Businesses in Oban town centre have expressed anger over disruption caused by work on the new public area for Stafford Street.
They say their takings are down and the work, for Argyll and Bute Council, should never have been scheduled for this busy time of year.
The street is being pedestrianised with a new granite terraced seating area being built in front of the shops and cafes.
The £600,000 job, which will also see public wi-fi and special lighting installed, is part of the council’s Chord (Campbeltown Helensburgh Oban Rothesday and Dunoon) waterfronts project.
Alex MacKenzie, owner of the Pokey Hat ice cream shop on Stafford Street, said: “I’m not against the project at all. I will be delighted once it is finished. What I am angry about is that fact that they should never be still here at this time of year.
“This is the worst start of season we have had in seven years here by a very long way.
“We were told it would be finished in May, then we were told June 8.
“I don’t blame the contractors, the council should never have instigated the work at that time of year.
“People don’t know we are open. The other day there was a saw going all day, you couldn’t hear the customers speak. It is like trying to run a business in the middle of a building site.”
Euan Finlayson of Oban Whisky and Fine Wines Shop, said: “People are really frustrated with the time it is taking. We were told it would be finished in May. The season is going to be almost over by the time it’s done. Obviously it is going to have an impact on the businesses, the fences make Stafford Street look like a bit of a no-go zone.”
At yesterday’s area committee meeting for Oban, Lorn and the Isles, Councillor Iain MacLean said: “Stafford Street has fallen behind schedule.
“I have spoken to each trader on Stafford Street. Quite a number of them are having their takings drop quite seriously.
“We need to talk directly to traders, look at what happened and consider if there has to be compensation.”
Fergus Murray, head of economic development, said: “We are in regular dialogue with the businesses. Public realm works are disruptive in nature. But it is a major investment in an area that hasn’t seen major investment for many years.”
Mr Murray said he was meeting with contractors and hoped to have an updated completion date for traders by the end of the week.
Councillor Roddy McCuish said: “I fully understand the frustrations of the traders in Stafford Street. I am confident that these improvements will benefit them greatly when the project is finished.”