TRADERS could receive a tax break to compensate for the disruption caused by major roadworks in Southend.

Twenty-five shop owners in Southend’s Victoria centre have applied for a discount on their annual business rates, in the wake of the £7million revamp of Victoria Gateway.

Traders claim the year-long works, which forced the closure of pavements surrounding the mall, sparked a severe fall in the number of people walking through the centre.

Tony Belyavin, owner of Snappy Snaps, said: “There is clear evidence to demonstrate it had a big impact. It is not something which you can blame on the council, the work needed to be done.

But it’s only right that impact is acknowledged and there is due compensation.”

Business rates, the workplace equivalent of council tax, are paid every year to councils.

However, the money is sent straight to the Valuation Office Agency, a Government body which sorts through the cash and redistributes it to local authorities based on their needs.

The size of the tax is calculated on the value of business premises.

If a firm can prove their location has been devalued by events outside their control, such as roadworks, they are entitled to ask for a discount.

A spokesman for the Valuation Office Agency said: “We are currently reviewing about 25 appeals from business operators in the Victoria, asking for a temporary reduction in their rateable value due to recent roadworks in the area.

“We have written to the ratepayers concerned and the local council, asking for further information, including the length of the disruption and effect on trade.

“We have already visited the area and reviewed the situation on the ground.

“As soon as we get the necessary information, we will contact the ratepayers and deal with this as a matter of priority.”

Mr Belyavin said he had applied for his discount more than nine months ago.

However, he had still not heard anything from the agency, six months after the Victoria Gateway revamp was finished in March.

He said: “It is just a classic case of Government inertia.

“I have chased them every week, but I keep getting put through to the wrong person or told there is no one who can deal with my inquiry.

“I find it deplorable it has taken this long.”