Complaints over Hull's City of Culture street works

The work is part of a £25m city centre scheme

Some traders in Hull have complained that work to renovate the city centre in time for the City of Culture event is affecting their businesses.

New paving and street furniture is being installed as part of a £25m scheme ahead of the year-long arts festival in 2017.

One cafe owner claimed the building work has had "a massive impact on his business".

Hull City Council said the work was to "create a thriving city centre".

Paul Hunt who owns Simples Café in Trinity Square said the work should "have been done in phases".

"Our takings have gone down from £250 a day we were taking, now we're lucky to make £50 to £60 a day," said Mr Hunt.

"We must have lost half the people we've built up just because of what's going on."

"This shouldn't have been done the way they've done it."

In a statement, the city council said it appreciated "the patience of everyone throughout this time".

The council added: "We are working hard to support businesses through these periods, with Hull BID and with dedicated Public Liaison Officers employed by Eurovia, acting as a point of contact for all retailers and businesses affected by the work.

"We are also installing additional signage in areas to signal that businesses are open as usual."