Edinburgh tram works have caused some businesses' takings to drop by up to 50% in a month.

Shop owners in Shandwick place, a busy throughfare in the west side of the city, believe customers are not aware that they are open for business. Many have been forced to hold sales in an attempt to attract custom.

The road has been closed since the March 1 for the removal of pipe works and won't reopen until August, however it will only be open for a month before track work begins on the route linking Newhaven with Edinburgh Airport.

Tony Pia, who has owned La Piazza in Shandwick Place for 11 years, said: "The council needs to advertise that all the businesses are still open for business and find a place where customers can park so they can come here."

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Most of the shops are not eligible for the compensation he was refusing to pay rates until Edinburgh City Council started helping the businesses in the area.

Mr Pia told the BBC Scotland news website: "I have cancelled my direct debits to the council as it is the only thing which is going to get their attention.

"In the first few weeks of the road being closed I am down 40% in takings, which is extremely upsetting when there is no back-up from the council.

"I bumped into one of my customers who said they were going to come for a meal until they saw road signs saying Shandwick place was closed"

Gordon Sutherland, who has owned Fast Frame in Shandwick Place for 12 years, said his business was down 50% and that he is holding a tram sale in his shop in a bid to attract customers.

David Liddle, manager of Baguette Express, said his takings were down 25%. He said they are going to have to work extra hard during the Edinburgh Festival.

(GK/JM)