Owners of a Luton garage are furious with the council after being evicted from their premises to make room for the new inner ring road.
A Team Vehicle Services relocated from Midland Road to Flowers Industrial Estate in July after the premises they rent was compulsory purchased by the council.
Rob Johnson, 52, who runs the business with Paul Button, 52, said although they had known the relocation might happen, they were only told they had to leave suddenly.
Mr Johnson said: “We got a letter on April 18 saying they wanted us out by May, but we eventually left on July 1. They sent threatening letters and said they would send bailiffs round, but we should have been given three to six months notice to move. We had to find a new premises and get it all fitted out, and find the money to pay for it.
“If it hadn’t been for Paul receiving some inheritance, we wouldn’t have been able to pay the first six months’ rent. The council promised us compensation but we haven’t heard a single thing from them since. We lost three weeks’ worth of business while we relocated and tried to find the money to get the electrics and new ramps fitted at the new place.”
A Luton Borough Council spokesman said A Team Vehicle Services have been kept fully informed.
The spokesman said: “Following a public inquiry, the council compulsory purchased the A Team building in April. Additional time was given for the company to relocate. Professional advisors were employed by A Team (which will be paid for by the council) to assist in their relocation. Owing to the failure of the company to relocate and the imminent demolition of the building, a further notice was served requiring them to vacate the site by June 25. Compensation will be paid in accordance with the Compulsory Purchase Compensation Code on submission of a valid claim. No such claim has been received to date.”