AN INDIAN RESTAURANT in Monmouth is facing prosecution in a matter of weeks – not for the heat of its curries, but for the brightness and size of two illuminated signs fixed to its frontage.

Jewel Balti, which also has branches in Newport and Newbridge, opened its Monmouth outpost in a Grade II listed building on Drybridge Street last November.

The signs, which measure roughly five feet by six feet, and glow vivid red after dark, were in place from day one – and were not favourably viewed by local residents. One man, speaking to the Beacon reporter this week, likened them to Blackpool's famous illuminations.

Monmouthshire County Council served an enforcement notice on Jewel Balti late last year. The restaurant's management didn't file an appeal, and the deadline for removing the signs expired a fortnight ago.