HANDBRIDGE shops are losing up to 50% of walk-in trade because of road works on Overleigh Bridge.
And some stores are feeling extra strain through increased rent from Chester City Council.
One store, Pescador Seafoods, has decided to close at the end of the month and the owner of the post office branch is also considering it.
Shops such as the Secret Garden Florists and E W Edge Butchers in Handbridge have seen a drop in trade since the road works started four weeks ago.
Judith Crilly, owner of Secret Garden said: 'Our walk in trade is down by 50%.
'Luckily we have get a lot of phone orders and that is keeping us going but others are not so lucky.
'Now one shop is closing who knows what the future is.'
Bruce Edge, owner of E W Edge Butchers said: 'Our trade is down 15%, during the first week of works it was 20%.
'Our customers are very loyal but there is still a worry the impact will be lasting.'
Many other businesses in the area, including Vogue Salon, Handbridge Services, Doorsteps sandwich shop and CT Contemporary Jewellery and Gifts are also finding it difficult.
Sub-postmaster Ian Jones is concerned about rent rises.
He said: 'My lease was up last March and the new rent is being negotiated but the figures I am seeing mean my wife and I will learn less than the minimum wage.
'The original offer was a 77% increase but even a new offer of 46% is still enough to make me seriously consider closing.'
A Chester City Council spokesman said: 'Rents are set by reference to comparable properties and as the market value stands.
'Rents are open to negotiation, it is not something that is fixed.'
A spokesman for National Grid said: 'We will do our best to get the work done as quickly as we can, we are slightly ahead of schedule at the moment.'
