Penryn's one way system will effectively be cut in half in February as roadworks close West Street for almost two weeks.

No buses or cars will be able enter the town's main street from the Helston or Truro direction, as one of only two routes into the town centre will close from February 1 forcing Falmouth bound traffic to detour via Commercial Road.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: "South West Water have requested the closure of West Street, Penryn during February to reline 49 m of sewer and repair 80m of broken sewer.

"Due to the location of the sewer a closure is the only option, and the winter months are the quietest time to carry out the works.

"The closure is 24 hours, however residents will have access throughout the duration of the works. Traffic lights will be used and signed diversions will be in place, more information about the roadworks can be found on www.roadworks.org."

The closure will be in place between from February 1 to February 12, for 24 hours a day including weekends. It will be a two phased scheme, with planned closures from West End Close to Calver Close and from Calver Close to Lower Market Street.

Pip Carlton-Barnes, of Visit Penryn, said: "You only have to look back to when the access for buses was stopped through the town a few weeks ago due to scaffolding to appreciate how difficult people were finding getting into Town, particularly those people who rely entirely on the bus service to get in for appointments, prescription collections and shopping. I think it is worth reassuring people emergency vehicles will still be allowed access."

She added: "On a positive note, perhaps this could be the perfect opportunity for [the town's] event organisers to take full advantage of a road closure and get a street market up and running."

The road is currently used by all buses travelling from Penryn's main street to Falmouth, including the services number 2, 69, 442, U1 and U2, travelling from Helston, Camborne, Redruth, Truro and the Penryn Campus and Kernick Road.

Cornwall Council has contacted local bus operators, First and Williams Travel, to inform them of the planned closure, and said the public will be told of alternative arrangements closer to the time.