Council officials have been liaising with utilities to make sure works either end before the city’s busiest shopping time – or do not start until the new year.

Finishing touches to Southern Water’s works in Western Road - between the Clock Tower and Preston Street - have been put back until January or February. The company had originally been looking at a pre-Christmas start.

Gas works in busy Hollingdean Road , near the Lewes Road Sainsbury’s, mooted for this week and next, were postponed until February after a council request.

Gas operations that could have affected St James’s Street before the holidays will now take place in February, following council advice.

The council says gas roadworks will remain near Amex in Edward Street over Christmas as the road is a dual carriageway and traffic is less affected.

Council pavement improvements will continue near the Thistle Hotel as long as the seafront road is not affected. Parts of the project which could disrupt traffic have been scheduled for after Christmas.

Disruption could occur anywhere for unforeseen emergencies, officials confirm