TRADERS and drivers in Kirkburton are bracing themselves for eight months of roadworks misery.

Kirklees Council will start resurfacing busy North Road next month.

And the £330,000 scheme - which is in two phases - will carry on until September.

The resurfacing of the worn-out route comes after months of roadworks by utility companies.

Digging went on for seven months, on and off, until October last year, as gas operator Transco and Yorkshire Water laid pipes.

Kirklees highways engineers agreed to give the village some time off from roadworks. But the reprieve is near an end.

Senior engineer Simon Tidswell said: "With a combination of general wear and tear, and all the digging, North Road is worn out. It needs major resurfacing."

A letter with a questionnaire and a pre-paid envelope to return it in will go to businesses and residents next week.

Mr Tidswell said: "We want people to let us know how they want us to work - during peak periods or not, for example - and we want them to point out any traffic or pedestrian issues they feel need looking at."

The first phase covers 300 yards of North Road, beginning at the junction with Penistone Road and continuing past Slant Gate.

The work, costing £120,000, will take place from mid to late February and continue into April. Phase two, at a cost of £210,000, could start in May and end in September.

Early ideas are to work between 9.30am and 4pm, avoiding peak periods.

Temporary traffic lights will be used in parts of both phases and the road will be closed road completely for short periods during the second one.

Pavements are also set for a facelift and the pedestrian crossing near the Riley Lane junction will be refurbished.

Andy Whitworth, shop manager at Try Cycling, said: "As cyclists, we're happy that the road is being resurfaced because it's shocking. But we rely on passing trade and more roadworks will hit us hard."

Linton Bentley, who owns Linton's hair salon in North Road, said road closures worried him most because 80% of his customers came by car.

* Anyone who does not get a questionnaire delivered and would like one should phone 01484 225533.