Small businesses reliant on Inner West light rail commuters have already been devastated by the line’s long-term closure.

Morning trade at Dulwich Hill’s Café Calibre is down by at least 40 per cent owner Messi Sahow told Jim Wilson, and patrons have been cancelling their evening table bookings.

If the light rail remains shut for the worst-case scenario of 18 months, “it would be a disaster … I don’t think I can survive”.

Mr Sahow is not currently seeking compensation, but told Jim he would consider action if government officials don’t respond to his concerns.

“I am right at the doorsteps basically, and when I was taking this site on that was my biggest opportunity to catch all those people that [are] catching the light rail.

“I’ve been hurt now.”

Press PLAY below to hear Mr Sahow’s story in full

Image: Getty