A warning has been issued over “diabolical roadworks" in the centre of Falmouth this weekend, which unhappy residents fear could cause an accident or injury to pedestrians.

There is currently a traffic order in place along the entirety of Market Street and Church, plus a section of Arwenack Street up to the junction with Quay Hill.

This is to allow National Grid to install a new electrical connection, with the order banning traffic between 7pm and 7am, on weekdays only.

Work is expected to be completed by March 8.

However, temporary emergency repairs have had to be made to the road in Arwenack Street, where there is said to be a “major issue with the structural integrity of the road surface.” This is  believed to be the combined result of the ongoing roadworks and recent bad weather.

The work that has been carried out leaves something to be desired though, according to a number of the town’s residents who fear the resulting repairs leave the road “dangerous” and a potential “death trap.”

Falmouth Packet: A gap under a temporary road plate, which could be a trip hazardA gap under a temporary road plate, which could be a trip hazard (Image: Soogi Dressmaker)

Soogi Dressmaker has posted pictures on Facebook taken today (Saturday) showing raised tarmac and temporary road plates with gaps underneath them, which could potentially be a trip hazard. 

They said: “Diabolical roadworks in Arwenack Street, Falmouth.

“I have reported this to the council. Be aware when driving/walking through town. Take care!”

Many others have agreed, with one woman describing the repairs as an “Absolutely disgusting death trap right there,” while another man said: “I’m glad I’m not the only one that thinks this is shocking and very unsafe to pedestrians.”

Falmouth Packet: The road surface has been described as 'diabolical'The road surface has been described as 'diabolical' (Image: Soogi Dressmaker)

However, others have pointed out that if pedestrians kept to the pavement they could avoid having to walk over the repairs – although the sections of street in question are currently a pedestrian and cycle zone between 11am and 4pm each day.

On Thursday an email marked ‘Urgent’ was sent by Falmouth town manager Richard Gates to traders in the town to say he had been in touch with a team at Cornwall Council regarding the the overrunning roadworks in Arwenack Street.

He added at that time: “There is a major issue with the structural integrity of the road surface due to the roadworks and ongoing recent poor weather.

“A team are on their way now to temporarily fill the excavation in two locations close to each other."

The Packet has contacted Falmouth Town Council and Cornwall Council.