And while three prepare to shut up shop, the rest have united to plead with customers to support them - before it's too late.

Rita Maxwell from Davenham Antiques Centre, said the village had already suffered greatly between February and June of this year, when workmen built speed bumps.

"We had a huge reduction in visitors," explained Rita.

"My tea room lost a lot of money because I was throwing food away like nobody's business. It affected everybody.

"Visitors basically saw the 'road closed' signs and they were off."

Now engineers will carry out the second part of the project, which includes badly-needed work on the London Road/Church Street junction and pavement widening, new street lighting, bins, signs and planting.

"The village, which has so much potential, will look lovely when it's finished," added Rita.

"We are just asking our customers to support us during this time - what's a pretty village going to be worth if there's no amenities left?"

Although Cards 'n' Things, Woodford Pine and David Alexander jewellers will close at the end of October, everyone else is open as usual. Work on London Road will be carried out in sections so people will still be able to drive into Davenham and park but won't be able to drive through.

Sue Prince from Cheshire County Council has been out on the site talking to traders.

She said: "We are very sorry about the inconvenience but are doing everything we can to ease the problems.

"The majority of the work should take six weeks unless we have atrocious weather, but we've extended working hours and this will include Saturdays.

"Phase Two of the scheme alone is costing £200,000 - the finished results will be worth it. With the new pedestrian facilities, the village will be given back to the people."

If you have any queries ring Sue Prince on 01244 603779 or Simon Begley on 01244 603734.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.