The second phase of the £6.6 million regeneration project is now three months behind the revised schedule and the contractors are now operating on a ‘reduced workforce’ during the Glasgow Fair holiday period, the Advertiser can reveal.

Work on Colquhoun Square began in January 2014 and was due to be competed in May. However, Phase 2 fell behind after just five weeks when hard rock in the ground held up progress followed by issues with street lighting and the discovery of ‘unknown structures’.

In addition, this revised timeline was five months behind an intial planning Phase 2 start date of August 2013 following hold-ups on Phases 1a and 1b, West Clyde Street and the esplanade, which is also due to be complete two months late in August.

Businesses impacted by the work in the north square say they are not surprised at the further delays, but remain concerned for the future. The Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce say the delay is ‘disappointing’, but added that the work must be done to a high standard rather than rushed for a finish.

A spokeswoman for Argyll and Bute Council said: “In Phase Two the south side of the square is complete and we are arranging the handover of the area to the council. The north area of the square is due to be completed by the end of August.

“Phase 1a is completed; snagging matters are due to be completed by the end of July. With Phase 1b, the sections between pump house and John Street are due for completion by the end of July, with John Street and William Street completed by the end of August.” Anna Curley, of the Buffet Shop, Colquhoun Square, said shop takings have dropped 50 per cent since January — and things are getting harder as the work stretches out.

Mrs Curley said: “We are totally cut off from the rest of the town. We can’t plan round the works and so we are running a day-to-day business just now but pockets are only so deep.” She said the simultaneous construction work in the car park added to the drop in footfall, and a big push will be needed to bring people back to the eatery – and town – once the project is complete.

She added: “We are just trying to hang on until then. There are bound to be more casualties and when it finishes we must change the way we trade due to the financial impact. It is painful but we can’t do anything but endure the pain and look to the finish.” Opposite the Buffet Shop, Graeme Smith, of Humbles, said the cafe has been lucky because they are in people’s line of sight.

He said: “We have had tables and chairs out through most of the work and because we are right on the corner we are still getting passing trade. Our regulars have still been coming in and at this point I am just keen to see it all finished.” A Chamber of Commerce spokesman said members are ‘disappointed’ the completion date has slipped.

He added: “It is better that we are sure that when it is completed it is to the highest standards rather than to rush to finish just to meet a deadline.

“The new-look square is already a focal point for the town with many more people making use of the area with its considerable seating space than has ever been known before and we welcome that as an indication of things to come.” Helensburgh councillor Gary Mulvaney, chairman of the local area committee, said the quality of the work so far in the square, and West Clyde Street, is ‘excellent’, and people have been making use of the seating due to the spate of good weather.

He added: “It is also important that visitors can navigate around the works to access the shops and I personally have noticed how helpful MacLays staff have been in helping pedestrians and shoppers.

“The council has been in constant discussion with the contractor as regards to slippages, and revised timelines and all share the need to quickly complete the phases already underway.” The council is currently finalising plans for Phases Three and Four — Colquhoun Street North, East Princes Street, and Sinclair Street.

The council spokeswoman added: “We will be issuing dates for this shortly — we are currently finalising the traffic management arrangements that will need to be put in place.” There will also be a reduced workforce on site during the two-week Glasgow Fair holiday period.

In relation to people using the front while it is fenced off, the council said: “This is a difficult area to manage as the esplanade can be accessed from the beach. However, we are liaising with the contractor about this — additional signage has been put in place and the situation is being monitored.”