A CUT in business rates is at the top of the agenda for traders in Wimborne struggling to cope with a loss of trade from the closure of Canford Bridge.

Shopkeepers in the town have received a newsletter from East Dorset District Council advising them to contact the government's Valuation Office Agency.

The quango is responsible for setting non-domestic rates.

The leaflet from the council tells Wimborne's traders that the agency will consider a reduction in business rates if they can prove a "material change" in their area.

The closure of the bridge for repairs falls into that category.

Malcolm Angel, the chairman of Wimborne Minster and District Chamber of Trade, told the Daily Echo he applauded EDDC's initiative.

He said:"I'm hoping that traders in Wimborne submit a deluge of information.

"If all the traders in Wimborne are below the national average of takings because of the bridge, then somebody will sit up and take notice."

Carol Clark, who owns C&A discount store on Mill Lane, said: "Our trade has dropped by 23 per cent since April. We will certainly be applying for a cut."

A spokesman for the Valuation Agency said 10 requests had been made so far.

For more information, call 01202 702000 of visit voa.gov.uk or businesslink.co.uk.