'Loss of footfall is colossal'

Traders fearing the worst as alleyway closed for seven months and counting

- Jonathan Sutton

FEARS: Nick Griffin wants Adie's Alley to be reopened.

BUSINESSES are being hit by the continued closure of a town centre alley - and it could remain shut until May.

Part of Adie's Alley, in Stone, has been closed to pedestriains since April due to the 'dangerous condition' of a building.

It comes as a 182-name petition has been submitted to Staffordshire County Council stressing the 'inconvenience' of the ongoing closure.

The Secret Tearooms and Griffins of Stone are among the affected businesses with regular customers put off by the long diversion.

The closure is also affecting bin collections and deliveries - and ambulances can no longer access the alley in an emeregency.