It’s noisy, but trade is going very well

8:50am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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TWO traders in Droitwich have said their businesses are flourishing despite the ongoing building work in the town's shopping centre.

Salter's shopping centre is currently undergoing a major re-development, including the building of a new coffee shop and department store.

However, Argos manager Benita Corfield said that last month her store was top of the Cotswolds region based on how it was performing against its targets.

She said: "The work has been disruptive and sometimes noisy but we certainly haven't lost any customers.

"I'm hoping that people will come and have a look at what's been going on and discover they like it."

Judith Jones, of lingerie and fashion store Kate Barclay, said her business was also thriving despite having to move temporarily to a unit which used to house JJB sports.

She said: "Last week I had one of my best days of trading ever in 29 years."

The store has just returned to its previous position where it now occupies a much bigger area. Mrs Jones said: "It's given us about 40 per cent more space and been totally refurbished.

"To us, it's like a new start really."

The building work has caused problems for some traders who have previously said they were fed up with much of the town's shopping centre being a building site.

However, the end could be in sight with coffee shop Muffin Break, which will be opposite the town's Smart Ideas, set to be completed in mid-May.

Repaving of the town centre is also hoped to be finished a month later and construction work on new store M&Co, opposite WHSmiths, should be completed by September.