The St Albans Observer's Save Our Shops campaign has seen the paper backed to the hilt by the city's traders, residents and MP.

Since the campaign launch, more than half a dozen shops in the city centre have either closed or moved to another town.

With a video featuring prominently on its website, the Observer hopes to encourage readers to start shopping in the area again.

It says a large percentage of shoppers are now travelling elsewhere because of constant roadworks.

Editor Martin Buhagiar said: "Travelling through the city is a nightmare because of the ridiculous amount of work currently being carried out by the county council. But the traders are relying on our readers to battle on and shop there.

"We are getting so much feedback from our readers about our campaign. Some have been very forthright in telling us why they refuse to shop in St Albans, blaming everything from the parking to the facilities.

"Meanwhile the lucky traders are being hit by an increase in rent despite the fall in trade.

"We plan to collect all their thoughts and hand them over to the county and district councils before asking them: ‘What are you going to do about this?'"

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