A NEWPORT licensee says work on the Southern Distributor Road is crippling his business.

Andy Parker, landlord of the Stonehouse, Lighthouse Road, Newport, said the pub had not attracted the same number of customers since Lighthouse Road closed.

Trade is down by 15 per cent and a staff of 17 reduced to 12, he says. And more staff may have to go unless things pick up.

The road closed a year ago, leaving the pub's regulars to take a circular route to reach the pub - a finalist in the 2002 South Wales Argus Restaurant of the Year competition.

Mr Parker said: "After our main entrance via Lighthouse Road had been blocked off trade slumped. The afternoon trade is now non-existent and the evening trade has slacked off, leaving us in a pretty poor position." The pub had enjoyed a year- on increase in trade of between 12 and 15 per cent, but that has stopped. The Christmas period showed a further slump of 4 per cent.

Mr Parker said he accepted the SDR is vital for Newport's growth - but was "amazed" no-one from the council contacted him over the closure. He added: "On top of that no-one has inquired whether we needed road signs to show where we are."

Local councillor Garry Brown said: "I believe compensation should be made to a small business like this, affected by the long-term problems of the SDR."

A Newport council spokeswoman said that the council were sympathetic with Mr Parker, saying he should contact them directly with his concerns.