Christchurch City Council has delayed planned footpath repairs on Rutland Street after admitting affected businesses were not informed about the works.

The council’s response followed a backlash from Rutland Street shop owners who arrived at work on Monday morning to find road cones and no parking signs lining the street without warning.

Local businesses said they were left in the dark about the planned works, with no prior communication from the council or the contractor.

Papanui Innes Central Community Board member Ali Jones said she was contacted by a frustrated business owner and spent much of the day trying to get answers.

On Tuesday, Head of Transport and Waste Management Lynette Ellis said the council had investigated the matter.

“Unfortunately, in this instance the contractor did not follow agreed processes and the local businesses had not been informed of the works,” Ellis said.

She said the works, which involve minor footpath repairs were expected to take only a few days.

“They have delayed the works and will re-programme them.

“They will also ensure that they engage with the businesses. We will work with our contractor to understand what has happened and ensure that lessons learnt are applied moving forward.”

On Monday Jones said “A phone call to the shop owners and an email to the local elected members would do.”

One business owner removed the cones to allow customer access, but HEB later returned and reinstalled them.

“This work should not start until the shop owners and residents around the area know what is happening, why and when. It is not rocket science, this is communication 101,” Jones said.

Salon on Rutland said they were grateful for the communication from Ali Jones, but disappointed in the council’s handling, saying “communication is key and clearly lacking from CCC, very disappointing.”