Town centre traders have slammed suggestions that their shops are not well used.

intu Watford has been criticised for claiming shops in The Broadway and Lower High Street are letting Watford down.

The shopping centre made the claim in an planning application they submitted, which seeks to improve the Queens Road underpass.

If approved by Watford Borough Council, new doors would be installed to the Queens road ground floor entrance areas to replace the existing mall doors, the existing new roller shutters to the intu Watford mall entrances on either side of Queens road would be replaced and there would be improved lighting and ceiling finishes.

Watford Observer:

The application follows a similar one in 2015, which was withdrawn after mass criticism to block a public highway.

READ MORE: 'We will be put out of business' - traders fear they will go bust if plans to block public highway go ahead

Stanley Leard-Freeman from Queen's Road Music Shop (below) said: "I accept the proposals amount to an improvement.

"However, I take issue with intu saying the shops are not well used, and Watford is not currently performing as well as it should be."

Watford Observer:

"Queens Road and High Street are busy thoroughfares and have an assortment of retail shops, businesses and residential premises that are part of the fabric of life in the town centre.

"My shop has been operating at the same address for 60 years and Simbles opposite are two fine examples of retail businesses that have sustained a vibrant community street."

Watford Borough Council is considering the application.

  • What do you think of the plans? Comment below or email charlotte.ikonen@newsquest.co.uk.