THREE business premises in Sidbury could soon be empty - a situation a city councillor fears is a “worrying sign” for the city’s economy.

Primo and Deli Corporation are both due to close, while the space previously housing Games Workshop has been vacant for over two months.

Cathedral ward councillor Lynn Denham said at least part of the blame for businesses closing has to go to the “low wage economy” and lack of decent public transport.

She also felt the ongoing road works on the A44 Sidbury to install new traffic lights – which began in June and are due to finish this month – could have “pushed any businesses over the edge.”

READ MORE: Highways cabinet member defends large number of workers hired for Sidbury works

Lettings agents Johnson Fellows said the former Games Workshop space has been on the market since October last year.

A spokesman said: “We have got a bit of interest, but no-one’s put an offer forward that’s been accepted.”

They did not wish to comment when asked if Sidbury’s business rates or if the area itself is becoming unattractive to any potential interested parties.

The games shop, which sold Warhammer figurines and other related products, moved to a new premises in Chapel Walk in June.

READ MORE: Primo's future in doubt after owners put leasehold up for sale

Louise Fenton, who co-owns Primo Bar & Dining with her husband Nick, previously said the decision to put the leasehold on the market is down to “significant expansion” of their other businesses.

They took over the venue from Ali and Yanni Cokaj at the end of last year, who opened it in 2016. That space has also been home to Bindles Bar & Brasserie and before that The Glasshouse, and was once an antique dealers.

A spokesman for GJS Dillon, which is advertising the Deli Corporation at £1,150 per calendar month, said the eatery’s owners are retiring after running it for 15 years when the lease expires next month. Companies House lists Ali Reza Mossadeghi as director of Deli Corporation Ltd.

Councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member with responsibility for Highways, said: “Earlier this summer we embarked on the intense and focused programme of works to complete the essential signal and pavement upgrade works at Sidbury during the school holidays.

"This was to minimise the effect of those using the area during a time where traffic is reduced. The intensive work is now complete with some elements of resurfacing, kerbing and calibration of signals to be completed.

"The new signals are now in use and the temporary traffic lights removed.”

The three business owners were unavailable to comment.