TRADERS in Ebbw Vale say they have been let down yet again after the opening of the refurbished multi-storey car park was delayed.

A £1.8 million facelift of the car park - once dubbed the ugliest building in Wales - was supposed to finish this month.

But it is already three months after the original completion date, and the car park is not due to open for another month.

Chairman of the Ebbw Vale Forum, Phillip Edwards, said: "Businesses in this town are devastated because the car park is closed.

"I don't think the council realise how it is affecting trade and we are angry because they didn't inform us."

The car park in Ebbw Vale has been closed for a year, shutting last January for major refurbishment.

The car park was due to remain closed until November last year but renovation work was delayed. The cost so far is approximately £1.9 million.

Mr Edwards added: "I am bitterly disgusted that the council has not given us any information - I found out the car park was going to be delayed from someone else. "They say it's because of the weather but the workmen were sent home when it snowed and were back the next day. I just want them to tell us the truth.

"Our livelihoods are at stake and it would be nice if they didn't keep us in the dark." The multi-storey is under going external improvements and there will be a new lift, staircase and improved lighting.

The work is being carried out in partnership between the Welsh Development Agency, Blaenau Gwent council and Sterling Developments.

A council spokeswoman said: "The contractors Midas have made an application for an allowance for delay due to inclement weather. This claim is still being considered by the architect."