A Keighley store owner says he has lost business and is set to lose more as five-week-long gasworks by United Utilities show no sign of ending.

Chimanlal Patel — who has owned South Street News and Wine for four years — said the work being done opposite his store was costing him at least 10-15 per cent of his trade.

He said: “People park on the opposite side of the road to visit my shop but now they can’t because of the work, so I am losing my passing trade. This has gone on for weeks and weeks now, I have repeatedly tried to get a response from United Utilities for when the work will end but they will not give me one.” But Gwen Evans, from United Utilities, said a gas escape was being repaired and a safe supply to the area was essential.

She said: “We would like to thank people for their patience while it is carried out.

“Our excavation is on the opposite side of the road to the traders’ premises. We have worked hard to minimise disruption.” She said engineers had regularly updated traders but because the work was classed as “emergency” as opposed to “planned” they would not be entitled to any compensation for loss of business. Ms Evans added: “We never take chances with gas safety and will remain in the area until we are certain that the gas supply is completely safe.”