ANGRY chip shop owner David Wood is so fed up of the roadworks outside his town centre premises he's threatening to stop paying his business rates.

David, who owns Woody's restaurant and takeaway in Eldon Street, says that due to the work his takings are down by 25 per cent - and he blames the council.

He says he understands the work is necessary as part of plans to improve the town centre. But he can't work out why it's taking so long.

He said: "The lay-by across from my shop has been closed and cordoned off for weeks.

"In the same time they have demolished the main library, shops and offices along Shambles Street. Yet along on Eldon Street they can't seem to finish a car parking bay.

"The shop owners were told at the beginning that there would be very little disruption to our businesses."

Coun Roy Miller, cabinet spokesman, said: "We have communicated regularly with local businesses by personal visits and letter-drops to update them on progress. As we have explained in our communications, there was a delay in receiving deliveries of imported granite kerbs.

"The scheme contractor, North Midland Construction, is now receiving the granite kerbs and work is underway towards overall scheme completion in April next year. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but would stress this short-term disruption will be more than outweighed by a town centre that is more attractive to Barnsley residents, businesses and visitors."

** The full story is in the Barnsley Chronicle newspaper, dated September 26. **