ANGRY traders say a delay to bridge works in Llanhilleth is severely damaging business.

They claim the old Cwm Cyffin Bridge has been shut needlessly for almost three months as refurbishment work has yet to begin and say trade has dropped by up to 50 per cent because customers who usually use the bridge are forced to make a two-mile detour.

The bridge, which links Llanhilleth Industrial Estate with the A467, was closed at the end of January by Network Rail and a sign saying work was due to commence for eight weeks from January 31 was put up.

Residents living by the industrial estate who want to access the village’s shops by car have to travel through the industrial estate, onto the A467 and through Aberbeeg to access the centre of the village.

People can still get over the bridge on foot.

Gareth Short, who runs Short’s Butchers in Commercial Road, said: “I’ve been running this shop for 30 years and I’ve never seen anything like it, it’s a ghost town.

“I’ve lost half my trade and all for no reason because work hasn’t even begun yet.”

Shaun Hall, who runs Llanhilleth Stores in Meadow Street, said: “It’s an absolute nightmare, my takings are down by 50 per cent some days and nothing seems to be being done.”

Llanhilleth councillor Mike Bartlett said: “They shouldn’t have closed the bridge until work was ready to begin and there’s still no sign of work beginning so this could go on for weeks.

“When they said they would be finished within eight weeks they gave us a schedule and that hasn't been stuck to."

A council spokesman said: “The safety of pedestrians is paramount. We had to close the bridge to traffic so people can cross safely on foot.

“We have to apply to Network Rail for way leaves and easements. We regret that we still have outstanding issues. This includes what work is essential to the road bridge owned by Network Rail.”

He said work would continue on improvements and thanked residents for their patience.