MAJOR repairs are due to begin on a busy road which has been closed since the Looe landslip tragedy.

The road on St Martin's Hill, one of the main routes into the town, has been the subject of an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the landslip on March 22 which claimed the life of 68-year-old Susan Norman.

Councillor Armand Toms confirmed that the first phase of repairs on the road could begin soon and would be undertaken seven days a week.

Once this phase, which involves driving piles into rock to secure the road, is complete, one lane will be re-opened to traffic.

Work will then stop for the main tourism season. Nearby Sandplace Road will also remain open under the control of traffic lights.

In the autumn, work will resume on the St Martin's road to make it safe for both lanes to be open, hopefully by the end of the year.

This work will include the building of a retaining wall at the back of the former property Veronica, which was demolished after the fatal landslip.

Meanwhile, cllr Toms and cllr Edwina Hannaford have secured free parking for coaches at the Millpool car park throughout May in a further bid to get more people into the town.

Cllr Toms said: 'The free parking is a small gesture but it is another welcome boost for Looe to get more people visiting the local businesses. Coach operators have been informed and are delighted.'

After congestion problems on the narrow Barbican Hill – which has been causing controversy and calls for inconsiderate drivers to slow down and take more care – Cornwall Council has said it is willing to make it a one way flow while the town is experiencing its access difficulties caused by the closure of the St Martin's road.

The council is waiting to hear from cllrs Toms and Hannaford who have been asked to first liaise with the residents on the hill and the town council. A one way system could be in place next week.