Drivers endured jams and disruption last year when roadworks were carried out in London Road as part of a £4 million traffic scheme.

But now sections of the busy main road have to be repaired after holes and cracks appeared in the newly-laid surface.

The prospect of more roadworks has dismayed traders in London Road and the nearby Open Market.

Brighton and Hove Council's environment director Alan McCarthy said the problem was caused by suppliers changing the mix of the road surface dressing.

He said sections of London Road and Elm Grove, which is also affected, would be resurfaced at no cost to the council.

Charlie Gillam, a stallholder at the Open Market, said: "It is absolutely disgusting. How can they get it wrong on such a big scheme?

"We lost trade last year and it doesn't look like it will come back. When they start resurfacing again what few customers we have will go away."

Roy Brown, chairman of the London Road traders, said: "It is unbelievable."

The problem was highlighted by Coun John Sheldon, who told a meeting of the council's environment committee there had been complaints about the surface coming off.

Mr McCarthy said the work will be done at night, if necessary, to keep disruption to a minimum and traders will be consulted.

Coun Sheldon said: "This is going to cause tremendous disturbance. The council should have monitored the materials more closely.

"Even if it is done at night it will disturb people living in area."

Work will start in June and will involve resurfacing patches of the road between Cheapside and Preston Circus.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.