A business boss has accused Bradford-based Yorkshire Water of hard-heartedness in slashing the amount they promised to pay in compensation for his loss of business.

Mark Atkinson has been told by the firm it is to cut £1,250 from the amount he believes he is owned due to lost revenue as a result the closure of the Coach Street car park in Skipton.

Yorkshire Water is carrying out a £1m scheme to construct an underground storm water tank beneath the car park. It started in January and was due to be completed by the end of March, but is now going to drag on until July because unforeseen obstacles.

Mr Atkinson’s accountant has calculated that he is due £3,250 but he has been told he will get just over £2,000.

He claimed the company had told him it was only prepared to pay £1,000 immediately as an interim payment and if that is disputed the cash would be delayed.

Mr Atkinson, who runs AJB Interiors in Coach Street, said his business was in “grave danger” of closing as a result of this.

A Yorkshire Water spokesman said: “This project is vital to help reduce the risk of flooding in previously flood-prone areas by significantly increasing the capacity of our sewerage network through a large underground waste water storage tank.

“Of course, we recognise that a project of this magnitude is always likely to result in some disruption and we continue to work hard to minimise this wherever possible and fully support any local businesses that feel they've been negatively impacted.

“An interim payment has been made to Mr Atkinson whilst the work is still ongoing and we continue to review and respond to any new claims on an ongoing basis.”