GARAGE owner Dave Beadell is going up the wall after scaffolding and building work blocked the entrance to his business.

Dave, who runs Dave's Garage in Back Wellington Street, Accrington, says his customers can no longer get to his workshop. He says he has had to turn away loyal customers seeking repairs - and is going to seek compensation after being forced to close the garage.

Dave has been in business at the garage since 1982 and says a busy working day can bring in around 20 customers.

But that has been reduced to a trickle of traffic since scaffolding went up behind Poplar Working Men's Club opposite the garage.

Dave, who lives in Haslingden, said: "They are repairing a wall at the back of the club, and the scaffolding which has gone up is denying us access. "We are losing money hand over fist at the moment and whoever we complain to seems to pass the buck.

"The council gave the club a licence for the work, but we believe that was on condition the builders didn't block our access. We have heard nothing from the club committee.

"We've taken advice about getting compensation for the lost work, because this might go on for another two weeks.

"I wouldn't say it will drive us out of business because I'm sure our loyal customers will eventually come back.

"But at the moment it is a case of men at work stopping men working!"

The club's secretary, who would not give his full name, said he was not prepared to comment on the matter.

A spokesman for Hyndburn Council said: "Poplar Working Men's Club applied and were given a licence to erect scaffolding to repair a dangerous wall.

"Unfortunately it appears to make access to Mr Beadell's business more difficult.

"Our legal department are aware of Mr Beadell's objections and the matter is currently with them."

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