Planned works on a "key" footbridge route near Windsor and Eton Central train station have been rethought after businesses shared their concerns about Christmas trading.

Original plans laid out by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead stated that the footbridge would be closed for four months while 360-degree scaffolding would be erected.

During this time the lift would be refurbished, alongside the stairwell and bridge, which would get new lighting and perspex coating and the structure would get a new lick of paint.

Works were earmarked to be started in September.

However, Dave Hayward, co-owner of Indie Rabble Brewery said he was "petrified" as to what it would mean for their business over the busy Christmas months.

Dave added: "We want the work to happen, we do. We understand there will be an impact on us when they happen - but this is the worst possible time for these works."

After raising their concerns with the council, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead have rescheduled the works.

The council have said the "essential refurbishment" of the footbridge is meant to enhance the sense of welcome into Windsor town centre.

Works to refurbish it will now completely avoid the Christmas trading period to help the local business community.

In the Christmas period, the bridge is regularly used by shoppers and commuters into the town and to local attractions such as the fairground and Ferris wheel which pop up at Alexandra Gardens.

The work will now be split into two phases, with the first phase seeing the bridge remain open with no scaffolding used until phase two after Christmas.

Phase one will start on Monday, October 2 and last around eight weeks. It will focus solely on refurbishing the bridge lifts and will start with a site compound being set up in a small area of the Coach Park.

The bridge will remain open to the public via its steps, however, the lifts will be unavailable. Signposted alternative routes and lift access will be in place from the Coach Park to the town centre and castle for those who would usually use the lifts.

After a break for Christmas trading, the ambition is to start phase two in the New Year and work will continue for around 17 weeks in order to maintain the bridge and enhance the sense of arrival into Windsor.

Phase two will comprise the cleaning and repainting of the steel structure, preventative maintenance and anti-corrosion works, installation of new bridge lighting, cleaning the Perspex canopy and applying a mirror film to the underside of the canopy.

During phase two, the bridge will need to be fully closed to the public and encapsulated in scaffolding due to its proximity to a working railway platform. Access to businesses will be maintained throughout, and signs will be in place showing alternative walking routes.

Councillor Amy Tisi, Cabinet member for children’s services, education and Windsor, said: “Thank you to the businesses that have brought this to my attention.

"I immediately asked officers to review the works programme to make sure we could support our businesses. 

"The officers have devised a practical workable solution which will allow the required improvements to happen in a timely manner, while avoiding the busy Christmas trading period and any scaffolding and bridge closure during this period.

“This, I’m sure, will be welcome news for the business community and I’d like to thank everyone for their useful feedback.

"The footbridge is a key gateway into Windsor, and the council is required to repair and maintain it under a lease with Network Rail.

"While there’s never an ideal time to complete such works, this scheme is vital as the bridge has not been maintained for many years and it is important it is completed before further deterioration. We continue to be a Cabinet that listens to residents.”