THE owner of a bar in Epping has confirmed that it will be turned into an Indian restaurant when he sells the business.

Desmond Rees who owns the Tas Bar in Thornwood has been trying to sell up for months and at one stage was considering handing over the property to the travelling community.

But he has now confirmed that the venue has been sold and will re-open in about a month as an Indian restaurant.

The news may come as a relief to those living nearby who have complained of late night disturbances at the bar, where Mr Rees has been fined three times for breeching a noise abatement order.

He faced losing his licence over the dispute and was refused permission to extend the opening hours until 1am, but said this was not the reason for selling the property.

He added: “I have other businesses and I want to focus on them.”