A CAFÉ owner claims one of his busiest trading weekends of the year could be blighted by “the building site” on his doorstep.

George Dixon, who runs Batastinis on Commercial Road, Bournemouth, said: “Times are tough enough without workmen leaving their machinery, plastic piping and a portable toilet on the street outside.

“There have been gas leaks in the area and I know work has to be carried out to update the system.

“But I don’t see why all the equipment has to be left throughout the Bank Holiday weekend while no work is actually being carried.

“One of my customers who relies on a mobility frame had difficulty getting into the café this morning because of the plastic pipes on the pavement. We are in an area frequented by pub and club goers and my fear is that the plastic piping will be tampered with and could cause an accident.”

Mr Dixon added: “We pay the same rates as traders in the town centre but feel that the Triangle area doesn’t receive the same consideration.

“I was asked if I minded a portable toilet being positioned outside my café; when I protested they moved it around the corner.

“Our rent and rates are already crippling; several businesses have recently closed in the area. This is the last thing we need during what is normally a very busy Bank Holiday weekend.”

Southern Gas Networks spokeswoman Samantha O’Connor told the Daily Echo: “We have an agreement with our regulator Ofgem and the HSE to replace the ageing iron mains with polyethylene plastic piping, in what is essential work. We are mindful of the effects that our replacement works have on local residents, businesses and motorists and are working closely with the local authority.”

She added: “We have been in close contact with Mr Dixon and have been flexible with our working conditions to reduce any inconvenience.”