Traders have blamed the collapse of a wall of an Ilkley bank for denting their takings.

Tons of masonry and Yorkshire stone crashed through outbuildings at Lloyds Bank last week.

Emergency crews launched an immediate operation while shocked bystanders spoke of their relief that the incident - which happened at night- had not caused any injuries.

Chunks of masonry destroyed Lloyds' staff toilets, a cloakroom and computer unit - and experts took several days to get the computers back on line.

But some Ilkley traders fear the incident may have also led to a drop in their takings because a vital town centre route was sealed off as safety experts and engineers worked to make the area safe.

They say visitors were left in the dark about how to get into the town centre car park because of the closure of West Street. And they are angry that business took a dive on what should have been peak days.

Kevin O'Malley, manager and owner of Fifth Avenue Clothes Shop, claims his takings plunged 50 per cent the following day, despite glorious weather which could have pulled in visitors.

He said: "It's affecting every business - half of the car park is empty. The crux of it is that if they are going to close the road for two days, there should be a diversion.''

Diane Czajkowski, manager of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, said: "It has affected our trade. It is such a hassle to go up Brook Street and along The Grove. But Ilkley does not stop at the Grove and Brook Street."

She called for diversion signs to be put up to keep trade in Ilkley if a vital route ever closes again.

At Lloyds Bank, assistant manager Wendy Binns, said service was back to normal on Tuesday morning. A spokesman for Lloyds added: "Repairs will take a couple of months. It is too early in the process to say how much they will cost, but it will be substantial."

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