A PRESTON charity shop is being hit hard by traffic diversions as repairs to water mains are carried out on their doorstep, causing passing trade to drive on.

Since the United Utilities work started in Walker Street about two months ago St Catherine's Hospice furniture shop chiefs say business has slumped, with profits down by half.

The furniture store is one of St Catherine's prime charity shops, bringing in a lot of cash for the Lostock Lane hospice which relies heavily on donations and fund-raising to offer care for the terminally ill.

Shop manager John Cornall said the work has caused no end of disruption with both ends of the street being blocked off at times and no access to their car park.

Mr Cornall said: "People are driving by. It's the kind of place people come to fit out their house. We sell everything you could want for your home from three piece suites to fridge freezers.

"It's a nightmare trying to get here now and with nowhere to park people aren't bothering."

Now Maureen Nickson, trading company manager for St Cath's, is planning to claim compensation for the inconvenience and loss of trade.

She said: "I fully appreciate work needs to be done, but this is over a long period of time and they really should consider that our business is being affected.

"We rely on donations and the public dropping in. Our funds are being knocked."

The work, which began in February, is expected to last until May.

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "We would ask that people bear with us while we carry out the work. It's part of a large scheme to improve the drinking water in Preston.

"If the shop feels they are suffering financially they can write to us and we consider claims case by case."

A bridal fair will be held at the hospice in the garden room on Sunday from 12.30pm until 4pm. Bridal wear which will be available to buy or hire will be on display.