The behind-schedule work on the revamp of a street in Oban town centre is nearing completion.
Stafford Street is getting a £600,000 new look after being pedestrianised, with a granite terraced seating area being built in front of the shops and cafes.
It is also to have free public wifi installed.
But business owners have expressed frustration at the time being taken to complete the work, after claiming they were originally told it would be finished in May.
Argyll and Bute Council, which is having the work done as part of its £30million Chord (Campbeltown Helensburgh Oban Rothesay and Dunoon) waterfronts project, has now said it will be completed “in early July”.
A spokesman for the local authority could not be more specific yesterday.
Work underway this week includes the top soiling of planted areas and replanting, the final connection and testing of the new lighting system, the installation of granite bollards and hardwood bench seating, and completion of the pink granite paving and kerbing on the Esplanade footway north of Bar Rio.
Last week a panel of glass artwork was installed and the granite block work completed.
Chairman of the Oban Lorn and the Isles area committee, Councillor Roddy McCuish, said: “We are happy to see that work has progressed over the past week and are eager to see the project completed.
“We appreciate people’s patience during the construction work. Public realm work is, by its very nature, disruptive but we are approaching the finish line with this project now and we have already had hugely positive feedback from the majority of traders and residents on how good the new Stafford Street looks.
“This fabulous new public space will bring real economic benefits to the town, making it even more attractive for both residents and visitors.”