The closure of Station Road West in the run up to Christmas will cause traffic chaos in the area, traders fear.

Work is set to begin on the controversial £9.1m multi-storey car park, with the diversion of a Southern Water sewer forcing authorities to shut the road for almost nine weeks.

There will also be a traffic light-controlled two-way system for the first fortnight.

Vehicles will be diverted down St Dunstan's Street and along North Lane, with those drivers wanting to use the station overflow car park having to take this route.

The roadworks are due to start on Monday, November 12, with the full road closure scheduled for November 26 to December 15. After a short break for Christmas, the full closure will continue on January 2 for about six weeks

The main station car park will still be accessible by a new entrance created at the St Dunstan's end of the street.

However, the prospect of the road closure worries traders because it is likely to make the already-congested area even worse and increase pollution.

For businesses like The Canterbury Auction Galleries in Station Road West it is deeply unwelcome.

"What we are talking about is traffic chaos at Christmas when we have sales and least need it," said director David Parker.

"We have had no prior consultation about this and it just seems the council is pressing on regardless.

"We are also worried about the noise and nuisance of the works smack bang outside our premises.

"But the main issue is that no one wants this multi-storey anyway. The existing car park is rarely full and it's pointless and a waste of money."

Dan Grimmond, who runs the Refectory Kitchen, added: "Wow - that's going to be unhelpful at Christmas.

"I suppose roadworks have to be done but St Dunstan's is congested enough as it is."

Air quality expert Prof Stephen Peckham is worried that pollution levels, already an issue in St Dunstan's, will be pushed even higher.

"It is going to cause massive congestion at one of the busiest times of the year and I can't see how it will not add to air pollution."

The city council has already dismissed several efforts by objectors to have the new 380-space multi-storey car park scheme scrapped.

Chief executive Colin Carmichael said construction of the new facility will get underway when the sewer diversion work is complete.

He added: “We’re now able to confirm the timetable for the enabling work for this important and much-needed project for Canterbury, which ensures the parking requirements of residents, visitors and railway station users are met for many years to come.

“We also know how much the businesses in that area of the city need this car park for their customers to use and it is part of our commitment to traders in and around St Dunstan’s."