TRADERS fear businesses will go bust because a seaside town centre revamp will cause massive disruption during peak summer months.

Some businesses say trade is already down by 50% on last year since workmen started redeveloping Helensburgh's town centre and West Bay Esplanade areas three weeks ago.

More than 100 have signed a petition against the timing of the improvement project described as "the noose around the neck of Helensburgh".

Argyll and Bute Council sanctioned the 18 months of works which began with the redevelopment of the sea front, predominantly in the bustling West Clyde Street, home to a host of shops, restaurants and pubs. A one-way system has been put in place and parking is restricted.

The scheme is intended to enhance and rejuvenate the historic town centre and redevelop the West Bay Esplanade to make the town a "better place in which to shop, gather and relax, and encourage people to use the many, independent and national businesses in the area".

The council says there will inevitably be some "short-term disruption" but that it was much-needed investment which will benefit everyone in the long term.

However, the traders' petition warned: "In the current economic climate we cannot afford to lose the extra business which tourism provides over the summer months – tourism which will be destroyed should this work go ahead.

"Should the businesses of Helensburgh be so adversely affected by such works, the future of Helensburgh as a whole will be affected."

Traders met with council executives to try to get the project postponed, but said they were unwilling to contemplate carrying out the work during the quiet winter months and would not consider reducing rates or making a nearby car park free to encourage people into the town.

Alan Vernon, manager at the Palace Fish Restaurant, feared businesses would go under because of the disruption over the key summer months.

He said: "Helensburgh is like a building site. They have a one-way system in, congesting the town. There's a lot of machinery and workmen. We had a week's notice of all this and there is quite a lot of disruption. We agree the town needs something but the timing is off.

"I have spoken to business owners on the front here and we met with the council, and we are all in the same boat in that we need the summer trade to survive the winter down here.

"We are afraid that we are not going to get much of a season with this work carrying on. I can see a lot of businesses going under."

Mr Vernon estimated since the work started three weeks ago his business is doing 50% less trade than the same time last year.

It is feared things will get even worse as the project moves on to extend pavements outside West Clyde Street, directly restricting access to shops.

Cara Nikolic, co-owner of the La Barca and Riverbank restaurants, said there was little attempt to provide adequate warning to businesses about the disruption.

She said: "Of course everyone is concerned about what it is going to do and the fact this is happening over the summer.

"We just couldn't understand why they are doing this in the summer.

"The reason the traders were so upset about it was because none of us had been properly notified about it.

"They can send us our rates bills, and refuse collection bills – they could very easily have sent us a letter some time ago explaining what was happening."

Mark Tyson, of the Royal Bar, added: "Nobody is coming into town. It's a major disruption and the whole front of the town is absolutely dead."

A council spokeswoman said: "We are committed to minimising disruption to local businesses and members of the public while the work is ongoing, although its nature means there will inevitably be a level of disruption.

"Our contractors are making considerable efforts to make sure this is kept to a minimum as much as possible. Work is being done in the summer because the location is exposed to both the elements and the sea and it is important to ensure that work is carried out to a high standard.

"Conducting this work in winter had the potential to adversely impact on delivery, quality and timescale on a significant scale.

"The enhanced public realm will have a positive impact on the profile of Helensburgh and the retail and leisure experience it can offer.

"We are currently talking with local retailers about how best to reinforce the message that Helensburgh is open for business as usual."