HE may have missed out on more than a year’s income, but Yim Chong knew he couldn’t have his cake and eat it when The Circle’s parade was rebuilt.

Mr Chong, 64, is the owner of Pinehurst Fisheries, which occupied one of the three retail units demolished by Swindon Commercial Services (SCS) in August 2013.

John, as he is known to customers, is looking to reopen his door to hungry fish and chip fans tomorrow after closing down last summer for the development, barring any last-minute problems.

As much as he wanted to continue trading, John knew he couldn’t have both the new unit and no disruption to business.

“Obviously, the inconvenience is there, but – how can I put it? – you can’t have your cake and eat it,” he said.

“I was offered a mobile unit to take across the field. I did think about it, but it was a bit of a hassle really.

“There were issues over utilities and storing ingredients, as well as the builders during the development, who had their own equipment and things like that. It was just an inconvenience.

“It’s been traumatic, in one word. It’s the cost and expense involved, isn’t it? Something has got to be done to make the place look nicer and more presentable.

“And hopefully all of us, including myself, customers and everyone else will upkeep the place and appreciate it.”

The wider development, which also flattened and rebuilt the convenience store and hairdressers, cost a total of £1.2m in what was SCS’s final building contract.

John said he had discussions with the landlord and architect over exactly how he wanted his finished unit to look.

And although it was not exactly how he would have liked it, he was pleased with the overall build on a site which was in need of renovation.

“We said yes to it, of course. Obviously we didn’t want to see a dilapidated building which was becoming a site for sore eyes,” said John, who has run the chippy since 1989.

“We have waited a year and a half, but I wouldn’t say the wait was worthless. It’s a step forward, that’s all I can say.”

However, since the building was finished and One Stop opened in the middle unit last month, John has noticed a problem with youths gathering around the area, which appears to be putting off customers.

“We have already got some vandalism going on the bollards outside,” he said. “They have just torn off the reflective tape around the top.

“What I am really concerned about is a lot of youngsters hanging about in the evenings. It’s quite intimidating.”