Motorists in Looe face heavy disruption as one of the main roads through the town is set to close for six weeks.
With fears parts of the town will be cut off from the rest of Looe when the B3253, along St Martins road, is closed on February 23 an emergency meeting was held on Wednesday evening.
More than 80 people attended the meeting, at Looe's Guildhall, to raise concerns about the plans, including a suggestion to allow motorists up and down Barbican Hill, which cllr Armand Toms said would 'cause chaos'.
Yesterday morning residents welcomed news that Cornwall County Council's highways department had decided to make Barbican Hill one way, going up the hill, during the works.
Businesses and residents were able to find out more about issues they may face as they questioned representatives of the highways team, who were present at the meeting.
The closure is to allow part of the road to be cut away to repair a retaining wall and is likely to have a massive impact on the town.
'There is a problem and it is better to fix it now than during the summer,' said cllr Toms.
'It is a nightmare but if it falls down we have a bigger problem, so if it has to be done it has to be done, but it needs to be done quickly.'
Manager of Barclay House, Graham Brooks, said: While we understand the need to carry out essential repairs and appreciate that these are taking place in a quiet time of year, we nevertheless urge the contractors to ensure access at all times to local residents and businesses.'
'We rely on deliveries around the clock in order to continue our business and indeed our hotel and cottages.'
Motorists heading towards Plymouth will have to drive miles out of their way, through West Looe, and travel via Dobwalls.
However, Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership is offering five return trips to Plymouth in a special deal.
'There have been concerns by everyone because lots of people use the school and the pre-school so people will have to make a detour and we need to manage it,' added cllr Toms, who is urging anyone with concerns about the road closure to contact him on 01503 264823.