Traders are rejoicing after a street closed for roadwork has re-opened again ahead of schedule.

Business owners in Old York Road, Wandsworth, experienced a significant downturn in trade since work began in the road on May 7.

The road re-opened again on Friday, but only after businesses claimed they experienced a loss of at least 50 per cent in revenue.

Restaurant Konnigans said it had to had to lay off two members of staff due to loss of earnings.

The improvements include a raised carriageway to reinforce the 20mph speed limit and a widened pedestrian crossing.

Leslie Knight, owner Tonsley Fine Art and Antiques, said it will take a while for people to realise the road is back to normal.

He said: "We are over the moon. I never thought I would rejoice in the noise of traffic ever again, the buses and the cars and tooting.

"I felt like saying hurrah because it was dead out there. We feel like we are back on the map."

Phase two of the improvements is beginning this week which involves creating a large flat speed bump, called a raised table, at the junction of Ferrier Street.

Granite paving slabs will be laid outside Wandsworth Town railway station entrance, a new cycle rack built and seating for pedestrians.

The council also said traders will be provided with better facilities to help their businesses.

MP Jane Ellison said: "I am pleased that the Council responded to local businesses' concerns by finishing these improvement works ahead of schedule but the timing of them has caused great concern.

"Inevitably many small businesses are working too hard to read and respond to consultation documents so my suggestion is that, in addition to statutory consultation, a simple, common sense 'Trader Test' is applied by the Council in future - in essence, do particular proposed works affect the local businesses at their peak trading time? If they do, more thought is needed."

Councillor Russell King, cabinet member for transport, said: "When it is complete this project will have transformed the street scene near Wandsworth Town station.

"As well as being much safer for pedestrians and cyclists, it will be a much more attractive and pleasant place to visit.

"This should be a major benefit to the boutique shops and restaurants that have made this part of Wandsworth so vibrant and popular."