REPAIRS to a damaged telegraph pole at Newcastle Emlyn have brought much-needed relief to affected businesses in the area – but today (Thursday, September 5) brought traffic chaos to the town.

BT engineers turned up to replace the pole at Sycamore Street outside the Pelican Inn which had been knocked down nearly three weeks ago.

The main road through the town was totally closed to all traffic, meaning drivers had to travel to either Cenarth or Henllan to cross the River Teifi.

Many drivers simply ignored the ‘road closed’ signs but then had to turn around when they found the road ahead blocked. It did not help that many farmers were in town to attend a mart sale further adding to the problems.

However, for the traders affected by the damaged telegraph pole, the repairs have not come soon enough.

They had been without telephone landlines, the internet and unable to use card machines for nearly three weeks.

Teleri Jenkins-Davies, from Ty Croeso café and deli, said: “It has been very difficult, especially as there are no longer banks and people are not tending to carry cash as the one cash machine in town is often empty.

“We have been very busy and even if people just want a cup of coffee, they will pay with a card but have not been able to do so. Also customers have been unable to ring in for reservations and suppliers have not been able to contact us. The staff have been using their own mobile phones to place orders.

“It has been a bit of a nightmare for everyone affected, I think.”