Local businesses are asking the public not to forget them after redevelopment works in the shopping centre have caused a slump in footfall.

In January this year, the redevelopment of Queensmere Shopping Centre began, with a section in the west of the shopping centre closing to the public.

It meant stores within the western quarter were forced to either close or relocate, with Sports Direct, YES Slough, and Divine Rescue doing the latter.

However, since the development, shops in the Queensmere Observatory feel forgotten about and want to remind the public that they are still there.

Tameena Zaman, assistant manager at Shoe City said: "A lot of people have thought the whole shopping centre has closed down even though they have made announcements that it is a part closure.

"A lot of customers come in and say they thought we were closed and ask when we are closing.

"Everyone needs to know the Observatory Queensmere is still open."

Since the announcement of the redevelopment was made, Tameena has seen a decrease in footfall into her store.

"There needs to be more awareness that the shopping centre is still open," she added.

Divine Rescue is another store which feels forgotten about since the redevelopment, with fewer donations being handed in.

They feel like people only access the Observatory section of the shopping complex for Primark and would worry if it closed.

The shopping centre is still home to TKMaxx, Primark, JD Sport, Footlocker and a host of private businesses including party shops, clothing shops, entertainment stores and jewellers.