Earlier this month the Express reported how traders in the Cliffe were furious with the delays and disruption caused by the roadworks and blasted East Sussex County Council's management of the scheme as 'pathetic'.

The £500,000 initiative to make the area more pedestrian-friendly is not likely to be completed until June 2009 - eight months later than the original estimated completion date.

But an independent monitoring report has praised the way the work has been carried out saying it is 'giving a good impression and image for the industry'.

The Considerate Constructors scheme investigated eight aspects of the works including: cleanliness, the environment, accountability, and whether the works were respectful, safe and responsible.

The Living Cliffe scheme received positive comments and was given four points out of a possible five.

Rupert Clubb, director of Transport and Environment at the county council said: 'I am very pleased that we have received this ringing endorsement of our work.

'We have been working hard to co-ordinate the work, keep local people, traders and visitors informed, and help people with any difficulties they may have whilst work takes place on this busy shopping street.

'A lot of planning has gone into the Living Cliffe Scheme to complete it as quickly as possible and minimise the impact on local people and traders.'

In response to the report Andrew Clarke from Louis Potts and Co and speaking on behalf of Cliffe Traders' Association, said: 'What is considerate and good practice from a contractors point of view is dust, chaos and confusion from a retailers point of view.

'It is a relatively good site and they are doing their best but they are going to have to do a bit better.

'Despite all our complaints the contractors and the council have been receptive, there are now three different contractors working in the Cliffe and we want to have good relationships with them.'