TIME FOR A NEW LOOK: The Adam Road Food Centre was last renovated in 2002, but wear and tear has begun to set in and most stallholders are happy to see it refurbished again. -- ST PHOTO: ALAN LIM

The centre, last renovated in 2002, will undergo refitting under the National Environment Agency's (NEA's) Repairs & Redecorations programme, which spruces up hawker centres every five to seven years.

During its last overhaul, which lasted about half a year, the hawker centre was given a higher roof, a freshly tiled floor and a new-look courtyard.

But, since then, the paint has faded and cracks have appeared on walls and columns.

Most of the 32 stallholders welcomed the news.

Said hawker Madam Saiton Ali, 61, who has run a lontong stall there for the past 40 years: 'The ceiling is dirty and the toilets need to be repaired. It is a good thing. After the redecoration is done, we will be able to attract more customers.'

However, Madam Saiton, who is also vice-chairman of the Adam Road Food Centre, said that around half of the stallholders are worried about the effect the closure will have on their earnings.

The NEA will help cushion its financial impact by waiving stall rents, table cleaning fees and service and conservancy charges during the six weeks.

Still, some hawkers are looking elsewhere to supplement their income.

One, a 36-year-old noodle stall owner who wanted to be known only as Mrs Yap, said that she is trying to get a temporary job at a fast- food restaurant to tide her over.

Mrs Yap, who earns about $2,000 a month, added: 'It will be a difficult six weeks. But I understand that we cannot be moved elsewhere. It is such a short time.'