TRADERS fear an 8ft hoarding around Abingdon’s County Hall Museum while it is refurbished will hit custom, even though contractors Leadbitter have offered advertising space on the boards.

Throwing Buns cafe co-owner Phil May said: “Whatever advertising we have we will still be completely obscured from all the events and all the foot traffic in the Market Place.”

Mike Burton, of Leadbitter, said the hoarding was essential for safety. He added: “I believe Abingdon Town Council together with Leadbitter have done their very best to accommodate some of the wishes of the traders.”