People are being urged to keep visiting a Norwich complex, despite renovation work, in a mass leaflet drop promoting the area.

Traders have reported a decline in business in recent weeks since building work to repair flats started at Earlham House, in Earlham Road.

Builders have been on site after Bellgold Properties, which owns the freehold of the site, appointed Hackwood Homes Limited to refurbish 60 flats it purchased last year.

The renovations are needed to ensure the flats comply with Norwich City Council improvement notices to bring them up to a better standard.

Talks have previously taken place to reduce the impact on businesses due to the construction work.

But now 5,000 leaflets have been printed by the Earlham House Residents' and Community Association, and sponsored by estate agent Haart, in an attempt to boost awareness about what the site offers.

Jon Jones, chairman of the association, said the directory was a reminder about the 'excellent quality shopping' available at the site.

He said: 'I'm really hoping it will drive up sales. I don't want to lose them and there are some good people there and it's good for Norwich to see what a community can achieve when we come together.'

Organisations promoted in the directory include: artshoproject, an art gallery and shop that gives local artists a chance to exhibit and sell their work, while also providing work training places to young adults with disabilities and volunteering opportunities; Rice and Spice, an Indian and Bangladeshi takeaway owned by Iftekhar Alam, who initially received phone calls asking if he was still open when building work began; and charity shops Scope and Sue Ryder.

Claire Stephenson, Green Party Nelson ward city councillor, backed the directory idea.

She said: 'They are really good leaflets and apolitical, which is nice. Hopefully they will make a difference. I think the shops are doing OK. People need to support them and carry on using them. I think lots of people are using them, which is really good.'

Have you got a business story? Contact business editor Shaun Lowthorpe on 01603 772471 or email shaun.lowthorpe@archant.co.uk