Pedestrianisation has been good for traders in a shopping area, a survey has revealed.

Research conducted by the Brighton and Hove Business Forum found that 67 per cent of businesses on George Street, Hove, thought pedestrianisation had not affected trade.

The level of business over the past five years had been good or very good according to 69 per cent of businesses.

Average to good was the verdict of 22 per cent of businesses.

Brighton and Hove Business Forum, which conducted the survey, said it showed that businesses in the area had embraced pedestrianisation, five years after the street was made a no-go area for cars between 10am and 4pm.

Gavin Stewart, Hove town centre manager for the forum, explained the shift in attitude.

He said: "There are still people who are against the pedestrianisation of George Street.

"However, new people coming to George Street are doing so because of the pedestrianisation - that is the attraction in the first place. There are also people there who have changed their opinion about it.

"Five years have gone by and the High Street is a tough trading area. People have had to change their business practices and they are seeing the benefits of the turnaround."

Despite the results of the survey, which excluded the banks on George Street, the pedestrianisation still provokes mixed feelings among traders.

In July, The Argus reported that traders were unhappy with a summer extension of two hours to the traffic ban, which they said led to a drop in takings.

Barry Ritchie, who co-owns hairdressers Final Cut with partner Alexandra Ferrey, said: "Pedestrianisation has been a good thing, but it affects trade if it continues after 4pm as is the case in the summer."

The survey also revealed traders would like to see more entertainment put on and more open markets to draw people in.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "These figures prove what a positive impact pedestrianisation has had on George Street."