Cwmbran Shopping is taking legal action against a popular children's creche to force them to leave their premises.

In the latest twist in an on-going struggle, Cwmbran Shopping owner Prudential has begun court proceedings against the owners of Busy Bees creche, citing the terms of their lease.

The future of the creche was put in doubt last year when the Assembly overturned a Torfaen council decision to refuse planning permission to fast-food chain Domino's pizza, which wants to move into the unit which the creche occupies.

Torfaen planners have now refused permission to resite the creche a few yards from its current position, where garages and public toilets now stand.

A spokesman for Prudential said: "We are very disappointed that, despite our best efforts, Torfaen county borough council has refused our planning application for the alternative premises.

"It is because we recognise the strength of feeling and popular support for the creche that we submitted the application, in a bid for this service to continue.

"However, despite promises to assist with the relocation of the creche, the necessary support from the council was not forthcoming.

"We have now run out of options. We have supported the creche for some years, but this is no longer viable if we encounter this type of resistance.."

The spokesman confirmed there would now be a court case.

Busy Bees finance manager Gerald Simms said they would continue to fight for the future of the creche.

"They are doing everything within their powers to get the children of Cwmbran out of this creche," said Mr Simms. "But we will fight their court action and parents will fight the closure. We don't need another pizza place but we do need a creche."

Pontnewydd councillor Aneurin James, a member of the planning committee, told the Argus he still supports the creche.

"I would be very sorry to see the creche go. They provide a valuable service that is definitely needed by Cwmbran parents.

"I think it is very sad that this court action has to be taken, and I would urge everybody involved to seriously look hard at getting the creche moved to somewhere else in the town centre."

The two sides are to meet soon for talks.