A POPULAR Irvine restaurant has had its licence reviewed after complaints from neighbours.

The Gulab Tandoori in Stanecastle will be paid a visit by North Ayrshire Council’s Licensing team after a number issues were reported by disgruntled nearby residents.

Neighbours in and surrounding Stanecastle Road have complained about noise, customer behaviour and litter from the restaurant grounds.

They claim that customers have even been seen urinating within the grounds of the premises as well as misbehaving inside and outside of the building.

Complaints have also been raised about both rubbish and glass ending up in Stanecastle Road and Castlekeep Gardens.

But it was revealed at the most recent meeting of the Licensing Board in June that the Gulab have taken positive steps to solve the problems.

A large fence and planters were built to improve the privacy for neighbours, karaoke was to cease at 12.30am.

A member of staff was also designated to clear the car park and surrounding area of glass and rubbish.

A member of staff now also controls noise from people outside smoking, ensure customers smoke at the far end of the car park away from the takeaway area and control people leaving at closing time when waiting on taxis.

In addition, all doors and windows are now closed when karaoke or a private function takes place.

Members of the licensing board will now visit the Gulab in the next few weeks to assess the issues further.

But Gulab co-owner Danny Singh claims that the problems arose before he and brother Ronnie took control of the restaurant.

Mr Singh also insists that he have had positive dialogue about the issues and claims there have been no further incidents since February.

Speaking to the Times, he said: “There were a lot of issues when we took over at first.

“There were no fences so when people were taking drink outside from the bar the neighbours could see them from the window but we’ve put a fence up now.

“There used to be a smoking area but now we have a shelter and a cleaner to tidy some of the mess.

“A lot of times we would have cans and plastic bottles thrown over the gate into the grounds which you can’t deal with all the time.

“We now have more staff in the restaurant and there’s been quite a change since February.

“There’s been no further problems and I’m sure it’ll stay that way.” Councillor Ian Clarkson, chair of the Licensing Board, said: “Over the years, a few incidents have occurred with these premises and these were brought to the attention of the Licensing Board, with efforts by the Board, the Gulab owners and the local residents to rectify them.

“It is obvious there are still some outstanding problems, and it was decided that a delegation of the board members would make a visit to the Stanecastle venue.

“A report would then go to the next meeting for discussion.

“Myself, as chairman of the board, depute chairman, Tom Marshall, local member, John Easdale, and any other board member who wishes to attend, will make that visit in the near future.” Councillor Clarkson added: “It is not unusual for board members to acquaint themselves with the premises, to come to an understanding of the particular problems, and hopefully come to a fair conclusion.”