TRADERS have demanded help to save a parade of shops from closing.

Several stores stand empty in West Road, one of two main shopping parades in Shoebury, including the old post office.

Kevin Mylroie, 60, whose father bought Mylroie butchers in 1959, has gone from five employees to just himself and a part-time assistant.

He said: “You only have to look out on the street and you notice the only time there are a lot of people around is when the school kids are out for lunch, or the end of the day.”

There are few independent traders left and Mr Mylroie believes the answer lies with the Government easing business rates and the council helping out.

He explained: “I own my shop, so I do not have to panic about rent, but others are not so fortunate, so maybe more thought needs to be put into cutting rates.

“Also there are a load of restaurants and takeaways down this road, so many in fact that someone living around here could spend a whole week eating something different every day.

“However, these places do not bring trade in during the day so perhaps the council needs to think harder about what type of business could get trade moving here.”

Derek Jarvis, Tory councillor for West Shoebury, said the council was limited in what it could do, but said surrounding developments may halt the decline of the parade.

He said: “We do want to try to improve the look of the street. We are talking to people to get more shops there and little by little I think it is improving.

“When you consider the Garrison development is being done nearby, I think there are some good signs for traders there.”

Angela Edwards, who runs Taylor Edwards Locksmiths, added: “We do feel like a forgotten street.

“Business rates for properties keep rising, so that is having a negative effect on trade, yet the Government and the council seem to do little to help the problem.

“Some of us would also like more to be done to make the street look attractive over Christmas.”