DUDLEY Town Centre bosses have issued a rallying cry urging residents to support Dudley traders as they continue to count the cost of the English Defence League protest.

Traders are hoping a busy summer of shopping is ahead as they get back on track following the July 17 demonstration, which forced the market and many businesses to shut up shop for the day.

The lost day of trade was the second for the town, which was also forced to close during the EDL's previous visit in April.

Shopkeepers have reported continued slow trade following the first protest four months ago and are hoping the latest disruption won't be the final nail in their coffins.

The disruption from the two protests collectively cost the traders, many of which are small independent businesses, thousands of pounds in lost trade - and as they continue to ride the waves of the difficult economic climate, council regeneration bosses are issuing a battle cry for shoppers to shop in the town.

Councillor Les Jones, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Many businesses have gone through tough times during the recession but shopkeepers and traders in the town have been put through additional pain by missing out on full days’ trade due to unnecessary protests.

“These local businesses really can’t afford for continued slow trade and we would urge local people to get down to Dudley and support the shops and market in their town.”

Dudley market is open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am until 4.30pm, while some stores in the town are also open on Sundays.