BUSINESSMAN Keefa Chan wants to help kick start the regeneration of a run down area of Newport - with Thai food.

Mr Chan opened his new internet and Thai food caf, Ahaan Thai, on Commercial Street, Pill two weeks ago, along with Thai chef Sompong Pimming.

He set up the caf despite people warning that it would not work in Pill, and hopes it will be the first in a new wave of businesses for the area which is set with Maindee to benefit from a £2 million investment.

He said: "Pill was once one of the most vibrant parts of the city.

"We are the new wave of businesses that hopefully would set the standard for other businesses to come into the area and establish themselves.

"We are happy and proud to be in Pill and we want to be part of the regeneration of the area."

Mr Chan set up the Honour Garden Chinese restaurant in St Vincent Road, which, as well as being a restaurant and takeaway, also has an art gallery.

But he was warned his ideas would not work in a place like Pill.

"I had discussions with other business people who warned against it, saying Pill is not a good area to do business.

There's a negative perception that I want to overcome.

"I want to establish a relationship with the local community."

Pill councillor Laura Buchanan-Smith welcomed the new business.

She said: "I would support any venture to improve the area. There will be a need for new eateries when the regeneration takes off."