Traders left in limbo because of the saga surrounding Wolverhampton’s Summer Row shopping dream today revealed profits had increased since the £300 million scheme was finally scrapped.

One business boss revealed takings were up 20 per cent, while a unit that has stood empty for years has now been filled by a painting and framing store. Traders in Worcester Street had previously claimed that business had dwindled because of uncertainty surrounding the shopping centre.

They claimed shoppers were not sure which stores in the area would be closed or when because of businesses being under compulsory purchase orders.

The project to build the 600,000 sq ft shopping centre, anchored by Debenhams and Marks & Spencer, lost £150m when a consortium of North Irish investors pulled out in 2008. Despite trying to find other backers for the project, it was finally scrapped in January this year.

But traders claim the end of the uncertainty has helped boost their business, with Charles Hughes, who has run Collectors Corner in Worcester Street since 1987, claiming his takings have increased by 20 per cent since January.

To read our stories in full, log in to the premium 24 website.