Works could see us close forever, says business

Business owner, Joao Coragem, described the pavement as looking "like a warzone"

A restaurateur fears he will be forced to close his business because of work on the pavement outside.

Barriers were put up in front of Cheeky Tito's in Ross-on-Wye before a storm in the town centre, in readiness for repairs.

However, Joao Coragem claims no work has been carried out for 10 days, hitting the income of his business, in Broad Street.

Welsh Water apologised and said the sewer had been repaired and extra work was due to take place in the middle of June.

It added it would work with affected businesses to put things right and the pavement would be fully restored by 19 July.

Mr Coragem said the works were discouraging customers

Herefordshire Council has also said the pavement would be back in place "as swiftly as possible" but added public safety is "paramount".

Mr Coragem said the barriers had originally blocked the path completely, but now, despite them being moved to enable pedestrian access, many are crossing to other side of the street.

He said the restaurant, which opened in January, was often earning less than £14 per day.

"It's loss, after loss, after loss," he said.

"We are absolutely desperate because the bills don't stop coming." he added.

The restaurant was also forced to close for two days last week, after flash flooding in the road when a sewer collapsed leading water to get into the building.

Mr Coragem called for the work to be completed urgently.

"We are on the verge of closing the shop, and closing it forever." he said.