High Street traders have been dealt a blow in the run-up to Christmas as Whitstable’s main road will be closed for a day this week, for repair work delayed by eight months.

As shoppers open their wallets for a festive spending spree, the town's High Street will be shut at 9am on Wednesday.

Kent County Council engineers will spruce up the pedestiran crossing outside the Jobcentre and patch up potholes before reopening the road at 7am on Thursday.

Whitstable’s KCC representative Mike Harrison has paid for the maintenance using his Members Highway Fund - available to councillors to spend on local projects.

But he says he is “extremely cross” at the timing of the repairs which was first scheduled to take place in March.

Cllr Harrison said: “The work was postponed for poor weather and then there was the Oyster Festival and Harbour Day. They didn’t want it to interfere with summer trade.

“This was the earliest they can do it but I’m extremely cross the work is being carried out in the run-up to Christmas shopping.

“It is inconvenient but the crossing is in a poor state and potholes are opening up.

“I’ve been badgering them to get the crossing fixed ever since the kids have gone back to school.”

Town centre traders described the timing of the work as “questionable”.

Copperfields owner Kim Foster said: “We understand the work has to be done but I’m disappointed it has come at a crucial trading time for the town.

“Most people have only one or two paydays before Christmas and retailers have been busy building their Christmas sales.

“The timing is questionable and there was no liaison with traders, most of them have just seen a sign and asked what is going on.”

President of the Whitstable Chamber of Commerce Brian Hitcham says Mr Foster’s concerns have been raised by other traders.

He said: “I have had comments to me that it's not very clever.

“There is a general frustration the work is a time when people are coming into Whitstable.

“I can’t see any major sense of urgency to have this work done between January and March.”

Stagecoach say Triangle and school buses will be diverted with a shuttle service between the Long Reach and Priest and Sow corner via Cromwell Road.