Traders are bracing themselves for ten weeks of roadworks that will mean the main route through East Looe town centre is closed to traffic during daytime working hours.

From Monday, Buller Street and Fore Street will be closed between the junctions of Middle Market Street and Station Road. The road closure is expected to be in place until March 31 and businesses are wary trade could be affected.

Owner of Cafe Fleur Christine Baines said: 'I think it will deter people coming down. It won't affect me as much as people further down but people won't realise where the roadworks start and won't bother to come down. There is no real good time to do it, but it has got to be done'

The closure is necessary so that resurfacing works can be carried out as well as a drainage renewal scheme.

Several businesses along Fore Street have suffered flooding in the past and it is hoped this work will prevent similar incidents in the future.

Indian Ezzy, who owns the Moonlight Restaurant, said: 'I don't think the works will affect me too much.

'Hopefully in the long-term it will be a benefit because we have suffered flooding in the past.'

Owners of Purely Cornish Andy Parritt and Ally Martin said: 'We would like to reassure people that Looe is open for business as usual.

'I don't think it will affect people other than those who park in the town because there is no reason for motorists to go down there.'

The road will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 8am to 6pm Monday through to Saturday, and will be re-opened at all times outside of these hours.

Although diversions have been put in place, some traders believe more could have been done to ease traffic congestion.

Owner of Saphira Jewellers Mr Jones said: 'It will cause chaos at Barbican Hill especially at school time. You think the Quay would be opened up, so people could get through. If the work has to be done, it has to be done.'

Area highway manager for Cornwall Council Rebecca Dickson said: 'Provision has been made for deliveries to both private homes and businesses and anyone wishing to use this service should use the contact telephone numbers which will be displayed on site.

'I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local Cornwall Council member, town council, business owners and residents in the area for their input into this scheme at the planning stage and look forward to the works being completed with the minimum possible disruption.'