A PONTYPOOL publican claims he is losing trade after last- minute work on the town's regeneration scheme blocked off his pub to customers.

David Wilcock, landlord of the Globe Hotel in Crane Street, Pontypool, was furious when workmen began resurfacing work outside his pub yesterday after giving less than 24 hours' notice.

As work began barriers went up outside the Globe leaving no access for customers.

Torfaen council claim the works are part of the final stages of the town's 11 million regeneration scheme, but shoppers and traders are angry that work has overrun by more than two months.

The scheme was scheduled to last 44 weeks. New stores have opened but a year later on is still being carried out.

Mr Wilcock said he was hit hard during the main phase of the regeneration, losing 1,000 a day, and he fears the new works could ruin his business.

"I was absolutely devastated when I came home and found all this going on," said Mr Wilcock. "I had to move a load of railings to get in my garage.

"There is simply no safe access for my customers. Who would want to come here for a meal and a quiet drink with the noise and smell of asphalt?"