INDEPENDENT traders are calling on the council for help in the face of mounting competition from chain stores.

In three weeks, the much-anticipated £150 million Bond Street development - with John Lewis at its helm – will open.

Tensions are high among smaller, family-run outlets, whose proprietors, fearful trade will dry up, have called on Chelmsford City Council for help. 

But a spokesman for John Lewis moved to allay concerns, saying the £18 million store will increase footfall in the city, with punters spending money elsewhere.

Miriam Sarica, who set up the Little Café in Moulsham Street three years ago, explained she is currently “keeping her head above water”.

She expressed deep concern over the Bond Street development. 

She said: “When it opens up, I suspect it will be bad for us on this side of the river - we’ll have to wait and see what happens.

“This is my main source of income and at the moment we are keeping our heads above water.

“We could really do with some help from the council to attract more people to this side of town. We used to have the banks here, but since they’ve moved to the city centre hardly anyone comes here.

“Also, the pavements are smashed up – it just gets ignored.”

Mrs Sarica added more signage towards Moulsham Street would help – as would the council spending money to advertise the area.

A coffee shop owner who has been trading near Moulsham Street for seven years claimed retailers’ calls for council help have fallen on deaf ears.

She added: “The council has spent so much money on Bond Street – why can’t they spend some money down here? 

“This is our livelihoods and we feel forgotten.”

A spokesman for John Lewis said the company is committed to attracting shoppers from further afield, and so it will help local businesses thrive. 

He said: “John Lewis is committed to enhancing the retail choice in Chelmsford and attracting shoppers from further afield. 

“This increased footfall will provide more customers for other retailers, help the local business community thrive and bring significant economic benefits to Chelmsford’s economy.”

Council leader Roy Whitehead said extra signage was an option, but added traders might have to “up their game” to compete with the new development. 

He said: “It probably does need a bit more signage to attract people to that area of the town, in fairness. I will speak to the right people about it and see what can be done.

“With big businesses moving into city centres, that’s a sign of the times, unfortunately. 

“And the reality is that some of those traders might have to up their game.”

City Centre Manager Michael Wray added: “Chelmsford City Council is aware that the new Bond Street and other city centre developments will drive additional footfall into the city centre, which all retail areas will benefit from. 

“The council has been trying to re-engage the Moulsham Street Traders Association for a couple of years, following some MTA committee issues.”