No valid explanation has been given for the months of disruption caused to a business on Quay Street, Haverfordwest, says a shop owner.

Scaffolding had been erected outside Art n Antiques, and two neighbouring shops on Quay Street, Haverfordwest, last July as part of the publicly-funded county council group repair project.

Art n Antiques shopkeeper, David Gardner, was told that work would last two to three weeks, but the scaffolding was only recently removed.

Mr Gardner said: "It was in fact seven months before the scheme was finally finished, during which time the scaffolding created a major obstacle and safety hazard for pedestrians, a serious disruption to my business and yet another eyesore in town.

"The council representative responsible for managing the scheme could neither provide a valid explanation for the debacle, nor express any regret for the long-term disruption or the waste of public money."

Mr Gardner believes that council officials showed no concern and did not accept any responsibility.

"The crass planning and organisation which affects residents and visitors is unacceptable.

"People would come in saying they didn't realise we were open, people would cross the road to avoid the scaffolding. Life is tough enough as it is for small businesses," Mr Gardner added.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: "The work had originally been programmed to take place earlier but delays were encountered in obtaining agreements with neighbouring properties.

"Unfortunately, work on the property was then delayed by a further ten weeks because the repairs to the existing bay window were considered to be an inadequate solution and a new bay window needed to be ordered. This unforeseen work was an addition to the original schedule.

"Bad weather and some cornice detailing also led to unforeseen delays."