ROADWORKS planned for Portishead High Street have been split into two phases to minimise disruption for traders in the run-up to Christmas.

Retailers were bracing themselves for chaos and disruption as contractors prepare to begin the work on Monday. However, after pressure from both the town’s Chamber of Commerce and Portishead Town Council, the work will now take place in two stages, with a break between December 3 and January 10.

About �190,000 has been invested in the scheme, which includes repairs to the road surface, footpaths and drainage pipes. Changes will also be made to some of the zebra crossings and on-street parking.

Phase one of the works involves the area of High Street from the fork at Bristol Road to the mini-roundabout at Brampton Way.

The repairs will be carried out between October 25 and December 3 with closure of the road taking place between November 29 and December 3. Phase two, involving the remainder of High Street, will be carried out between January 10 and February 11, with the road closed for the duration of the works.