Part of a town’s one-way system will remain shut for nearly a month to install new electricity cables.

Queen Street in Gravesend is closed for roadworks by UK Power Networks.

The one-way road is off the A226 Milton Road and rejoins at the end by Bank Street.

Works started last Thursday (February 1) and are set to last three weeks, until Thursday, February 22.

It is to allow UK Power Networks to install approximately 65 metres of new underground cable.

Queen Street is home to a number of businesses, including takeaways, hairdressers and international supermarkets.

They previously feared they would go bankrupt after a four-week closure was extended – as customers couldn’t access the road.

Milton Road was shut in June last year following a major fire at the New Inn pub.

Jack Kamenou, who owns Reliance Fish Restaurant, says the closure isn’t as bad as last time but is still affecting them.

“They have made the road temporarily two-way from one side,” he said. “The only problem is if you miss the turning you have to go around again.

“I did it the other day and it was quite frustrating. The signage doesn’t help as it does say ‘road closed’ ahead.

“I’m having to call up and tell all the customers to come down the wrong way.

“I’m so thankful for our loyal customers, because without them we would be bankrupt.

“The guys outside are working hard. I’m hoping it will open sooner rather than later. They said it will be another week at least. But it has 100% affected us.”

Sushma, manager of Tops Pizza Gravesend, has noticed a drop in customers coming to collect orders.

“People think that the road is closed and they can't travel by car or whatever the reason,” she explained. “With our shop we mostly do deliveries, but we do get collection orders.

“I thought it might be done in two or three days, but if it will take another three weeks, we will definitely be informing our customers.”

Jasbir Basra, owner of Mad Sales added: “Not many people know they can come down the wrong way, because there’s a no entry sign on the other side.

“It does make a lot of difference. However, we are still quite lucky because last time they closed the road to pedestrians as well as cars.

“During that period we wouldn’t even get one customer a day.”

Gravesend Town Centre Management posted a message on Facebook, warning drivers of the roadworks.

It said: “UKPN have closed Queen Street today for emergency works – scheduled for the next 21 days but they hope to be finished earlier.

“All deliveries/all access that usually enters from Milton Road can now use the road from Crooked Lane (by the river end).

“Queen Street is currently two-way traffic from the northern end.”

One resident also commented: “Long delays now before peak hour so be warned use alternative route!”

UK Power Networks says it is trying to complete the work quicker where possible.

“We’re working as quickly as possible, excavating through reinforced concrete and resurfacing the work area as we progress along the route.”

A spokeswoman from the utility company added: “Our team is installing approximately 65 metres of new underground cable to maintain reliable power supplies for local homes and businesses.

“We’re working as quickly as possible, excavating through reinforced concrete and resurfacing the work area as we progress along the route.

“A road closure is needed to safely carry out the work, due to the width of the road, which remains open to pedestrians as normal.

“We thank residents and businesses for their understanding as we carry out this essential work.”