Traders: Gas Works could ruin Christmas

Businesses in one of the Chester's most popular tourist destinations are worried planned gas works could ruin their Christmas trade.

Shop owners on Watergate Street are calling on the gas works to be delayed until January.

As it is, the work is scheduled to start by the end of September and run until late November - businesses claim that will damage their busy Christmas trade.

Christine Cowie from Fragrance Oasis said:

"If they see roadworks they will go elsewhere.

"People wont venture down the street.

"If it goes ahead at the time they say, it will have a big impact on trade in the street, our Christmas period is October until December."

A spokeswoman for North West Gas Alliance said:

"We are required by the Health and Safety Executive to upgrade the gas pipe system in Chester.

"We have had lots of contact with traders to make sure deliveries can be made and to make sure there is minimum disruption."