It may have been described as one of the finest roads in one of the “loveliest towns in England”, but Ludlow’s historic Broad Street has been taken over by diggers and contractors.

Resurfacing work on the road in the heart of Ludlow is taking place throughout this week, with the famous old buildings and Broadgate now surrounded by bright cones and accompanied with the noisy din while the road is dug up.

The work is part of a £120,000 investment in roads in Ludlow town centre over the next few weeks, with £60,000 being spent on five days of work on Broad Street and a further £60,000 for a further five days of work next week on Mill Street.

Broad Street will be completely closed to traffic on Thursday and Friday while new lines are painted and will re-open on Friday afternoon.

Until then parking has been suspended while work takes place, and since workmen moved in on Monday large sections of the road and parking spaces have been resurfaced.

Tim Gaudin, who works at Broad Bean wholefoods store in Broad Street, said: “It has been quieter than usual in terms of customers and it definitely affects trade. There’s been lots and noise and disruption every day this week.”

Anne Creasey, who lives in Whitcliffe on the outskirts of Ludlow but travels into the town centre to shop at independent stores every day, said: “With parking suspended I find it really hard just to do my normal shopping run.”

Cath Whittington, who runs Roundabout Stationary, said: “We have been a lot quieter this week but I suppose it’s work that needs to be done. The road will only get worse otherwise.

“There has been a lot of disruption and noise, especially with the constant drilling. When the road is closed we will struggle as we won’t be able to take any deliveries.”

Ludlow was described as one of the “loveliest towns in England” by 20th century poet John Betjeman, and Broad Street has been renowned among tourists for the Broadgate and period houses and buildings which form residential properties and businesses.

Laura Owen, a spokeswoman for Shropshire Council, said work was progressing very well and it would finish on Friday as planned.

By Peter Kitchen