A scheme aimed at regenerating a run-down town centre is damaging business according to worried shopkeepers.

The Fair Green area in Mitcham is being re-developed as part of a £6m Rediscover Mitcham plan by Merton Council but business owners said since work started last week, they have noticed a drop in trade and customers.

Wimbledon Times:

Disruption: Fences at Upper Green West

The council said from now until the end of the summer, residents and visitors to the town centre will see it taking shape with landscaped gardens and a new market area with feature lighting.

The new street going around Fair Green will include free short-term parking for shoppers and a new water feature on the green.

The newly restored Victorian clock tower will be lowered into its new location in the newly built gardens on the west side of Fair Green once all the works are completed.

Dozens of businesses will be affected by the building work, but one of the worst affected is The Orange Cafe, run by Ahmad Noreldeen for the last four years.

Wimbledon Times:

Surrounded: The Orange Cafe 

With an idyllic spot on the green, he said the cafe is an ideal spot for people to enjoy a coffee and take in the view.

But now the small premises are dwarfed by green boards surrounding work which began on phase one of the project last Wednesday, February 11.

Wimbledon Times:

Disruption: Upper Green West

Mr Noreldeen said: "We are surrounded - we are in the middle.

"A lot of customers think we are closing or have closed but we are open.

"There is a nice sign outside but one entrance has been blocked."

He said he is worried about losing money, especially when the terrace outside is dug up, and said he is not sure what to do about the future.

Business people in Upper Green West said a large fence put up last month has been affecting trade, and a pathway has been blocked off despite work not yet being started.

Yunis Bashir, owner of Galaxy Communications in Upper Green West, said: "We don’t know if it will be better or worse for us in the future.

"At the moment I have not got many customers.

"It’s a longer journey to get to us because of the fence - I have noticed a difference."

Owner of neighbouring hairdressers Shellz Design Michelle Roach said: "I am OK because I have regular clients but for walk in trade - there are less people.

"It is not doing us any favours, we are a small business.

"It is a struggle."

The council’s cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge said: "Rediscover Mitcham will put Mitcham back on the map as a destination worth visiting, attracting more businesses and shoppers to the town centre and two rounds of consultation have seen resounding public support for the improvement works.

"We will be doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum and appreciate the understanding and flexibility that has been shown by businesses so far.

"Inevitably, issues will occur during this construction period, but the council is fully committed to working with the local community to overcome any problems that arise."

The council added it was working closely with the Orange Cafe to keep disruption to the business at a minimum, including helping to advertise the business on the green hoardings and elsewhere.