Derbion 'don't care about us' say traders hit by closure of entrance

'SERIOUS RISK' ALBION STREET BUSINESSES COULD SHUT AFTER HUGE DROP IN CHRISTMAS FOOTFALL

- By OSCAR FISHER

THE closure of a Derbion entrance has seen one of the city centre's busiest streets become a "ghost town" with traders seeing huge drops in trade over Christmas.

It comes after traders along Albion Street in Derby city centre said there was a "serious risk" businesses could close following the temporary closure.

The entrance was covered by hoardings and fencing on Friday, November 16, "without notice" according to businesses, and shoppers have been unable to use it since.

According to traders such as Kevin Murray, who opened the Olive Tree Cafe in Albion Street back in 2020 and has owned businesses "all across town", including the Acropolis Cafe in the Market Place, says footfall and trade have been down ever since the entrance was closed.

He said: "We're about 40 per cent down from what we took during this time last year, but we've only managed to reach that figure through bookings we already had, as well as our line of regulars, who continued to support us.

"But the real problem starts now: January, February, March and April. If I can get through these months, we'll be fine, but it will be a huge challenge.

"Two shops have already closed the greengrocers and a temporary stall that closed straight away.

"There is no foot traffic at all. None whatsoever. It's gone from being the busiest thoroughfare to being one of the quietest streets.