Federal Infrastructure and Local Government Minister Anthony Albanese announced in April last year it would give $4.8 million to the council to accelerate upgrades at Brighton-Le-Sands and Bexley North town centres.

The works were to include widening of footpaths, better lighting, and street furniture.

While revamps at Banksia, Bexley North and King Street, Rockdale have gone ahead in the past year, shop owners say that Brighton-Le-Sands is being neglected.

They are keen to avoid discussion of bikie gang violence involving resident Commencheros, a brawl on Bay Street last month, the series of shootings and shop bombings in the past two years, and the increasing drug trade which has been noticed in the area.

To them, Brighton-Le-Sands is still the "most beautiful suburb in St George'' and they want the council to match their commitment and investment.

More than 10 shops have closed in the past year including a real estate business, cafe, chicken shop and a men's store.

"We don't want more highfalutin plans of marinas, or 10-year visions which never happen; we just want what was promised,'' said the owner of De Bleu Boutique, Debbie Edwards.

"Our livelihoods are at stake, we haven't seen upgrades in more than 10 years.

Zande Brasserie owner Therese Gousetis said the council had not provided any statement of works or a timeline.

"I've seen pictures 100 years ago which looked better,'' Ms Gousetis said. "All it needs is beautification with minimum investment.''

New co-owner of Elements of Beauty, Christine Hardman, said that shop owners were networking to draw in clientele, but their innovation was not being matched by government.

"We can't even update the community notice board,'' Ms Hardman said.

"What's the point of having notices for businesses that don't even exist anymore.''

Rockdale Chamber of Commerce president Patrick Medway said he understood why business people were disappointed by the lack of action by the council.