A highways scheme that caused 17 weeks of disruption is bringing fresh misery to residents and business owners after the wrong paving was used at a newly-built crossing.

Weymouth’s Preston Road improvement scheme – which aims to improve pedestrian facilities and cycle links, plus reduce traffic speed – was completed at the end of May.

Work at Chalbury Corner included upgrading the pedestrian crossing to a toucan crossing for pedestrian and cyclists – however, after a review by Dorset County Council’s highways team, it was found the paving used on the new crossing could pose a hazard.

It means fresh work has started to replace the paving on the crossing and, in the meantime, a temporary bus stop and traffic lights have been installed.

Luke Mansell, of Chalbury Food and Wine, says the initial work ‘affected his trade enough’ and business owners thought it was ‘all behind’ them.

“It’s crazy,” said Mr Mansell. “The work was completed three or four weeks ago. It was all done and finished and we were pleased with how it looked. We thought it was all behind us.

“Now they’ve dug it up again. The workers are back and there’s no crossing there at all. It’s not good enough. It’s now costing the taxpayer more money.

“It is having an impact on my trade.”

Lynne Martin, manager of Head Style, said: “Work was finished a few weeks ago. It was one of those things; it had to be done. We had a letter about from the council about the first lot of works but then I was surprised nobody gave us any warning about this work.

“It’s causing problems for my customers as they’re having trouble parking.

“We just want to get back to normal.”

The Preston Road improvement scheme is funded by the Weymouth Relief Road programme.

The lower part of Preston Road was downgraded to a ‘B’ classification while Littlemoor Road was upgraded to an ‘A’ classification.

The paving mix-up is not the first time the scheme has been criticised.

In 2013, when improvement work began, a £100,000 mini-roundabout on Overcombe Corner was branded ‘a dangerous waste of money’ after it was made twice as big as it should have been.

Richard Colby, highway improvements team leader at DCC, said: “In review of the Chalbury Corner scheme, issues have been raised with the stick down tactile paving used at the pedestrian crossing so we are replacing them with traditional concrete tactile paving. I’m sorry for the added inconvenience this will cause local residents.

“Although we have had success using this type of paving elsewhere in the county, this crossing is extremely popular and is used by cyclists and pedestrians of varying ages – and there is a chance that the stick down tactiles could lift and become a trip hazard.”

The paving is being replaced this week and small outstanding ‘snagging’ works will be completed next week.