City centre businesses say roadworks are threatening their livelihoods.

The New Road development, which is part of the Jubilee Square improvements, will create a pedestrianised area.

The work is being carried out by contractors for Brighton and Hove City Council.

Traders say it is affecting their business.

A council spokesman said engineers had visited shops in the area and found they backed the scheme.

Iain Davis, owner of barber shop ID 4 Men, said his shop has been completely marooned by the development.

He said: "The work is right up to the shop window and there is a 3ft-deep hole outside.

You actually have to climb on to the building site to get in.

"We are coming in through the front in the morning and then opening the side door for customers.

"We rely on passing trade but it looks like you can't get to us from the front.

"We are just standing around twiddling our thumbs.

We are going to have to bite our lips for the next seven months until this work is finished.

"When it is, I think this will be the most fantastic road in Brighton."

Abby Barratt, operations manager at The Treatment Rooms, said the noisy works were spoiling the tranquil setting they were trying to create.

She said: "We have had to move all the relaxing treatments out of the front two rooms because of the noise.

"It is the first thing customers mention when they come through the doors."

A council spokesman said: "We are surprised traders say the works are affecting their businesses. Our engineers have visited both shops and found them to be supportive.

"People can still easily access every business in the road. We have written to all the businesses fronting the works with a number for them to ring if they have problems."