THE closure of a town centre sandwich shop has been blamed on the controversial Pedestrian Heart project in Darlington.

Coffee and sandwich bar O'Briens, in Prebend Row, has directly cited the £6.5m project as one of the reasons it has stopped trading.

A spokeswoman from the Irish-based firm, which has dozens of outlets across the country, told The Northern Echo that the premises on the corner of Tubwell Row had shut because of the impact of the town centre works.

She said: "So far as I am aware these premises have closed. The general trend of works did have a severe impact on the viability of the business."

The franchise was opened in November 2003 by local couple Charlie and Melanie Pitchford.

The shop closed on July 9 and a sign in the window said it would be closed until further notice.

Outside the front of the shop are railings cordoning off an area of the pedestrianisation works. Opposite, on High Row, is another area surrounded by large hoardings.

Robin Blair, a fresh produce trader in the indoor market, said he had not heard of any shops closing because of the work, but many business owners had complained about a loss of trade.

He said: "You cannot do all this work and not have a loss of trade. It is impossible for that not to happen. We hope the trade comes back but we don't know yet. No-one likes change. The sooner it is finished the better."

He also blamed some of the drop in trade on the effect the work is having bus routes.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: "Since last September 28, new businesses have opened in the town centre, showing the confidence companies have in Darlington.

"We are working to help traders with events, publicity and promotions aimed at bringing people into the town while the work is going on and we are confident that once the Pedestrian Heart is completed more people will come to Darlington, boosting trade.

"We are also working hard to minimise disruption and to complete the scheme as quickly as possible."