As a locally owned business, he decided it was the right thing to do for the community to close his doors once the stay-at-home orders came into place, despite the fact it was classed as an essential service.

Then it was extended, so he reopened in order to not lose out on too much business to his competitors, and after it was extended again the only way he could viably stay open was to put off staff.

As the lockdown enters another week, with more looking likely as Tamworth sewage continues to return traces of COVID-19, he is running out of patience.

"Whilst we can open, no one is coming outside, it's as though there's an apocalypse in Tamworth," he said.

"When I say no one, I mean the regular customers that normally come to town - the farmers - are staying away."

The business is being impacted more now than during the drought, even though it has been altered to allow for on-site COVID-safe services where staff travel to customers' properties.

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Owners of tourism and hospitality businesses are among Mr Leicht's other major customers, he claims, meaning their loss in turnover is flowing onto him.

He revealed this has led to him being unable to pay for his accountant to go through the finances and apply for government support

After raising this with government officials, he claims he was told to just check if it could be done pro bono.

"I don't know how it works in the state government but people won't work for nothing, I can't get the accountant to do anything for me if I I'm not paying them," he said.

"They won't work for nothing, I don't work for nothing."

He stated he was at his "wits' end" and believes others are too, but don't speak out about it because they fear being "branded" by some members of the public.

Having already reduced staff from four to three, with two of those three now sharing limited hours, Mr Leicht said he's afraid how bad the situation could get, especially if no assurances over the end of lockdown can be provided.

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