GANGS of drunks are turning one of Gwent's top tourist villages into a danger area, it was claimed today.

One pub landlord even closes down on bank holidays to avoid trouble and a meeting will take place next week to discuss an outdoor drinking ban in Caerleon.

The warning comes after a security guard was attacked by drunken youths as he patrolled the Caerleon Arts Festival at the weekend.

Festival organisers condemned the incident in which Bryan Ennis needed hospital treatment after being hit on the head several times by the youths.

Councillors and pub landlords have spoken of their concerns that Caerleon's image is being tarnished by its drinking culture.

Dr Russell Rhys, owner of Ffwrrm Arts Centre, and the driving force behind the festival, said the village had become "dangerous", forcing organisers to pay for security.

Dr Rhys said: "It costs us £1,000 for security for the field, and spending money on that seemed to me to be the ultimate in wastage.

"I even suggested covering it myself with others on a rota system. But I now realise how dangerous this wonderful, kind village I know has become."

Nick Barton, landlord of the Bell Inn in Bulmore Road, told the Argus he now closes on bank holidays to avoid the gangs.

He said: "I would rather go without the money than have to put up with that grief."

Another pub landlady, who did not wish to be named, said hen and stag parties were also adding to the problem.

She said: "They do a circuit of the pubs in the town. When they start off they're not too bad but there's nearly always trouble at the later stages of a pub-crawl."

Local councillor Paul Huntley said solving the problem of unruly gangs in the town at weekends and bank holidays was a priority.

He is calling for increased police patrols and the enforcement of by-laws banning drinking alcohol in public spaces.

He said: "I am concerned about the situation and will be meeting with police to discuss the problem."

Superintendent Roger Morgan, of Newport police, said: "As far as I am aware Caerleon is quieter than most other parts of the division in this respect. People may have perceptions of a place, as they do across Newport."