THE REVERSAL of a one-way traffic system in Winchester has been welcomed by residents but traders along the route say the move has had a damaging effect on business.

Until recently about 4,000 cars a day poured through one-way Parchment Street, past independent shops and businesses.

But a reversal of traffic flow, introduced in November by the city council, has got traders fearing for their future.

The Daily Echo spoke to seven independent traders on Parchment Street, of whom six said their businesses had been affected for the worse by the changes.

Lawson Bell, of Bell Fine Art Ltd, said: "It has been a nightmare. Trade is definitely suffering. There is very little passing traffic now.

"We put different things in the window each week that are now only being seen by people who walk past.

"Other shops don't think they will be able to survive. I don't know what will happen to us - it's too early to tell - but this is another thing that makes it more difficult to trade."

Jayne Chapman, of the Pottery Cafe in Parchment Street, agreed.

"It would be nice to pay only residential rates now. The council have to do something," she said.

Other traders said the safety aspect was a worry as cars are now going along the road much faster.

Shopkeepers also said that the congestion of the city's one-way system was far worse without the "release valve" of Parchment Street.

Parchment Street residents had complained that the constant flow of traffic was making their lives a misery.

But Mr Bell said: "People who buy houses in Parchment Street are buying in the centre of the city. One of the things you get with that is traffic and traffic noise.

"Why should they be able to just turn around and say we don't want the traffic any more? It's ridiculous. The short-sighted council is just pandering to the electorate."

A council spokesman said: "This is an experiment and plainly if it does not work, or if traders or others feel it is not working, they need to let us know. We want people to tell us their views."

The experimental order is for up to 18 months. A review will take place after the first year.