LONG-suffering traders are breathing a sigh of relief after £750,000 worth of improvements have been completed in their historic Southampton street.

Firms suffered a drastic loss of business during several months of roadworks on Old Northam Road.

The regeneration cash was also used to spruce up the renowned antiques quarter and included increased car-parking, improved pavements and landscaping.

A further £900,000 was spent on restoring Victorian and Edwardian buildings in the road.

Ian Loveridge, in charge of part of the restoration, said: "Occupying 6,000 feet, this centre will be the largest one of its kind in the south-east and will definitely put Old Northam Road on the antiques map.

City council planning officer Adam Brannen said: "The restoration and environmental works have re-established Old Northam Road as both a major antiques centre and an attractive residential area.

"The road will play a major role in the economy of this area.

"It has been heavily supported by the regeneration programme. The project could not have been undertaken without the co-operation of the traders, who had to put up with the inconvenience of the roadworks for some time."

Peter Boyd-Smith, who owns Cobwebs ocean liner memorabilia shop, said: "The shops in Old Northam Road are unique - the only ones of their kind in the world.

"People have come from across the globe to visit.

"I certainly hope that the environmental works, which have certainly helped to smarten up the road and improve access, will help in attracting many more visitors."