Small businesses in Kendal have blamed alterations to the town's traffic system almost three years ago, persistent road works and rising costs for plummeting trade, which has spelt the death knell for some and reduced others to a struggle for survival.

Speaking to the Gazette, traders rounded on the 2002 alterations which saw traffic flow reversed in Lowther Street and directed away from Stricklandgate towards Blackhall Road as the major reasons behind a significant drop in the number of shoppers, which has impacted heavily on takings.

There are eight empty business premises in Kirkland and lower Highgate and three others closing in the Stricklandgate area of the town.

Linda Jowett who runs Highgate antiques shop Eurika with husband and county councillor Martyn said the couple are considering shutting up shop after seeing a dramatic fall in takings last year.

Mrs Jowett cited Booths move to Wainwright's Yard, the 2002 alterations and a national drop in antiques sales as the reasons behind their demise.

"I don't think Kendal is dying but there is a serious problem for smaller traders here and big retailers aren't doing much better," she said.

"The difference is that big traders have the capacity to stick it out while smaller traders don't."

Gillian Yates, of MY Lingerie, which has been based in Blackhall Yard for three years, said alterations to the traffic system had "murdered" Kendal.

The shop announced it was closing this week, citing rising overheads as another factor.

Neighbouring shop Country Legacy, which is up for let, blamed its demise on work to upgrade utility pipes in Stricklandgate.

"I don't think the small traders will survive," said owner Sandra Mercer.

Traders in Kirkland and lower Highgate revealed how they were becoming increasingly worried at the large number of empty shops in that area of the town.

Blaming the alterations and car parking restrictions for making the town "hostile" to traders, John Elleray, of Indigo Furnishings, said: "By the time people get as far as lower Highgate and Kirkland they see the empty shops and turnaround."

Mike Harrison, of Domestic Appliances, blamed the 2002 alterations for a 25 per cent reduction in trade over the past three years.

"We are just getting by if we were taking any less we would struggle," he said.

Ivan Trimingham, of the Union Jack caf, said very little traffic was entering the town through Kirkland because motorists were being put off by constant alterations and work.

And Peter Blaskett, who runs an art shop opposite Peppercorn Lane, said he hoped the trial pedestrianisation of Stricklandgate would bring more shoppers into the southern part of town.

The Gazette reported that, prior to the 2002 alterations, the South Lakes Federation of Small Businesses, backed by 105 town businesses, had warned that trade could be damaged.

But Cumbria County Council area engineer for South Lakeland, Nick Raymond, said there was no sign that shoppers were staying away, only spending less, and denied the claims.

"The aim of the alterations was to improve the economic viability and improve the town centre environment, so I'm disappointed that it has been cited as the reason," he said.

"I think you also have to take into account a national drop in trade, the elongated nature of the town's high street and the impact of out-of-town shopping centres."

Andrew Coomber, the new chairman of Kendal Retail Forum, said there had been a drop in the number of shoppers but that they were spending more.

"Kendal does have a better spend per shopper compared to other towns in Cumbria," he said.

He also said that efforts were afoot to boost the Kirkland area with environmental improvements planned by the forum and the Kirkland Partnership.

"Kirkland has a lot going for it it's a lovely part of the town and we will support it as much as possible.

"Unfortunately the forum can't influence where shops locate."