Traders whose businesses were among the worst hit by last month's tornado are hoping customers will return after Ladypool Road reopened last night.
The busy arterial road through Birmingham's balti belt was opened to traffic for the first time since the 130mph twister hit the area on July 28.
About 40 restaurants are concentrated in Ladypool Road, Balsall Heath, Stoney Lane and Stratford Road - which were among the areas worst hit by the freak winds. Some businesses have already seen takings fall by up to 70 per cent as they battle to repair their storm-damaged premises.
Mohammed Yaqubali, who runs the Lahore Karahi on Ladypool Road, said traders had already had to lay off staff because of the lack of customers.
The popular balti restaurants employ about 500 people, but it is feared that unless the situation improves they could face more hardship.
Mr Yaqubali, who is also chairman of Ladypool Road Traders Association, said: "People find it difficult to get to my business because of the cordons, that is why we have lost so much trade.
"What happened last week was a great tragedy but we should see this as an opportunity to regenerate this area."
