Traders in George Street moaned when it was pedestrianised but the absence of cars during the day has transformed it into one of the city's most attractive shopping areas.

Now they are moaning about the closure of a car park behind the Co-op, which they say is hitting trade.

Once again, they should look to the long term and realise the car park closure is part of a scheme which will bring great benefits to this part of Hove.

Within a year there will be a large Tesco store close to George Street, which will attract many more people into central Hove.

It will also have a car park with 300 spaces, far bigger than anything there has ever been in the area.

In the meantime, Tesco has said it should be able to provide temporary car parking by the end of October, which is only a matter of weeks.

Traders should stop carping about a closure which cannot be avoided and instead put on attractions to bring in customers.

There is still plenty of street parking and many people either walk or take buses to the street.