A CAFE owner in Cardrona believes he's being driven out of business by ongoing building and road works.

Chris Nash has been brewing up at the Old Station building for the past four years.

His Nashy's Coffee House was not only popular with locals but also dozens of cyclists and walkers who passed each day.

But over the past year a housing development on neighbouring land has seen his takings cut reduce by more than a half.

Noise and dust from the building site along with road and parking restrictions have been putting customers off.

Chris told us: "Last year at this time I had five staff working for me, today it's just me and one staff member.

"I've been close to calling it a day a few times.

"There have been times when the water's been cut off, others when fencing was erected in front of the cafe, and now there are traffic lights at the door - this is day four of a hole being dug in the road outside.

"There's nowhere now for customers to park and the ones who are walking or cycling can't sit out like they used to."

Nashy's Coffee House has received more than 150 rave online reviews from delighted customers since the doors first opened in 2015.

And it had become one of the most popular stops for walkers and cyclists in the Tweed Valley.

Problems first began when approval was granted for affordable housing to be built on neighbouring land.

Mr Nash has since written to both Eildon Housing and Scottish Borders Council regarding the ongoing issues.

A spokesperson from Eildon Housing Association told us: “We have written to Mr Nash suggesting a way forward on the issues he has raised.

"This involves an independent assessment of any relationship between the current building works and the impact on his business.”

Scottish Borders Council claim that access has been maintained to the coffee house throughout the works.

And they recommend that Mr Nash contacts Business Gateway for help.

Mr Nash has contacted local councillors and politicians, including Christine Grahame and David Mundell, with pleas for help.

He added: "I don't want this business to fail - it was all going so well."