A GREENGROCER claimed today that nearby building work is losing him trade.

Abid Hussain, owner of Zamzan and Sons, on Devonport Road, Blackburn, said contractors' vans were taking up road space and forcing his usual customers to go elsewhere as there is nowhere for them to park.

He claimed it has cost him at least 35 per cent of his business.

"The parking around here is bad enough as it is but these vehicles are right outside my shop and customers are driving off when they see they cannot park," said Mr Hussain.

"I have been to see the foreman and have asked them politely to park away from the shop but nothing happens. I am losing my trade and I have had enough of it."

The three different construction firms are working on houses nearby and as well as work vehicles, Mr Hussain said builders were parking their private cars there. "If it was just wagons loading and unloading that would be different," he said. "But some are coming in their cars, parking outside my shop and going to work. What use is that to me?"

The firms are Brian Lee's Contractors, Henry Ibbotson & Son, both of Blackburn, and Baas Construction Ltd, of Burnley, who undertaking regeneration work for Blackburn with Darwen Council on Devonport Road.

Gavin Crossley, site agent for Baas, said the whole area was "a bit of a nightmare" but agreed to compromise.

"It's a struggle with all the different contractors. There are scaffold wagons and skips coming in, but I have told the lads to park away from his shop, which they will from now on."

Michael McNulty, surveyor for Brian Lees, said workers and Mr Hussain were "working together."

"We are trying to appease Mr Hussain and come up with a solution for us all. We will be gone in three weeks and then it should be back to normal."

Picture: Abid Hussain, owner of Zamzan and Sons, claims that nearby building work is losing him trade