GARDEN centre boss Derek York is urging businesses affected by the Tamar road closures in Leigh to slam in compensation demands against United Utilities to the small claims court.

Clarefarm owner Derek, who has fought and won a previous battle with North West Water, says the legal system is the only way to act against the 'big boys'.

Derek, who bought the Nel Pan Lane, Leigh, centre three years ago, says the takings in his growing concern have plunged in the month the Leigh Road sewer work has been underway and his customer flow is down by half.

Biggest business

He said: "This is the biggest business in the area and no-one consulted me about this work which has taken us to the brink of considering closure. I am worried for myself, but I am more concerned about my 10 staff.

"We have lost the bank holidays, our best days, and are carrying stock which we will have to throw away but which still has to be paid for. If we had been told we could have reduced our orders. My pockets are only so deep. I put everything I had into buying this business and have seen it grow only to be badly hit by loss of custom through these road closures.

"Having dealt with these people before I sent them an invoice for losses after the first two weeks and another this week for the second two weeks.

"So far I have received no acknowledgement but I can assure you that I can prove them and if I don't receive a cheque by Monday I shall be at the small claims court issuing proceedings against them.

"This is the only way to act. I would urge all the small businesses affected to get their claims banged in on a weekly basis by recorded delivery. Claims under £10,000 can be dealt with faster by the small claims court.

Road closure

"There's no point playing Mr Nice Guy. I am not concerned about the road closure I am concerned about the effect on business. I can't believe it is taking so long to do the stretch of road. You can built a similar stretch of motorway in a month."

I'll be at the meeting to tell them what I think, but the legal system is the one way to sort it for the average person."

A United Utilities spokesman said: "If any businesses have lost takings because of the road works it is a matter for them to write to the company and each case will be considered on its merits."