A grandmother who recently returned to work after taking two years off to fight breast cancer says refurbishment works at a neighbouring store have been threatening her business.

Jenny Yusufoglu runs Greenhithe Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services in London Road.

But for almost a month, customers have struggled to get to Mrs Yusufoglu’s shop and she has been forced to park some distance from the premises and carry heavy items due to work taking place at the temporarily closed Co-op just a few metres away.

Workers’ vans have been parked outside the small shop, fencing and temporary huts were put up close to the building and signs directed pedestrians away from the entrance, leaving the business owner angry, out of pocket and worried about her health.

The 53-year-old, who had a mastectomy two years ago and isn’t supposed to do any heavy lifting, said: “They’ve taken over the car park and put up a cabin blocking my way. There are signs saying pedestrians can’t walk down the road and get to my shop.

“I usually park my car at the back door but I’m now having to park 50m away.

“I shouldn’t be putting my body under stress.

“My business is going further and further into debt because my customers can’t get to me.

“I have to pay the lady who works for me as well as paying for electricity, water and rent and we only took £24.80 the other day.

“A month of this for my business is like a lifetime. I’m losing about 80% of my takings and I’ve had to borrow money from relatives. The Co-op can afford to make a loss like this, I can’t.”

Mrs Yusufoglu left the business in her son-in-law’s hands for two years while she underwent treatment and was enjoying building it back up again since returning. Doctors have now given her the all-clear.

The mum-of-three and grandmother-of-two, who has run a dry cleaning business in various places for more than 30 years, said she spoke to the workmen and the Co-op but the problem was not resolved.

A Co-op spokesman said: “We are aware of, and investigating, a matter involving our contractors and a local business.”

The company confirmed the Co-op, which has a Post Office inside, was due to reopen today following a £500,000 makeover.

Chris Payne, store manager, said: “We are delighted to have made such a significant investment in our Greenhithe store, it looks great and we are looking forward to welcoming the community into their new-look store."