HAWORTH'S famous Main Street is to be shut during one of the Bronte village's busiest times of the year.

Shocked villagers have been told the street will close early next month – as the world-renowned Haworth Christmas activities get into full swing.

A Victorian Christmas Market planned for the weekend of December 6-7 has been cancelled, and traders fear the wider potential consequences of the closure.

Bradford Council said it was having to shut a section of Main Street to carry out essential repairs following a sewer collapse.

The work is scheduled to be carried out between December 1 and 12.

Christmas market organiser Andrew Vaux said bands, street entertainment and stalls had been booked for the extravaganza.

"Whilst it's obviously extremely disappointing to have had to cancel the event at the eleventh hour I cannot fault council officers for the professional and helpful way in which they dealt with the matter," said Mr Vaux, director of ARVA PR & Events.

"As soon as there was any hint at all that the market might be in jeopardy, I was called into a meeting with officers who were completely honest and open and presented us with the facts."

Councillor John Huxley, chairman of the village's parish council, said he was seeking assurances from the local authority that the impact on businesses would be minimised.

He is also demanding that the setts are properly removed and replaced.

"I appreciate that the work has to be done and accept that inevitably there will be disturbance but this is one of the worst times of the year for it to happen," he said.

"Everything possible must be done to minimise the effect on traders.

"Also, the setts have only relatively recently been replaced. It is essential that the correct procedure is followed to ensure they are put back properly."

B&B owner, Mike Hutchinson, said the work was a major blow.

"I know a lot of coaches are booked to come to the market so there are going to be many disappointed visitors," said Mr Hutchinson, of Ye Sleeping House.

"We are trying to make sure other festive activities are happening to entertain people during this period.

"We have the craft market in the Old School Room and we're looking for carol singers and bands. If anyone is able to help, that would be appreciated."

He added that the hugely popular Scroggling the Holly weekend, which traditionally launches the Christmas countdown in Haworth, would be unaffected. It takes place on November 29-30.

Mr Hutchinson can be contacted on 01535 645992.