UPDATE: Southern Downs councillors have voted to close Palmerin St from 3.30pm on Friday for the March of the Dungarees commemorations.

The decision was made at a special council meeting in Stanthorpe this meeting.

Councillors voted 5-3 in favour of the new time.

Businesses had expressed outrage over a last-minute decision to close Palmerin St from 2pm despite council originally deciding on a 4pm closure.

EARLIER: Southern Downs Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley has called a special meeting to discuss road closures for March of the Dungarees commemorations after a backlash from Warwick businesses.

Businesses were given written notification earlier this week that Palmerin St would be closed from 4pm on Friday for the centenary event.

Shortly after this notification was given, the council changed the time and placed a flashing sign at the end of the street saying the closure would be at 2pm.

Classic Dimensions owner Robyn Fraser spotted the sign and went straight to the council.

The frustrated business owner said nobody from council had bothered to notify her of the change.

"There wasn't much communication other than the fact I made a couple of phone calls to the council office," she said.

"I appreciate the March of the Dungarees.

"My main issue is there was no liaison with businesses."

It's understood a number of business owners stated that the 2pm road closure would have a big impact on their mid-afternoon trade.

"Friday afternoon on the last day of public school for the year is naturally a busy time." Mrs Fraser said.

"I think any road closure has an impact on businesses.

"It's not just about retailers, it's about shoppers too."

Mrs Fraser said she was soon notified the council had come to a compromise and changed the time to 3.30pm.

"I had a visit from Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley who told me they had a come to a compromised decision," she said.

"If it's the best they can do I can accept that.

"I'm just disappointed in the liaison of the council."

The march isn't due to start until 5.30pm, prompting a lot of questions as to why the road needs to be closed for so long.

The 3.30pm start time could also change, with uncertainty surrounding what will be discussed at the meeting.

Southern Downs Regional Council CEO David Keenan circulated an email on Friday afternoon advising the council would meet in Stanthorpe this morning.

Cr Bartley told the Daily News he called for the special meeting to get a council resolution on an official time for the closure.

"Traders on the main street were ropable on Friday afternoon," he said.

"When it gets this level of contention this (a special meeting) is how it should be handled."

Cr Bartley said the majority of traders wanted a 4pm closure.

Rose City Shoppingworld manager Jason Gard was watching on in interest.

Mr Gard said as far as he had been advised the street would close at 4pm.

"I'll be interested to see if there has been a change," he said.

"It's a public event and I have to think it'll bring a number of people to the main street for it."

Bryson's Place owner Lyn Bryson was also watching on in interest, and said she stood with her neighbouring shop owners in their frustration.

The council meeting will begin at 8.30am and is open to the public.