BUSINESSES in Stourport town centre are applying for rate reductions after slamming the state of the area.

About 20 traders are appealing for business rate reductions from the Valuation Office - the body that sets the level of the tax - citing a range of concerns including scruffy pavements and roadway and a continuing lack of public toilets.

David Taylor, who owns the Open Kitchen cafe compared Bridge Street to Soweto and highlighted what he claimed were "Albanian-style" pavements.

He blamed the "high rates being charged" for what he claimed were a quick turnover of businesses and a high level of empty premises.

Pete Roberts, the chairman of Bridge Street Traders' Association, said a continuing lack of public conveniences following the demo- lition of the Bridge Street toilets and last year's move of the main Post Office to Lombard Street had hit trade and spurred the appeal.

"Everybody is in agreement that something has got to be done."

A petition with almost 1,000 signatures from customers has been collected calling for a sub-post office to be opened to serve that part of town.

High Street shop owner Brian Glass, who is also portfolio holder for community health and safety at Wyre Forest District Council, handed the petition to the council.

He said: "I am almost certain we will get support from the executive to see if we can do anything about this."

He added: "The toilet situation is being resolved and the state of the highways is down to the county council but money is in short supply from the government."