Drivers are being asked not to take a shortcut past a rural primary school when the B3253 is closed in Looe.

Although the advised diversion route will not include the road past Trenode Church of England Primary School, the headteacher is concerned about the children's safety if motorists do use it as a cut through.

'I am worried about higher amounts of traffic along here because people do use it as a cut through and when the road is closed people will use it more and although there is a 30mph speed limit some people won't adhere to it,' said headteacher Gerry Sweet.

'I am concerned especially at the end of the day when the children are leaving school.'

Cllr George Hocking said: 'I am concerned about extra traffic along this road because traffic from Trerulefoot will go through Hessenford and Widegates, but when it gets busy they will cut down through here.'

Area highway manager Rebecca Dickson explained why the road shouldn't be used as a cut through and why it can't be included in a proposed one way system during the works as suggested by some councillors: 'We can't have A and B road traffic going down unclassified or C roads, especially past a school.

'We will monitor everything closely when the diversion comes into place.'

An apology was made to the town and surrounding areas by the county head of highway after they were not consulted about plans to close the road for six weeks, from February 23.

In an email to cllr Armand Toms from Looe, Arthur Hooper, county head of highways, said: 'My apologies for any embarrassment caused. The situation at Looe was totally avoidable.

'I will be working with my staff to prevent a re-occurrence.' People expressed their anger at the lack of consultation at a public meeting and, following this, Mr Toms raised the issue with the highways department.

'This closure will effectively break Looe into two parts,' said Mr Toms.

Although signs are being produced to highlight diversions, motorists are being reminded that the A387 Sandplace road will not be closed, enabling them to travel to Plymouth and Liskeard via that route.

The B3253 is being closed so a retaining wall can be rebuilt and contractors will be working seven days a week. One lane will be opened as soon as strengthening work has been carried out.

Motorists will be able to drive up a one way system on Barbican Hill but are being asked to drive carefully because of parents walking children to school.

Calls have been made for Caradon District Council to consider offering free car parking in the Riverside car park, East Looe, during the works to encourage shoppers to the area.

It would also allow parents who drive their children to school from surrounding villages to park in the car park and walk their children safely up Shutta Hill.

Town councillor Edwina Hannaford is creating a leaflet with Rebecca Dickson to keep people in Looe and the surrounding areas up-to-date with what is happening and to highlight that Looe is open for business.

Information sheets are to be distributed by Mr Toms.

And Mrs Hannaford is encouraging people to sign up for the Caradon concessionary parking card at Looe Tourist Information Centre on Tuesday, February 17, and Saturday, February 21, between 11am and 2pm.

Vehicles will still be able to get to the Barclay House Hotel and other properties along the road by car from St Martins and by foot from Sandplace Road.