A PONTYPOOL garage owner claims work to improve a small access lane could ruin his business.

Torfaen council started work last week to improve the lane off Limekiln Road, Pontnewynydd, known locally as 'the un-named lane'. But Stephen Disarra, owner of S&G Motors, said the work blocked the lane and cost him a day's worth of trade.

He now fears further work could cost him dearly. "It's the only means of access into this property," said Mr Disarra. "The lane was closed for a whole morning. It disrupted things quite considerably."

Previously Mr Disarra and residents living in the lane relied on a bridge for access to their properties. But that was closed for safety reasons in August 2003.

Mr Disarra said: "Since the bridge shut business has dropped by 60%. The bridge closure has had a catastrophic effect on the business and now they are kicking me when I am down.

"When the lane was shut nothing could come in and nothing could come out. I need to get vehicles in to work on. When they block it again I'm not going to be able to work. How can I earn a living? This could ruin me."

Trevethin councillors John Marshall and Lewis Jones, Torfaen council's deputy leader, have backed residents who want the bridge reopened. Councillor Jones said: "When financial circumstances allow that bridge will be reopened. The lane as it is now is certainly not an ideal situation and the work will probably cause more disruption."

Councillor John Cunningham, executive member for operational services, said highway improvements were needed after the bridge closure to improve safety and access for residents.

He said: "We fully consulted with residents over the nature and timing of these works and indeed the majority of these works have been carried out at the request of local residents.

"Works involve highway widening and improvements to the junction and were carried out primarily on Sundays over the last four weeks under a road closure notice to minimise disruption.

"On every occasion local residents have needed access we have worked together with them to ensure they have the access they require." He said work will end by the week beginning May 2.