A NATIONAL cycle in Colchester had a detrimental effect on businesses, it has been claimed.

Thousands of spectators visited the town to watch some of the kings of the cycling world take part in the penultimate leg of the Tour of Britain on September 17.

But businesses reported a severe drop in trade as roads were closed off to make way for the riders.

Sue Lissimore, shadow portfolio holder for economy and tourism at Colchester Council, carried out a survey of 150 businesses in the town centre.

A total of 68 per cent of businesses said trade had been affected.

Sixteen per cent of traders said business was the same and four per cent, all food outlets, reported an increase.