By Mark Andrews

Copyright expressandstar

The council has said that the stretch of Darlington Street, between Chapel Ash island and Red Lion Street, is expected to reopen to traffic before November 21, as the scheme nears completion.

But Michael Rocco, who owns Rocco’s Italian restaurant, says trade had plummeted by 75 per cent since the work had begun, leaving him £25,000 out of pocket.

He said it would take months for his business to recover from the damage the scheme had caused, and said it was touch and go as to whether he would be able to survive.

Mr Rocco said other businesses in the area were suffering.

“They said the work would be finished by July, then they said it would be October, now it’s November 21, it’s just ridiculous,” he said.

“It’s completely killed my lunchtime trade. I have been here for 11 years. The only reason I am still here is because there is just me and my chef working here. I’m having to do everything, I’m even having to clean the floors at. I didn’t think I would be having to do that at 65.”

Mr Rocco said the increase in car parking charges had also hit trade, with the Fold Street car park opposite rarely having more than 10 cars after 5pm.