Fears four-week closure of city route will harm nearby businesses.

Motorists are facing heavy congestion when a major rat-run through Lincoln is shut for four weeks.

Rookery Lane in Lincoln will be closed from today Wednesday 6 January, preventing access by motorised transport.

Staff at businesses in the area say they were only made aware of the plans two days agoMonday 4 January and were left fearing the potentially negative effects the closure could have on trade.

Paula Taylor, owner of Hair By Edwin in Rookery Lane, a salon which first opened its doors in Rookery Lane in 1963, said: “If people think there’s going to be a problem for parking or access, then they’re going to avoid Rookery Lane altogether.

“We only received the letter on Monday, so we haven’t had any time to prepare at all.

“The council could have given us a bit more notice and information – the letter we received says nothing about any potential diversion route.

“Most of our clients are based in North Hykeham, meaning they’ll be coming from the end that’s going to be shut off.

“A lot of people are going to be forced to cancel or reschedule any appointments they may have, because there hasn’t been any sooner notification. No one has known what’s happening.”

Rayner Opticians, also based in Rookery Lane, said the letter it had received about the closure was too vague, and had led to much confusion about the plans for the road.

Employee Kelly Curtis explained: “It doesn’t state whether or not they’re going to allow any access into the shopping precinct.

“If they’re going to refuse access, then it will cause major problems.

“Potentially, there’s going to be four weeks of re-arranged and cancelled appointments. People won’t be able to come in for their bookings, especially if they’re from the other side of town.

“It could have a massively negative knock-on effect on our business, but we just don’t know yet. The letter was very vague and we only received it a couple of days ago.

“We’re especially concerned for any elderly patients, who may need dropping off right at the front door.”

Lincolnshire County Council senior highways officer Dave Underwood said: “The improvement works o the Rookery Lane/Newark Road signalised junction due to start on Wednesday, January 6, are part of ongoing Community Travel Zone improvements across the city following consultations with local residents.

“The works are to improve the pedestrian crossing facilities on Newark Road and include a new pedestrian crossing facility on Rookery Lane which emerged as a high priority to residents.

“Local diversions will be put in place and lane closures will be required on Newark Road, however, these will be kept to a minimum.

“The local diversion for Rookery Lane will be via Moorland Avenue, Tritton Road and Newark Road. Access to the shopping area on the junction will be available throughout the works.”