiser of Essex FSB, said: “Things are not looking up. I was at a meeting earlier with representatives from different sectors across the country and the message is clear – there is a real problem.

“People are reluctant to spend unless it’s absolutely necessary and banks are making it difficult for businesses to access finance.

“It’s definitely the recession causing the problem. But Colchester Council is not helping.

“It’s taking a very harsh line against things like companies giving out leaflets promoting their business or putting up signs saying where they are located, like the Cowdray Centre.

“We are trying to meet with the council and we have certainly made our views known. An empty shop in the High Street brings down the whole street and has a domino effect.”

Iain Wicks, chairman of north-east Essex FSB, added: “It is important for the future of Colchester town centre that this move is reversed as quickly as possible and Essex FSB will be looking to work with Colchester Council and other partners to actively encourage more retailers to choose Colchester and open stores in the town.

“A key part of that offer to retailers is for Colchester Council to be seen as business friendly and supportive of retailers trying to attract new customers into their stores. Sadly that is not the current image that Colchester Council projects.”

Nick Barlow, councillor responsible for economic development, said: “I think we’re doing all we can to help businesses.

“We’re doing a lot around Christmas to get the shoppers in and benefit the town.

“As for the leafleting and posters, we are trying to keep Colchester clean and looking good, which is what businesses tell us they want. I can understand how it might seem to some businesses but it is a double-sided issue because we don’t want a litter problem.”

He said the council would always talk to businesses about the challenges they faced.