The concerns have led to fresh calls for the redevelopment of the town centre, currently put on ice while the contract for the multi-million pound regeneration project is put out to tender.

Conservative party leader on Eastbourne Borough Council David Elkin said he had counted almost 100 empty shops one afternoon, including the landmark Co-Op in Terminus Road.

"Many residents would describe Terminus Road as the very heart of the town," said Cllr Elkin, "but if you then take a left or right turn from Terminus Road or Seaside Road or Seaside, you will find almost 100 shops empty. There are 18 empty shops in Terminus Road.

"Visitors to the town are already commenting on the sudden decline in small shops. While we all agree with and look forward to the long-awaited town centre redevelopment, it is imperative that the powers that be address this decline with utmost urgency."

Eastbourne and district Chamber of Commerce has also expressed concern at the closures. Ashley Pugh, one of the chamber's directors and managing director of W Bruford, said, "The Chamber has been concerned for some time about the closure of independent retailers in the secondary shopping areas and has urged the borough council to consider how solutions can be found to alleviate the problems.   

"It is the secondary shopping areas that provide the unique flavour to any town. With plans for the extension to the Arndale Centre hopefully coming back on track in the next few months, it becomes even more important to develop imaginative ways to encourage traders and shoppers to these areas."

Tony James, chairman of the Town Centre Management Initiative (TCMI), acknowledged that there were significant issues with vacant shop premises for some parts of the town centre, but also pointed out that there was some market movement and a proportion of the vacant premises in Terminus Road were already under offer subject to new leases being agreed.

He said that the TCMI strongly believes that a Business Improvement District, (BID) which could generate an annual income of around £290,000, is the solution to providing the sustainable funding required to deliver the projects that business identified as a priority through an initial consultation held in April 2007.

The response has enabled the TCMI to produce a business proposal and it is now asking businesses to take more of an active role in developing the proposed BID.

One of the priorities of the proposal is a marketing plan to encourage more people to come and shop in Eastbourne and to encourage local people to buy locally.

Other priorities are Christmas lights and more town centre events to attract shoppers, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.

BIDs now operate successfully in 42 town centres in England and Wales providing a variety of additional services and projects to promote and improve business opportunities.

The town centre redevelopment was an important part of the jigsaw in pulling additional footfall into the town centre and it is important the secondary areas provide the added value that encourages shoppers to stay longer and spend more.

To find out more about the proposed BID please contact Chris Richards, the town centre manager, on 01323 415224 or visit the website at www.evolveeastbourne.co.uk