A BUSINESS specialising in animal grooming has spoken out after a council-employed gardener allegedly smashed into their company van and fled the scene.

Canine Corner, of Afon Terrace, Cwmbran, had only been open for 13 days when the crash happened this week, with witnesses reportedly seeing a contractor hit the vehicle in the Ty-newydd area. Co-owners Aimee Jones, aged 25, and Emma Grenvaldas, aged 29, have expressed their anger at the situation, with the crash leaving a huge dent in one of the van’s side panels.

While the business is still carrying out its collection service, the co-owners are demanding answers on who was responsible for the damage.

Reflecting on the incident, Ms Jones, of Wayfield Crescent, Cwmbran, said: “It was a vehicle towing a trailer, there are eye witnesses that actually seen it happen.

“We’re absolutely gutted we haven’t had the van very long, and the fact that the driver left without informing any one makes it worse.We’re really angry about it.”

She added that while the person may have fled because they thought they would be in trouble, “they’re going to be in more trouble now for not saying anything”.

Although the contractors were working in Torfaen, the vehicle was operated by Monmouthshire County Council on behalf of Torfaen housing firm, Bron Afon Community Housing.

A Monmouthshire council spokeswoman added: “We maintain the Bron Afon sheltered housing facilities on a sub contracted basis.

“We have commenced an investigation into the alleged incident.”

A spokesman for Bron Afon Community Housing said: “Monmouthshire County Council are contracted to maintain the grounds of our retirement complexes.

“We are working with them while they investigate”.

Canine Corner are a group of professional groomers and self-described “animal lovers” offering a range of services and pet supplies. Ms Jones was part of the team that carried on the business from its previous owner and developed her skills while working at the shop before the takeover.

She added: “It couldn’t have been any worse timing. There have been so many phone calls and things to do.”

The animal grooming business is now waiting for a claims form regarding the next protocol from Monmouthshire County Council.

It is also unknown what the repair costs will be.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: “On July 10 at 12.12pm, we received reports of a two-vehicle collision, where one vehicle allegedly collided with a stationary vehicle. This is currently being settled between the parties involved.”