DEGRADATION and decline is seriously harming businesses in Portslade, according to a survey of traders.

Traders in the Boundary Road and Station Road area are facing “severe problems”, according to Hove and Portslade MP Mike Weatherley, who commissioned the survey after concerned businesses contacted his office.

A consensus has emerged that the area has suffered a drop in footfall, with fewer residents visiting the area for their shopping.

Parking was by far the biggest issue, with many complaining of a lack of available space compared to Brighton and Hove.

Many believe business rates are disproportionate to retailers’ incomes and are unreasonable.

A number of traders also reported the area was often left untidy.

The vast majority of proprietors felt the council was not doing enough to keep businesses’ doors open.

And calls were made for a new traders’ association to be set up to raise issues facing businesses.

The survey was hand-delivered and collected by volunteers working for Mr Weatherley’s constituency office.

Mr Weatherley said: “Considering that one of the businesses surveyed had recently closed down, there are clearly severe problems facing our local business owners in this area.

“However two new businesses, including 2T’s-Ravenous, a charming cafe, have recently opened on Boundary Road. In order to support the needs of our businesses, old and new, I will be working with both the businesses and the council to assist in improving the area.”

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chair of the city’s economic development and culture committee, said Brighton and Hove City Council supported traders through the Hove Business Partnership, while economic development officers would contact retailers to explore ways to improve the area and promote business.

The Boundary Road area was promoted as part of Small Business Saturday, while other initiatives such as ‘Indie Christmas Card Competition’ and ‘Dressed for Success’ helped to boost shopper numbers in the area.

Coun Bowden said: “I understand it’s been difficult for traders in this part of the city because they lost the chair of their traders’ association, but as well as having its own distinctive character, Portslade has the advantage of relatively lower rents and rates.

“Retail vacancy rates are close to the city average and are well below the national average of 12.2%.

“The council does not set business rates but for this financial year retailers nationally have an additional £1,000 discount on their bills.”