FIVE Newport priests who feared the town centre's growing number of nightclubs and pubs would drive them from their Stow Hill home are poised to secure a major victory.

The five priests and a pastoral assistant - members of the Rosminian Community/Institute of Charity - warned they would consider quitting their Stow Hill home if plans for a new pub opposite it were approved.

But the scheme to turn the Acorn Recruitment offices in to a pub/cafe are recommended for rejection when it goes before a Planning committee meeting of Newport council.

Planning officers have listened to complaints from priests and other residents, and are recommending councillors throw out the plans when they meet tomorrow.

Last month, the Argus reported how the priests were considering moving away from their home because of problems with late-night drunken rowdiness. Father Joe Mullen, who lives at the St Mary's Presbytery, said any further licensed premises could force them to find a new home, ending a century-old tradition.

And Newport planning officers say any further premises on Stow Hill would impinge on residents, already suffering anti-social problems caused by late night clubbers and pubgoers. Father Mullen has written to Newport council leader Sir Harry Jones, as well as local councillors, MPs and AMs to express his concerns.

And Stow Hill ward councillor John Marsh, voiced his opposition to the plans, saying: "I think there is over-provision in the town to start with and we don't need another licensed premises, especially in front of the presbytery."