Shoppers have not returned to Heckmondwike after months of roadworks hit town centre businesses, say worried traders.

And Heckmondwike shop owners are still awaiting compensation payouts almost two months after the roadworks ended.

Trade in the town slumped dramatically during the four months Transco carried out a £172,000 scheme to replace 400 metres of gas main with modern, plastic pipes. The work was only supposed to take ten weeks from July 8 but finished at the end of October.

Abbass Koolaji, of the Kool clothes shop in Westgate, said he had lost at least £8,000 in takings to date. He has submitted his claim along with at least three other businesses, and is waiting to hear the outcome.

"Heckmondwike is still nowhere near as busy as it was last year," said Mr Koolaji, vice-president of the town's Chamber of Trade. "Lots of customers went elsewhere during the roadworks and have not come back.

"It was the worst summer season I have ever had and we didn't even get a letter of apology from Transco because of the disruption. They promised to give us money - up to £2,500 - for regeneration of the town but we haven't seen that yet.

"A few traders are trying for compensation but the process is too slow. I haven't had any payment yet." A Transco spokesman said the company had no plans to pay towards regenerating or promoting the town.

"We are not giving the town any money - that's not our business," he said. "We have done essential gas mains replacement work and are operating a compensation procedure.

"I cannot comment on individual cases because each is dealt with on its own merits. We follow legislation that the Government sets out to compensate small businesses as a result of disruption caused by our gas works."

Mr Koolaji said: "Transco should have a dedicated officer who goes round and helps people who have lost money."