IT attracted some of the world’s top bands and arguably put Newport on the map, but legendary bar TJ’s is being "left to rot" according to the daughter of its former owner.

Leanne Jones, John Sicolo's daughter, is desperate to take the Clarence Place venue over with sons Ashley, 20 and Paul, 18.

Ms Jones said it is "breaking my heart" to see its pool tables and gambling machines smashed up.

She claims water has also flooded the floor and she says if it is left much longer, one of Newport’s landmark venues could be beyond repair.

It has been in the hands of administrators since Mr Sicolo’s death in March at the age of 66.

He had owned the venue that has attracted the likes of the Manic Street Preachers and Oasis, for nearly 40 years, but was struggling to find £15,000 to save it when he died.

Ms Jones said she wants to get a mortgage to take it on, but cannot do this until administrator South Wales Estates markets it.

She travels from her Cwmbran home every day to check the premises and added: "It’s so upsetting it’s being left to rot. So many people loved it and we are desperate to get it up and running."

Ms Jones grew up there as did her oldest children Kristie, 23, Ashley, 20 and Paul, 18.

She wants to restore it in her dad’s memory, so youngest daughter Lauren, eight, can enjoy it as well as a new generation of Newport youngsters.

Most of the posters and photographs that adorned the walls are in storage and she plans to restore it identically to how her dad had it.

She said: "It’s part of our family. My dad had plans for it before he died suddenly and he’d want me to continue it. I will fight for it, because it put Newport on the map."

A spokesman for South Wales Estates said the company has valued the property, but its agents are still awaiting instruction to market it.

He said there has not been much interest in it yet and there is no date for it going on the market, but it could be within the next few months.