The tea rooms will close from August 9 to August 11 and the August 9 monthly business meeting has been cancelled.

The Port Macquarie CWA Branch has been advised that the footpath in front of the Horton Street tea rooms will be dug up and a temporary access will be available.

Port Macquarie CWA Branch executive member Joan Rose said the branch had been informed there would be ramps and a temporary walkway through the construction site while the footpath was dug up.

“Because a lot of the patrons of the tea rooms and members are on walkers and unsteady on their feet, I wasn’t happy with allowing them to go through that area,” she said.

“We made a decision to close the rooms for three days and cancel our monthly meeting.”

The branch apologies to the community for any inconvenience.

Ms Rose said the closure would mean the branch would have no income for three days.

“Income is down as it is,” she said.

Council acting director Andrew Doig said footpath construction outside the CWA and Blue Illusion premises starts this week and will take about one week to complete.

“Pedestrian walkways and safety barriers will be in place to ensure the safety of the community with access to businesses being maintained at all times,” he said.

“Council staff and the construction site manager have held regular discussions with the CWA and surrounding businesses regarding footpath construction and will continue to work with all businesses in the Town Square to minimise disruption as works progress.”

The Town Square redevelopment will transform the northern end of Horton Street into a vibrant, useable and accessible gathering space

The project will add al fresco dining areas and wider footpaths, with new seats, mature trees and feature lighting.

The project is scheduled for completion in December.

Businesses are feeling the impact of construction on their doorstep.