TRADERS in a thriving Valleys town are calling for urgent talks over fears they will go to the wall because of a major construction project.

More than 40 traders in Blackwood town centre have joined forces to complain about the lack of consultation over the bus station redevelopment.

Work on the £2 million, 38- week project to renovate Blackwood's bus station begins in September.

In April the Argus reported on the concerns of market traders in Blackwood about how the works could affect their businesses through noise, dust pollution and a loss of passing trade.

Now it seems their counterparts on the High Street, the Market Place and Gravel Lane are just as worried.

Rob Wiseman, who owns the Spangles shop and acts as representative of traders in the Market Place and Gravel Lane, said: "I think this project could take away as much as 60 per cent to 70 per cent of our trade.

"It would write our businesses off and I would imagine most of the local shops would be severely impacted."

He added: "This work starts at the beginning of our Christmas period, when we should be trying to ferry people into Blackwood and not put them off from coming here.

"It's one almighty shambles because we have not been consulted at all."

The traders are now looking to enter into consultation to see if the impact of the bus station project on them can be lessened.

Some traders are talking of a rates holiday and a compensation package to make up for the financial losses they will suffer.

Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge said: "This is a serious situation and we must help the traders as a matter of urgency.

"I have written to the chief executive requesting a meeting as a matter of priority. These works will have a devastating effect on trade."

He added: "I want urgent positive action taken. People will accuse me of scaremongering but these traders have approached me and they are desperate."