BOSSES of the Newport City Live Arena were dealt a blow after a Gwent businesswoman accused them of breaking safety rules.

Wedding organiser Valerie Howen, (pictured) from the House of Roockley, has a list of complaints against owners Richard and Rhiannon Perry.

Ms Howen has met her solicitor and plans to take legal action against NCLA after she staged a wedding fair at the venue on March 2, under what she has called "appalling conditions".

Mr Perry said Ms Howen understood the circumstances in which the fair would take place.

"She knew what she was getting - and at a reduced rate. Not once did she tap me on the shoulder during the event and tell me something was wrong.

"It was the first event in a new building. We've got the necessary safety certificates." Ms Howen claims:

There was a gas leak. A fire marshall carried out safety checks in front of exhibitors. Fire exits were blocked by building materials. Part of the catwalk was not bolted together "making it unsafe". Water was running on to untaped electric cables.

Ms Howen told the Argus: "I feel very let down. If the venue wasn't going to be ready he should have contacted me.

"I've lost so much money and I've had letters from exhibitors left, right and centre." The event was the first for newly-launched NCLA. The arena was due to open between Christmas and New Year, but was delayed.

Mr Perry said there was no gas leak, adding: "I don't know what she's referring to", and denied there were fire marshalls carrying out last- minute checks in front of exhibitors. He added the catwalk equipment is designed to stand two-and-a-half tonnes of weight.

Over accusations that water was running on to untaped electric cables, Mr Perry said: "I don't know anything about that. The only cables would've been the ones she requested for one of her exhibits, which we provided free of charge."

Mr Perry said he hoped to meet Ms Howen to discuss her complaints. But she told the Argus: "It's gone too far for that."