Engineers have begun work on the second phase of a project to improve the centre of the village.

The junction of London Road and Church Street will be improved, pavements widened and new street lights, bins and signs installed as part of a project costing around £200,000.

Worried traders are looking forward to the work being completed - but are expecting to lose business in the meantime.

"Things aren't too bad for us at the moment," said Neil Robinson who runs Restaurant 913 on Church Street.

"I think the Bull's Head and the garage have both been quieter, but as far as we're concerned, next week will be the important week when they're due to close the top of Church Street."

When that happens, the restaurant's customers will either have to park in the centre of the village - or take a five mile diversion via Whatcroft.

"We are giving customers instructions as to the best way here when they book," added Mr Robinson.

"It's when people aren't phoning to book that we might lose customers.

"The county council has a done a lot better with signs than North West Water did earlier in the year but there are still some people who don't know the road is going to be closed."

The majority of the work is expected to be completed by the end of October.

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