AN HISTORIC Gwent town is becoming embroiled in a trading dispute which is threatening to result in business closure.

Caerleon restaurant owner Ashuk Miah wants to stay open late but says the local council's "unprecedented" refusal of his request is encouraging unfair competition.

The Bagan Tandoori, in Cross Street, wants the extension from 11am to midnight because other similar premises within walking distance carry on until 12.30am and even 2am. It also wants to offer a takeaway service.

Mr Miah has received 63 letters of support from customers and residents in the town and says he will be forced to shut if restrictions are not lifted. Eight letters objecting to the application have also been received.

In an increasingly bitter dispute, Newport city council's planning committee last week again opposed the restaurant's application and a request to serve takeaway food.

In a report, council officers said evidence showed that some of the late-night disturbances in Cross Street could be attributed to customers leaving the restaurant.

Curro's restaurant next door, it said, had less onerous planning conditions but rarely opened late and attracted "a different clientele" which drew no complaints.

But one of the letters of support expressed annoyance at the way "a few people" should dictate how the rest of the community in Caerleon should dine out.

Another said the Bagan was well-run and supported the local community. One resident said hostelries and restaurants were essential to Caerleon's tourist trade.

The restaurant admits to having breached its planning conditions but says this is because it is being unfairly discriminated against.

Mr Miah said noise in the Cross Street area could be attributed to his customers.

However, residents living nearby have repeatedly lodged complaints, though one of the supporting letters is from a few doors away.

"The Bagan has always had a good, friendly relationship with all its neighbours," said Mr Miah. "We do take steps to minimise the noise level at the front of the restaurant by encouraging all customers to leave through the rear and also by making sure taxis only pick up our customers there.

"If the conditions are not removed the restaurant will have to shut down."

In recommending refusal, the committee agreed with an officers' report which said later opening would encourage people to dwell in the area beyond traditional pub closing times and give rise to additional late-night noise.

A takeaway service would create parking problems with increased noise and disturbance.