THE manager of Pye Corner in Chepstow is furious that Monmouthshire council backed a food and drinks kiosk just a few hundred yards away from her premises.

Alison Beasley, who runs the coffee house, part of The White Lion/Smirnoff Bar in Welsh Street, fears she will lose her contract with Coffee Republic.

Part of securing the franchise recently meant detailing which other coffee suppliers were in close proximity, as well as selling a certain amount of coffee per week.

Ms Beasley has already been dealt a blow in recent weeks after the pub she ran in the town closed due to the economic downturn.

She said: “It feels like one thing after another. I can’t believe the council allowed this when there are already so many cafés in town.

“Shops are closing left, right, and centre and it feels like the council couldn’t care less. I’ve been trying so hard with the coffee house and we’ve started doing really well, but having this kiosk is definitely going to impact on us.”

Ms Beasley is not the only one angry about the approval of the kiosk, which will be in Bank Street, selling hot and cold food and drinks and have a toilet and outdoor seating area.

Chepstow Town Council also opposed the plans. Other traders and local residents have also voiced their dismay, with Kreation’s Café owner, Maxine Jones, saying: “What on earth do we need more cafés for?”

MCC’s head of planning, George Ashworth, said: “ We have looked at this very thoroughly and carried out a site inspection.

“As it’s in the central part of town we cannot take into account competition issues, as that has to be expected in a central location.”