Shopkeepers in Filwood Broadway, in south Bristol, are hoping a proposed regeneration of the area will boost their flagging trade.

Once a thriving shopping area for Knowle, the 1950s commercial estate has deteriorated over the years and local people say it is now a prime spot for groups of drinkers to hang out when the sun is shining.

Broadway Cinema, which later became a bingo hall, has stood derelict for years, and the area around it is struggling to survive.

It has recently lost its swimming pool and a garage, and the precinct is full of empty shop units, and also blighted by graffiti.

From June 15 to 18, consultants will be based in Filwood Broadway, putting together a scheme based on information and requests from the local community, and a display of plans will be open to the public on June 20 in the community centre. It is believed that work will start in 2010.

Mike Smith owns three shops in the precinct, including a florist, an off-licence and general store.

His son Michael John, 23, who works for him, said: "We get more passing trade than anything. It used to be a thriving area, but we are struggling to keep our head above water."

Inside the off-licence, a plastic wall has been installed that separates the customer from the goods and staff.

"We get lots of drunks in here, so the barrier is for our own safety," said Micheal. "We used to have just a hatch to serve people through but people found that unwelcoming.

"When it's sunny, groups of five to 30 people sit outside the shops on the grass. They sometimes sit on the bin outside the shop so we have to tell them to move on."

Robert Davis, the owner of Robert Davis Pharmacy, is sceptical that a regeneration, which is believed will begin next year, will go ahead.

He told the Post: "Seeing is believing. There was talk of a regeneration 20 years ago. What regeneration?"

Dean Denning, 20, the owner of Broadway Butchers, said business is steady, but they can't compete with big supermarkets. He said: "We can pay the bills and have a little bit on top of that, but that's it.

"Having the drunks hanging around outside is not helpful, and scares the older people."

The Residents Planning Group said a consultation process will start over the next few weeks. Plans are still vague, but they could include more homes and shops.

Deborah Oughton, of the Salvation Army charity shop, is pleased that regeneration is on the cards.

She said: "Youths seem to have nothing to do. We put the shutters down at night, and there's lots of graffiti on shutters and around the area."