A FORMER museum curator fears ancient Roman remains could be disturbed if plans to convert a Caerleon pub into a convenience store get the go ahead.

Bob Trett, who has studied local archaeology for many years and was curator at Newport Museum until he retired, says extensive investigations should be carried out at The Angel well before any decisions are made, to discover if any building work associated with a proposed extension would damage the remains of the Roman fortress underneath.

The pub, on High Street, lies on top of an historic wall of the fortress, and Mr Trett says removing large amounts of earth to make way for an extension could disrupt the protected remains.

He is also worried that a proposed loading bay for delivery vehicles would be “frightfully” dangerous as it is within three or four metres of a blind corner.

Liz Luck, chairwoman of the Caerleon and District Civic Society, says the proposed 385 square metre store would add to the existing traffic and parking problems and would spoil the character of the village.

She said: “I just think it’s appalling, everyone is gobsmacked.”

“It would be putting three or four shops out of business, which I think is criminal. It’s sacrilege as well as the safety factors of the road.“ Yesterday we reported how local traders had hit out at Hillvale Properties Ltd’s plans for an as yet unnamed convenience store, which could employ up to 35 people, which they say would put them out of business.

If given the go-ahead, existing outbuildings would be demolished, an extension added, two residential flats would be created on the first floor and ten car parking spaces would be installed.

A public meeting is now planned to take place in the first week of September at Caerleon Town Hall so local people can air their views.