Traders and residents are “aghast” after delays to an already unpopular speed chicane and traffic restrictions left work unfinished ahead of the Easter weekend.

Work to install an 'S' bend in Charlton Place began more than six weeks ago.

Islington Council initially said the project would be completed by March 31, but has now admitted construction is taking longer than anticipated.

Melissa Blissett, who lives in neighbouring Noble Yard, said: “The construction work has taken an extraordinarily long time, it’s been done incredibly inefficiently.

“Now the whole place is in chaos and we’re coming up to the Easter weekend when there will be a lot of tourists.

“It’s completely spoilt the area, which is a real shame. Goodness knows how long it’s going to take to finish.”

Karen Murdoch, who owns market space on the corner of Charlton Place and Camden Passage, said “everyone is aghast” at the "ridiculous" new road design.

She said: “For cyclists the chicane will be like skiing where you’ve got to go around all these bends – they’ll have a wonderful time.

“But for us, this and everything else about the whole scheme is just abominable. It’s just terrible.”

She added that noise and dust from construction work has impacted antiques traders, claiming the disruption “seems almost like a vendetta against businesses”.

Melissa also voiced concerns about planned restrictions to most traffic in Charlton Place from 8.15am to 9.15pm and 3pm to 3.45pm.

She said: “It’s going to cause all sorts of inconveniences and mayhem for us – there is no evidence that this is a sensible and needed measure.

She added: “The consultation process didn’t engage people well enough on this, sufficient people were not consulted.”

Karen, whose father set up the Camden Passage antiques markets in the 1950s, said many businesses rely on deliveries and would be severely impacted by the traffic restrictions.

She added: “The antiques markets have diminished, which is why I’m trying my best to keep my section open.

“I haven’t increased rent in Pierrepont Arcade market since 2015, just to let them continue and make a profit. It’s not easy for traders already, and now this.”

Speaking about the road layout, an Islington Council spokesperson said the redesigned carriageway would help improve safety for pedestrians crossing between the two sections of Camden Passage by cutting vehicle speeds.

They added the "high-quality improvements" to Camden Passage and Charlton Place would make the area greener and healthier for local people and traders, help attract more visitors and footfall to local businesses, and address road danger concerns.    

They said a consultation with residents and businesses last summer over restrictions yielded more than 200 responses, and following feedback there would be restrictions of one hour in the morning and 45 minutes in the afternoon and not the 24/7 traffic filter first proposed.

The spokesperson added: "We’ve carried out extensive engagement with businesses about the changes and will continue to listen carefully to their feedback and any concerns. These changes are supported by many businesses on the Passage, and we’re looking forward to seeing the benefits that they bring."