THE owner of Refrigeration Discount says he will be frozen out of Newton Abbot if a major new road scheme goes ahead.

The proposal – which includes blocking off part of Broadlands Avenue – will make it impossible for customers to reach his long-established family business without taking a time-wasting and difficult detour.

Phil Higginson who has run the firm in Highweek Road for 25 years pointed out that it was already difficult for people to reach his shop but this plan would make it far worse.

He turned his anger on Devon County Council, saying: 'If it isn't this it's something else, they hit me all the time. As far as they are concerned I don't exist.

'There is no consideration for the small businessman. I'm proud to be a businessman, who wouldn't be?' Mr Higginson said. But he complained that dealing with the council was 'like hitting your head against a brick wall.'

He went on: 'It's as if someone, somewhere, says whose life shall we wreck today?'

Then he made his dramatic threat: 'We've been down this road so many times. If this goes ahead I'll be turning the key.'

Mr Higginson, who lives in Old Exeter Road, said; 'I love the town, I can even understand where they are coming from, being worried about the safety of the kids. But it's the lack of consultation that annoys me. They've put pen to paper and as far as they are concerned that's it.'

He stressed that he employed four people – and last year had a turnover of £300,000 – and all he was trying to do was make a living for his staff and himself.

He had thought about moving into a unit but the business rates were too expensive. His next move is to protest to Teignbridge MP Richard Younger-Ross.

Mike Bomford of Devon County Council's media department insisted that Mr Higginson wouldn't be isolated, but admitted that he didn't know the area.

'The shop will still have pedestrian and cycle access,' he added.

But Mr Bomford was quick to stress that the ideas were only proposals and a three day exhibition would be held in Highweek Village Hall next week.

'That's what public consultation is all about,' he said.