PONTYPOOL'S Elm House has a new owner. The former Pontypool RFC clubhouse on the town bridge has been bought by Newport-based bar and club-owner Iftekhar Haris.

He bought it from former rugby club benefactor Bob Jude two weeks ago. Mr Haris said he plans to create the town's premier music venue and restaurant - and it could be open in the next three months.

His plans include operating Elm House as a private members' club with a restaurant on the top floor, live performances on the first floor and a bar/restaurant on the ground floor.

Mr Haris already owns four venues in Newport. "This is about bringing high-quality entertainment to Pontypool," he said. "I think it's lacking such a place at the moment.

"There is a desire for it but people are probably driving elsewhere for it. "I hope this will add to the culture of the town.

"We'll be putting food first, entertainment second and drinking third," said the 37-year-old businessman.

"We'll be looking for daytime trade from local businesses. "Business people looking for lunches in Pontypool aren't well catered for at all during the day."

Mr Haris is now planning to renovate the building before it re-opens. "I may still call it Elm House. There could be room for involvement with the rugby club; I know about the close links there used to be. I hope to talk to the club but I don't know what those links could be yet."

Flooring company boss Bob Jude bought Elm House for use by the rugby club in 2002.

But following an acrimonious split, he continued running it as a bar/restaurant. Mr Jude bought the building from liquidators Pannell Kerr Forster, Cardiff, in 2002 for an undisclosed sum, but believed to be around £50,000.

It was then advertised for sale for around £190,000.