A café owner fears her business is being damaged by a retail trailer parked in front of her premises.

Sibel Kussan, 33, who owns The Snack Bar, in Heathway, Dagenham, has petitioned the council about a Virgin Media trailer which has been stationed in the front of the shop for 10 months.

Despite consent from the council to position the trailer in the loading bay, Sibel maintains it is having an effect on business.

She said: “People only see the trailer and miss the café. It’s losing me customers and means I won’t be able to afford the business rates.

“When I park my car there, I get fined £55 and it’s not fair.

“I’ve had my shop for 10 years and the council should be supporting small businesses not taking money from them.”

A Virgin spokesman said: “One of our retail lite outlets is based in Station Parade with the full permission of Barking and Dagenham Council.

“We’re pleased to be basing one of our teams in the area and are speaking to The Snack Bar to understand any concerns they may have.”

A council spokesman has confirmed that the trailer will remain on the site and believes that the council have to look at ways of generating income through council assets.

He said: “The council does not agree with Mrs Kussan’s view as she has had numerous visits from the council on a number of occasions.”