A GREENOCK jeweller who has lost £10k so far due to disruption caused by the West Blackhall Street regeneration project was left furious when her store was completely blocked off by a hole in the ground and fencing.

Sovereign owner Hassia Chalmers was left in tears when she arrived to open up her shop for the day only to discover that there was no way in.

She was blocked from her premises just days after she had highlighted the impact that the £3m upgrade scheme is having on her business.

Since it began back in January Hassia says passing trade has slumped, and she struggles to take in £20 most days.

Greenock Telegraph: West Blackhall Street jeweller Hassia Chalmers

The £3.2m investment is an attempt to revive the fortunes of the once-thriving Greenock street.

But Hassia, of Sovereign Jeweller, says traders like her are suffering badly.

She said: "I turned up and there was a big hole in front of my shop, with no walkway to get in. It was completely blocked off.

"I was absolutely heartbroken. I have no chance of surviving this.

"It is a disgrace. I had to go and find one of the contractors and ask them to do something to get my shop open.

"They said they were sorry but thought no one was in there. "

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Businesswoman Hassia has previously hit out in the Tele over the revamp and appealed for help from Inverclyde Council.

The latest twist has left her business on the brink.

Hassia said: "The start of the year has been a total financial disaster. It has never, ever been this bad before. I am at my wits end and I don't know where else to turn. I feel like there is no point coming in and opening up."

West Blackhall Street is undergoing a major transformation with the existing road layout being replaced with a one-way system straight through from Westburn Street to Grey Place.

There will be parking down one side of the street only and new paving slabs and benches are being installed.

The project is funded by Inverclyde Council and Sustrans Scotland through their Places for Everyone scheme and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).

The aim is to create additional space for pedestrians and cyclists, including seating areas and a better environment with trees, planters and improved lighting.

But the impact of the project has been strongly criticised by local businesses including Hassia, amid calls for compensation and a reduction in business rates.

A council spokesperson told the Tele that there was only a ten minute delay in Hassia's shop opening.

She added: “During the ongoing investment to improve West Blackhall Street, our contractors are working sympathetically to business’s needs by working outside business hours to ensure any disruption is minimised.

“Our contractor is in regular contact with businesses in West Blackhall Street, including Ms Chalmers.

“Work was taking place last Wednesday morning outside Ms Chalmers' shop and our contractors were in the process of reinstating the temporary access and making the area safe in time for the shop opening when she arrived.

“We are making a £3.2 million investment in what is Greenock’s traditional high street to encourage more people to visit this area and improve it for everyone, including traders."