SHOPPERS are boycotting Winchester because of problems caused by the on-going gas main roadworks, according to some city traders.

Their fears have been echoed by Graham Love, of the Winchester City Centre Partnership, who said footfall was down 20 per cent from this time last year, with both big and small retailers feeling the pinch.

The essential gas pipe maintenance started in St Thomas Street last year, and moved into the High Street and then Jewry Street.

Southern Gas Networks has now started repairs in Southgate Street -- the final phase of the works -- which will be closed until at least June.

Mr Love added that some independent retailers were reporting that trade was down by as much as 60 per cent.

"I think that something should be done," he said.

"The City Centre Partnership would be prepared to work with businesses and with the authorities, perhaps Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council, particularly highways, and also SGN.

"We believe there needs to be a more positive stand in terms of marketing Winchester as a place to shop, work, live and visit."

Jim Sawyer, chairman of the Winchester area committee of the Chamber of Commerce, said everyone knew the gas works were coming, and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

"The chamber needs to think seriously about how best to seek help to get Winchester back on the map when the work is finished," he said.

Stephanie Allen, owner of Debut fashion store in the High Street, said takings had dropped considerably.

"We are looking into compensation, but I think that is going to be very difficult. Trade has just died," she said.

Jeanne Saywell-Lee, co-owner of The Orange Room in St Thomas Street, said: "It is still pretty desperate to be honest.

"I thought that once the cages were removed from the High Street business would pick up a bit, but with Southgate Street closed people have got out of the habit of coming to Winchester."

Debbie Read, manager of Winchester's Marks and Spencer, agreed that trade had fallen since the work started, but said she hoped business would pick up when it finished in June.

A Hampshire County Council spokesman said it had tried to make consumers aware that Winchester was open for business, and signs to that effect had been put up.

A Winchester City Council spokesman added that businesses and local authorities had talked about how to promote the city during the gas works.

He added that the groups dismissed the idea and decided to spend the money on publicity after the repairs.

"There was no sense in aggravating any traffic management problems arising from the works, or encouraging people to visit when Winchester was looking less than welcoming," he added.

SGN said the work had been planned in conjunction with Hampshire County Council, the Highways Authority, and Winchester City Centre Partnership.

A spokesman added: "It is inevitable when a major project such as this starts, that there are teething problems, and it can take a few days for local drivers to learn and accept the diversions.

"As for trade being affected by our work, we have a compensation scheme in place for small businesses, and we will be pleased to forward this information to traders who contact us.

"We will do all we can to complete this essential work as quickly as possible."

* Do you run a business in the city? Are you shopping elsewhere because of the roadworks? Tell us how the gas main works have affected you. Write to Chronicle letters.