A BLAENAVON businesswoman is demanding that a planned road closure for the Velothon be shortened.

Amanda Woodward, who owns Keepers Animal Feeds, has claimed that the planned closure of Abergavenny Road on Sunday will "harm" her business.

She said: "We're on Abergavenny Road and I am really angry about it because we're having to close our store which is normally open on a Sunday.

"We do a lot of trade on a Sunday, especially with pigeon owners.

"The pigeon owners work on the weekdays and race them on a Saturday so that only gives the owners on Sunday to buy food - but this Sunday they can't do this."

Mrs Woodward added: "I'm not against the Velothon but I do think the road shouldn't be shut from 8.30am onwards.

"We have a business to run and I wouldn't mind if it were for a few hours."

Daughter Natalie Harding also criticised this morning's roadworks taking place outside of the family-run store.

The 31-year-old said: "The vehicles blocked the entrance to the store so people couldn't get in.

"They were doing up the road for the Velothon.

"We lost a lot of trade which is sad."

This Sunday's cycling event will see thousands of people take part in the event.

Velothon Wales' event director Nigel Russell said: “While we have received unprecedented support from local communities in the build-up to this year’s Velothon Wales, we understand the concerns of those affected by road closures on Sunday, July 9.

"We have worked closely with the five local authorities involved to take lessons from the previous years and develop an alternative that provides a safe environment for the participants as well as minimising the impact on local residents and businesses.

"This means large sections of the route will be reopened, where it is safe to do so, between the amateur sportive and the professional race.  "This will give an opportunity for residents to move away from the event if they need to."