STEPS to create a festive atmosphere in Trowbridge have backfired according to a trader whose shop is hidden behind the town's Christmas tree.

Bastins managing direct- or Michael Hopkins has written to Trowbridge Town Council saying the tree is blocking the company's window display and making it difficult for customers.

He said: "While we can appreciate this festive time of year, the siting of the Christmas tree is extremely detrimental to Bastins, as it more or less totally obscures our shop frontage."

Mr Hopkins told councillors the Trowbridge shop's performance had dropped by an 'appalling' 90 per cent because of falling footfall and is not recovering.

Despite our best efforts, if we cannot be seen branch performance will continue to suffer during what is our most important trading period."

The town council development committee discussed the letter on Tuesday. Councillors said the tree had always been in that position.

Cllr Bob Brice said: "We haven't had complaints from other shops in similar places."

Councillors said they would write to Mr Hopkins noting his comments.