The £100,000 scheme to improve parts of Melton Road is expected to cause widespread disruption.

The stretch of the road between Checketts Road and Lanesborough Road is being shut to outbound traffic from 9 February for up to 12 weeks.

The closure will allow work to take place strengthening and waterproofing a bridge in the area.

Shop keepers have said they will lose vital income from passing trade and residents fear their side streets will become rat runs for drivers avoiding long queues.

But Leicester City Council has said it will do its best to minimise disruption and keep people informed.

Motorists can avoid the area by using the inner ring road.