SPECIALIST shops in Canterbury are struggling to survive after their worst Christmas for years. The chairman of the Independent Traders Association, Alan Jeffrey, said business had reached a new low and stores were closing all around the city.

He runs Corridors of Time in Palace Street, which is surrounded by empty units.

Mr Jeffrey said: "This was the worst Christmas I've had since I opened here three years ago. One shop over the road took £63 in a week over the Christmas period, and it's no surprise that it's now closed. Businesses are closing and the successful ones are moving. Soon there will be nothing left."

Many premises in the road have been deserted for several years, and even long-standing shops like Forwoods music store have fallen victim. Mr Jeffrey said: "There are award-winning businesses down here, like the Kings Gallery, the hand-painted pottery shop and the Dolls House Shop. We have some lovely restaurants and the people who run these businesses will do anything they can to make the area a success."

Efforts to bring people into Palace Street include a charity street party, being planned for the weekend starting Saturday, May 11. Canterbury City Partnership has teamed up with traders for the event, which will include street entertainers like dancers, musicians and jugglers.

Mr Jeffrey stressed that he was looking forward to the party, but more should be done. He said proper signs should be put up to direct visitors to Palace Street, and more should be made of what the council has branded the Bohemian Quarter.

"Brighton promotes the Lanes and London is proud of its historical shopping areas," he said. "Canterbury City Council should be proud of us and make sure everyone knows we are here.

"I know they have to fight the county council on things like signs, but that's exactly what they should be doing - fighting on our behalf."

Canterbury City Council's tourism development officer Jane Lovell said it was recognised that visitors stuck to the High Street and work was being done to encourage them to explore.

Schemes in the pipeline include a new shopping guide promoting the various quarters that will be available in all city centre shop; themed trails around the city to encourage people into new areas; and finding funding for new signs.