Huntingdonshire District Council have responded to a petition set up by a business owner who is warning she may have to shut up shop over town works.

Sue Noades, who owns Betty Bumbles Vintage Tea Room and Bertie's Cocktail Bar in St Neots, has warned that she is looking to close her tea room over works in the Market Square that she says are "disruptive".

Currently, a multimillion pound improvement scheme is taking place in the Market Square of St Neots. However, Ms Noades has said that the works have led to her unable to turn a profit.

She's now seeking compensation from the council while the work goes on.

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Huntingdonshire District Council's Executive Councillor for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, Cllr Sam Wakeford, said that the works "will deliver a fantastic new public realm space, as part of further improvement works around the town centre."

Cllr Wakeford also explained in his response that the council have worked with local businesses through the different stages of the works, stating that Huntingdonshire District Council have "adjusted their plans" as a result of the input from business owners.

He added that the council have spoken with the owner of Betty Bumbles directly. He said: "We have ensured the owner of Betty Bumbles is aware of normal support that could be available such as reapplying for a temporary reduction in business rates."

Cllr Wakeford said that the council, "appreciate the difficult economic times local businesses have found themselves in over recent years and are aware that some businesses in St Neots had signalled their intention to close before the works started.

"This is exactly why it is important to take the action we can to support the future of the market square and high street."

The council's response also assured St Neots residents that the Market Square works are on track for completion. 

Cllr Wakeford told The Hunts Post: "The works remain on track for completion within the original timescale but as with any project of this size, there will be some level of disruption which we are trying to minimise as much as possible."

The councillor also mentioned the Shop Front Grant Scheme, which has seen Huntingdonshire District Council allocate around £50,000 to support businesses in St Neots.

Sue Noades' petition has now hit 616 signatures.