WORK to revamp a shopping area in Hamble has begun.

As previously reported, Coronation Parade is to undergo a £150,000 refit.

The plans include resurfacing the area in front of the steps, redesigning the steps to include tree planting and improving paving.

Now Eastleigh Borough Council has confirmed that the work will last for two to three months.

But one business owner said it's having an adverse affect on trade. Owner of Royal Bengal Restaurant Azim Chowdhury said customers are complaining because of the impact on delivery times.

He said: "It's nice for everyone to have the works but the problem is it's affecting the business. It's not ideal for us. It's not the same as it used to be. We are getting complaints from customers and they are complaining to Trip Advisor. Some of it started a couple of months ago on Hamble Lane and that affected us badly because the main deliveries are in Bursledon area. Hamble Lane customers tend to come in and collect. The restaurant covers a five mile radius so Bursledon and Netley. I thought it was going to be about two to three weeks."

An EBC spokesperson said: "The detailed programme for the Coronation Parade works is currently being finalised and our contractors will be working closely with local retailers to ensure that any impact on trade is kept to an absolute minimum. The project is intended to help trade in the long term with an improved frontage with a level surface and increased parking spaces to encourage people to stop at Coronation Parade.”

The scheme was put forward by the Bursledon, Hamble and Hound Local Area Committee and will be funded by developers contributions, Hamble-le-Rice Parish Council and £8,000 grant from the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ programme

As part of the scheme, new parking spaces are also being created in the nearby Coach Road.