Bacon butties and cheap leg waxes are being used to entice shoppers to a village bilghted by roadworks.

Traders in Hurstpierpoint were today preparing for weeks of disruption as their high street shuts again to make way for diggers.

But they were keen to point out the work did not mean their village would be closed for business for the next six weeks.

Mike Barnard, who runs the South shop on High Street, said: "We've had people ringing us up thinking we were going to be shut until September.

"But the shops will be open despite the road works. The village will practically be turned into a car-free precinct, which may be better for pedestrians."

Traders initially planned to turn Hurstpierpoint into the Continental hub of Mid Sussex, with plans for outdoor seating, late night opening, and bands playing on the traffic-free streets in the evenings.

But the work, by gas company Transco, is so extensive both sides of the road will be fenced off, making such plans impossible.

Most traders on the High Street have opted to make the best of a bad situation and a number of offers are in the pipeline.

Cafe Murano has added a new item to its menu for the duration of the roadworks.

The Transco To Go Special is a takeaway coffee and bacon baguette. At £2, it is aimed at workmen and hungry shoppers.

And Columbines Health and Beauty is offering a half leg wax, pedicure and lash tint for £30.

Other shops are stressing it is business as usual.

Feathers clothes shop has brought its sale forward and is offering late-night opening for the next couple of weeks.

But owner Anne Graham-Evans aims to shut up shop between August 4 and 25.

She said: "It's because of the roadworks. I have notified all my customers and brought our clothes sale forward - there's no point in starting the sale in July if no one can park.

Peter Hampson, chairman of Hurstpierpoint Traders' Association, said: "People are a bit concerned about the possible effect on business of the work but we are keeping positive.

"We have lots of local support and Transco has gone out of its way to be helpful."