TRADERS fear shoppers are walking past Brighton’s recently refurbished West Pier arches due to the building of the i360.

Some businesses feel the construction site on Kingsway is encouraging customers to walk away from the shops below.

Lisle Jackson, 27, manager of Bucket and Spade Cafe, said: “The i360 is a good thing and will help businesses, but we feel cut off as people walk past.”

Frédérique Bailey, 47, of Bailey Alexander Gallery, said: “If they do the things as they say they will, then it will be a positive thing for Brighton.

“The i360 is quite an unconventional project, but Brighton is quite an unconventional city.”

With summer now over and Christmas fast approaching, the businesses are having to find ways of attracting customers.

With what the traders describe as a “lack of advertising” for the shops below the i360 site, people will be forgiven for not knowing the smart row of shops was there.

Paul Bradley, 33, of Belmont, a passerby, said: “I probably wouldn’t shop there but tourists will and that’s important to Brighton’s economy.”

Prior to signing their leases, the West Pier arches traders were informed of the construction works and both the council and the i360 consult regularly with the tenants.

Toni Manuel, seafront development manager, Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Once the i360 is running it will be a huge boost to all these traders who will benefit from the thousands of extra visitors to the attraction.”

Eleanor Harris, chief executive of the Brighton i360, added: “We have always felt it very important to be good neighbours to the surrounding traders and to support the new West Pier arches.

“We meet the traders on a very regular basis to keep them up to date with our progress and take on board feedback to ensure any disruption is minimised for them.”

Current construction works started after the peak summer season and will be completed before Christmas.