Over the next ten 10 weeks, Penarth Esplanade will undergo major refurbishment.

The two existing zebra crossings are to be improved with new tarmac, bollards and extended pavements.

A new pedestrian crossing will be added at the junction of Bridgeman Road and the Esplanade, and a pavement will replace the current 'KEEP CLEAR' area outside Penarth Yacht Club.

Work started on Tuesday (1 June) and is due to last until mid-August. Nub News is awaiting further information from the Vale of Glamorgan Council regarding the intensity and scheduling of the works.

Traders on the Esplanade have said they too are "in the dark" about such information.

Some have also expressed frustration that the works will span much of their long-awaited 'summer of recovery' from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's causing a nightmare outside already," said Huw Pickford, owner and founder of Pickford's Galley and Bar.

Contractors have already been digging up and drilling into the tarmac nearby his premises.

"All the tables are getting covered in dust," he explained. "We've lost about six or seven tables because no one wants to sit in that section, especially when there's a big van in the way meaning no view of the sea."

Some of the parking bays have been occupied by the contractors and their machinery, meaning footfall will likely suffer.

Huw said he was not told that parking bays would be used. But his main gripe is with the timing of the works.

"They've had a year while we've all been closed to get on and do this. Why didn't they do it when they resurfaced the road in one hit?

"It's the worst possible timing during half term. Who wants to sit behind a big van with all the noise and dust blowing at them?"

Nub News has been unable to contact Joanne, the manager of neighbouring restaurant Romeo's by the Sea.

However, a member of staff told us that the works have already caused difficulty.

We understand that the restaurant will not be able to utilise their outdoor seating area for a week longer than they were initially told, which is understandably frustrating during a sunny half term.

Peter Knowles, who owns Shore in Windsor Court, says he is pleased the works are taking place but questions the timing.

"It's great that the Vale are investing money in the infrastructure of the town, but it's just bad timing.

"Lockdown would have been the perfect opportunity to do the work. It just seems on the face of it an illogical time to do it, especially at half term.

"No one told us as traders how the work will be organised. We're all a bit in the dark. If there was more information, at least we could plan. But we've received no explanation really."

The Vale of Glamorgan Council have provided detailed plans of the works, which Nub News can send to our readers upon request if they appear too blurred in our gallery above.

They are yet to provide comment with regard to timing and how they intend to mitigate disruption.