David Woodward, 50, runs a virtualreality gaming store in the city's St John's Retail Centre, where customers have noticed a high post-lockdown turnover of businesses and vacant market stalls.

       He said government grants were a big help, but added: "We pay ￡30,000 for business rates, ￡38,000 rent - so ￡68,000 just to survive as a shop here.

       "A lot of shops, once the rates go back up, will close down because lots opened up during rate discounts. Once it goes back up, no one will be able to pay it, never mind wages." Jean Kennedy, 58, who co-owns a babywear shop, said: "The Government funding barely scraped the barrel. You've still got your household bills, mortgage, electric and gas, alongside electric and water to pay at the business.

       "Yet we're blessed to still be open as some places aren't."

       Phone shop boss Yasser Majid, 36, said sales were down about 40 per cent from two years ago. He said the Government should continue the furlough scheme and grants because business is still quiet.

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       Shopper Kerrie Finnegan, 31, said: "The marketplace has really suffered. Independent traders need more funding."