A £400,00 scheme to spruce up a run-down part of Teignmouth in time for the summer season has been delayed.

The enhancement scheme for Northumberland Place was due to begin this month, but setbacks with building supplies means that it could start at the approach to the town's busiest time of the year. Devon County Council wants to make the area more pedestrian friendly, with trees, seats and bike stands. Wider pavements will provide for a continental-style café culture to appeal to both locals and visitors. It had planned for work to be completed by the summer. Traders say building work will affect business. Klub Video owner Chris Evans said: 'I'm very concerned about it. Not just for the traders in this particular area, but also for the whole town. 'Everyone knows that in the height of summer, traffic at certain times is gridlocked and this part of town is another route in and out. 'What we would like to see is them put it off now until the quieter winter months. 'That would be the most sensible thing to do,' he said. County councillor for Teignmouth, Chris Bray is urging project managers to avoid the summer period when considering any new proposed start date. 'This is a project that Devon County Council is investing large sums of money into for the benefit of the town. But despite an extensive consultation exercise, local traders have expressed various concerns. 'I am sure that they are going to be justifiably concerned that an original start date of January, having been put back to April, is now delayed again. 'I will be doing everything in my power to see that we have a successful scheme, with minimal disruption to residents, traders and visitors,' he said. Devon County highways officer Graham Heath said there was no fixed start date. 'It is possible we could make a start before the main summer season which could then be completed after summer. 'The ideal time would have been the end of winter into the spring, but there's a choice to be made. It does need to be done and I think sooner the better,' he said. Mr Heath said that an exhibition about the works was planned. The scheme has been on the cards for three years. Engineers have worked on similar schemes at The Triangle and in Regent Street. Mr Heath said that workers co-operate with traders to ensure clear access and minimal disturbance.