JD Wetherspoon has said that it hopes works being carried out on an historic lane behind the site of its new Helston pub will not lead to a lasting change to the area.

The pub chain was responding to concerns raised over a stretch of cobbles running behind its new Coinagehall Street premises, with piles of stones and rubble currently piled up behind workmen's barriers.

Although angry residents have been quick to point the finger at the company, the work is not being undertaken by Wetherspoon's or by contractors renovating the site of the former home furnishing store Oliver & Son.

A spokesperson for the company said: "The work in question is being carried out by Western Power, the electrical contractor upgrading the power supply, along with all excavation and replacement of the cobbled paths.

"This work sits completely outside of the works with regards to the building of the new pub.

The company made the statement after the Packet was contacted by a Helston resident who called the work "absolutely disgusting," asking whether planning or conservation officers from Cornwall Counsil were aware of the works, and demanding that after work was completed the "lovely old cobbled lane" be put back "exactly as it was, no matter how much it costs."

Wetherspoons appeared to share concerns over the lane, and the spokesperson added: "Our architects have already informed Western Power of concerns from the conservation officer and understand that Western Power will be carrying out the full repairs on the cobbled path."