A number of businesses in Ystrad Mynach have been badly affected after a car crashed into the Beech Tree Fish bar in Bedwlwyn Road.
Chip shop owner Angelo Platoni was serving customers when the red Renault Kadjar crashed into the building on Wednesday, February 20.
The Welsh Ambulance Service said three people were taken to Prince Charles Hospital after the incident, which happened at around 6.50pm.
Angelo has owned the business for over 30 years and is staying with relatives after the building was declared unsafe by council building engineers.
A council spokeswoman said, “The building has been assessed and is currently in an unsafe condition. Our building control team are working with the owner of the building and his insurers to make the situation safe and therefore allow the roads to reopen as soon as possible.”
The financial cost of the accident is mounting for local businesses as the roads around the corner fish shop were closed.
Alex James owns the next door catering business, C37 Catering and tea room, and has been badly hit after her gas and electricity had to be turned off due to the structural damage to the chip shop.
“We have already lost over 20 bookings for parties and buffets and have had to issue refunds to customers.
“I have been ringing people to cancel their bookings, including many birthday cakes.
“Because of the loss of electricity we have had to throw away a lot of stock.
“The main problem is the gas supply is shared to the building and runs under the road. Work was carried out over the weekend and I am hopeful we will be back open for business soon.
“We employ 14 staff in the business and just do not know when they will be paid until after I have spoken to the insurance company,” Alex said.
Other businesses in the area are also talking to their insurance companies as passing trade has been badly hit.
Sandra Payne from Bluebelles Gift Shop has also been affected and explained how they have had only one customer since the crash.
“People are assuming I am not open and are just not coming along.”
David Price owns D Emplyn Lloyd Ironmongers and has been there for 50 years.
“We are still open for business and want to let people know they can come down.”
There is a one-way system in operation around the town centre.
A Gwent Police spokesperson confirmed to Caerphilly Observer that no arrests have been made so far but enquiries are ongoing.