A GREENOCK carpet store owner claimed he had been forced to shut up shop and relocate his business after roadworks allegedly caused his takings to plummet by 80 per cent.

Gordon MacLeod, left, said the massive project to return two-way traffic to Inverkip Street hit him hard in the pocket.

And he reckoned the disruption, coupled with flooding problems, had made it impossible for him to continue trading from the same spot.

He told the Tele he was moving out of his Inverkip Street premises and relocating his business to Cathcart Street in the town centre.

He said: “I’ve been here for five years and I’m not happy at being forced out, especially at this time of year, but my business has suffered so much.

“The pavement has been dug up three times and the railings outside my shop have been taken on and off in the last week.

"This has crippled me. My takings are 80 per cent down on this time last year.”

A £145,000 improvements programme had been under way on the A78 for several weeks.

Gordon MacLeod's concerns were reported in the Tele on this day in 2010.Gordon MacLeod's concerns were reported in the Tele on this day in 2010. (Image: Newsquest)

The works were hit by delays because of bad weather, but were due to be completed by Sunday, December 5.

The shopkeeper says flooding, which hits the area year after year, has also hampered his business.

He added: “I blame the council and Amey. Nobody seems to be held accountable for the length of time it’s taken to fix a small stretch of road and it still isn’t finished.

“Some days, there isn’t anyone working on it at all and the next day, there’s 20 men out there."

A spokesperson for Amey said: “When planning these vital works to prepare the network for the return to two-way traffic we liaised with each local business to understand their needs and build these into the delivery of this project.