TRADERS, in what they claim is Durham's forgotten street, are calling for improved signs to point shoppers in their direction.

Businesses in Claypath recently formed an association to promote the street and draw up ideas to improve trade.

Despite being only a short distance from the Market Place, the development of the A690 through road in the Sixties signalled a decline in the street's fortunes.

But recent developments, including the Gala Theatre and Clayport Library at the lower end of the street, should have helped to put Claypath back on the map.

Claypath traders claim that still not enough visitors to the city are pointed in their direction.

Colin Wilkes, manager of the city's indoor market, who also runs The Food Shop in Claypath, said better signs would help to draw people to the street.

"It's amazing that you still hear of visitors in other parts of the city centre asking for directions to the Gala Theatre, not knowing the whereabouts of Claypath.

"Since the through road was put in there's been an almost psychological barrier separating Claypath from the rest of the city centre.

"Yet it's so close and something as simple as some new more visible signs would help to pinpoint the street.

"Even a sign pointing in our direction for people leaving the Prince Bishops Centre car park would be an improvement."

Mr Wilkes said the streetscape of Claypath had improved in recent years, but some visitors to the city remain unaware of its attractions.

He said: "Apart from the development of the Gala and Clayport there's been a lot of private landlord investment and the quality of shops has improved tremendously.

"It's no longer just a backwater. There are some very attractive premises."

Apart from the signs, the Claypath traders have made approaches for grant funding for Christmas decorations.

They are also putting together a leaflet to highlight the businesses on the street, and are seeking to close the lower end of the road to traffic to allow amusements to operate on the Sunday of Durham's Summer Festival weekend of July 4.