RESTAURANT owner Geoffrey Beetlestone has become the latest businessman to hit out at Blackburn with Darwen Council's controversial 'A-boards' policy.

He is closing down the highly-rated Beetlestone's restaurant next to Blackburn Library on January 2 and quitting the town because of a fall-off in business.

The Anglicised American restaurateur says the council's A-board ban, together with the new gates on Town Hall Street, have had a drastic effect on trade.

Beetlestone's is due to be included in next year's Michelin Guide to the best restaurants in the country but, after three years, Mr Beetlestone says he cannot carry on.

"Business has slumped drastically," he admitted.

"When I put my A-boards out I got customers for five tables. People said 'We've found you at last'.

"Customers also think they can't get down here anymore because of these new gates." Mr Beetlestone, 40, said diners were also worried about parking in Blackburn centre at night and risking getting their cars vandalised.

"The bank hasn't pulled the plug, I have," he stressed.

"I like Blackburn but there's a feeling that it's still an old mill town and they don't like anything modern.

"There is enough money around Blackburn to support my restaurant.

"I've had the Walkers in here, senior executives, bank managers, millionnaires and celebrities.

"We had a Blackburn man who struck a deal here to buy the whole stock of 1985 Krug champagne."

Mr Beetlestone's credentials include working as the personal chef to the late House of Commons Speaker Lord Tonypandy and being head chef at Marco Pierre White's old restaurant, the Box Tree in Ilkley.

Now he is considering his options, including going back to America or setting up another restaurant elsewhere.

"Mine is going to be one of the only restaurants in the Michelin Guide that's not in existence.

"It's as frustrating as hell," he sighed.

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