THE final phase of work to stabilise St Martin's Road in Looe is set to begin on Monday – with a road closure in effect for the duration of the works, which are due to be completed by July.

The road has been either closed or partially closed with traffic light control for much of the past year, since the landslide which claimed the life of pensioner Susan Norman in March 2013.

Anger about the latest work has spilled over from local business people and residents, who say that the scheme should not need to take 18 weeks – and that they were only given six days' notice of the works and upcoming road closure.

This final phase of engineering works includes installation of raised kerbs along the edge of the road, and installation of additional drainage at the top of the road, a scheme which is currently being discussed with landowners, said Cornwall Council.

The work will be carried out by Cormac and specialist sub-contractors.

Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Transport Bert Biscoe said that the council would do 'everything it could' to minimise the inevitable disruption to residents and businesses.

'Cornwall Council and its contractor and partners will try their best to complete the works ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, we will put a package of supporting measures in place during the closure of St Martin's Road. These have been agreed with Armand Toms, Edwina Hannaford and Looe Town Council,' said cllr Biscoe.

Cllr Toms, who represents Looe East and St Martin's, said: 'The short notice of this closure will impact on residents and businesses who will have had little time to plan for alternatives in their routine.

'I don't believe there would ever be a right time for these works that would cater for everyone. I will, of course, work with the town council and Cllr Hannaford to make sure that the message that Looe is open for business is at the forefront of all messages put out.'

A drop-in session for businesses and residents will take place today at the Millpool Centre in Looe. The event from 2pm to 7pm will be attended by representatives of Cornwall and Looe Town Councils.