This week has been difficult for some shops on Keen Street (Magellan Street end) as Lismore City Council has run into some unforeseen problems that were discovered during excavation.

Some shops, like Scoops and Candy, had to close completely as they do not have rear lane access (Eggins Lane) while others, who have had access, have had an "awful week" of trading.

Lismore City Council General Manager John Walker told the Lismore App, "Some old asbestos pipes were found this week during the upgrade of Keen Street. The pipes were discovered by construction workers after they removed the footpath."

"Construction staff followed the established process of making safe and advising WorkCover and obtaining permits to remove the pipes by a licenced contractor. The material has now been removed from the site."

"What appears to be an old fuel tank was also discovered on the site yesterday. Council is currently investigating exactly what it is and how we deal with it."

"Until the outcome of the investigation is known, we do not know if this may delay completion of the upgrade of Keen Street."

That delay, means all shop fronts on Keen Street are open for business from this morning including Shoppe One, Scoops and Candy and The Bookwarehouse.

Don't let the fencing mislead you as you drive a long Keen Street, as you can see there is a clear green carpeted footpath that gives you safe access.

Shoppe One Owner Janice Palmer said, "It has been a terrible week. Today we made three sales but if we have a good day tomorrow we may be able to break even."

Scoops and Candy owner Felicity Hyde said it is nice to be open again but there is another closure coming in September when the concrete is poured.

"We have been told we will be closed for another four days in September when the concrete is laid."

"We have been told September 17, 18 and 19," said Janice Palmer, "I don't think any of the businesses are having a good time and any more delays will see it getting closer and closer to Christmas and now we are staring down the barrel of another wet season."

While the finished product will upgrade the look and safety of the CBD block, shop owners still need our help to shop local. 2022 has certainly been a trying year.