A road closure has been labelled an 'absolute disgrace' by Congleton businesses.

Park Lane will be shut to motorists and pedestrians for the next seven weeks, between Hightown and The Parklands.

Businesses have raised concerns about the impact this could have, especially as they were not given any notice of the closure by Cheshire East Council.

A staff member at the Railway Inn said: "It will have a significant impact on the business. If the road is closed how are people to get to us?

"We have a refit planned later this year and had we been made aware we could have tried to schedule it for the same time.

"In a very uncertain time for hospitality, having notice of things like this is extremely important.

"Cheshire East have clearly not thought about the impact on business in Hightown.

"All this from a council that want to raise council tax by 10 per cent.

"It's an absolute disgrace."

The Railway Inn is one of several businesses to raise concerns (Credit: Google Maps)

The road closure comes into effect today, February 3.

Cheshire East Council will be installing a new pedestrian crossing and carrying out additional works, including improvements to the existing bus layby opposite the station.

There will also resurfacing works, footway widening, street lighting improvements and new road markings and traffic signals installed.

Work is expected to be complete by March 21.

The council website states: "Under current Health and Safety legislation, a road and footway closure will be necessary at all times during these works for the safety of our workforce and members of the public.

"We understand there is no right time to undertake this work. However, the scheme has been carefully planned to minimise any inconvenience to you and other road users."

Another Hightown business to raise concerns about the closure is Bond's Bakery.

A spokesperson said: "We've been here in Congleton for 50-plus years and the businesses at Hightown have been overlooked more times than I can remember when it comes to being informed about road works or closures.

"It has a big impact on us all."

A tongue in cheek Facebook post from the Wonky Pear pub read: "As one of the businesses in Hightown that will be affected by the closure of Park Lane for six weeks, we would like to send our heartfelt thanks to Highways/Cheshire East Council for not giving us any forewarning and allowing us time to make some sort of provision.

"After all it is well known that small local businesses are thriving and don't need any help!"