THE owner of a Leyland takeaway claims he is facing abuse and violence because the council insists he closes an hour before midnight.

Zuhoor Mujahid, who owns Montana's, in Southern Towngate, says he faces angry drinkers, some of whom throw glass bottles when they emerge from the nearby pubs after 11pm.

The father of one said: "It's so busy, even though we stop taking orders at 11pm, we are still handing out food at half past so people get angry when we say were closed.

"Then they go mad and hurl glasses, bottles and abuse at us. I am petrified of these people.

"We want to serve them -- we are losing 80 per cent of our business because we thrive between 11pm and 12pm."

Zuhoor has 200 names on a petition from Leyland residents who want the extra hour to get their supper.

He said: "I don't think that we cause a problem because nobody lives directly on this street, the nearest residents are set back on Fox Lane.

"It just seems really unfair because there are takeaways at the other end of Towngate, like McDonalds and Th'owd Chippy that are open until midnight."

Councillor Derek Forrest, said: "I agree with Mr Mujahid but there is a considerable difference of opinion among councillors in this area.

"We do not want people causing a disturbance at all hours of the night but there should be a certain amount of equality between Leyland's takeaways."

Police Chief Inspector Dave Lea said: "The cut off time was imposed as a result of nuisance noise complaints from nearby residents.

"Since then there have been a number of incidents where frustrated customers are causing a scene because they want food after leaving the pub. We feel that we would ask for the closing to take place at midnight because drinkers are now creating more noise as a result not getting food."

A council spokesman said: "Mr Mujahid was opening after 11pm so he was paid a visit. We served an enforcement order on him -- the situation now is that he has applied to be open until midnight at weekends."