St. George's King's Square could be dealt a massive body blow if a businessman closes down his four concerns in the area.

Allan Powell says he is considering shutting his businesses in the square because of troubles in the town with rowdy youths.

His concerns come shortly after the White Horse Tavern closed its doors and could leave the square without a restaurant or bar in the vicinity.

Mr. Powell, owner of Freddie's Pub and Restaurant said the Island may be facing economic challenges, but his business interests are more affected by social woes.

He told The Royal Gazette that he is giving serious consideration to whether or not he should sell or close up the pub, restaurant and his two other businesses - The Tourist Trap; a gift shop, and Freddie's Ice Cream Parlour. All of his ventures are located on King's Square.

Mr. Powell said: "I cannot complain about business - my figures are up by 20 to 25 percent over last year. But, I see zero potential for St. George's until we deal with what is happening on the streets." Mr. Powell said that beligerant youths - he put the average age at between 16 and 24 - are hanging around the Town, and specifically the Town's square. He cited the youths' offences as including verbal harrasement - of both visitors and locals, openly dealing drugs, swearing and vandalism.

Mr. Powell, who took over the restaurant and pub five years ago, said the problem has existed over the past several years, but that it is growing steadily worse. The restaurateur said he has hesitated to speak out as he does not want to hurt the Town's reputation. He added that he does believe in St. George's. "I would not have invested (in the businesses) if I did not see some future in the town."

But, Mr. Powell - who not only works, but lives in St. George's - said he worries about his customers' safety, and his family's well-being.

"Over the last five years, there has been a downturn in yachts coming in. And there have been violent acts against "yachtees". "Crews of the cruise ships have made comments on getting harrassed. And my customers have said to me, 'great food but you have to do something about the language outside'. If people don't feel safe, they are not going to come back," Mr. Powell said.

Of appeals to the police, Mr. Powell said he has been told that there is not enough manpower to have someone constantly "on the beat".

He added that he had put telephone calls in to both the Commissioner Jonathan Smith, and Assistant Commissioner Carlton Adams, but his calls had, so far, not been returned.

Ultimately, Mr. Powell said the Police can only do so much, as even when brought to court, the youths get fined a nominal amount and released.

Mr. Powell said he has spent out considerable funds to try and safegaurd his businesses, and his clientele.

"I have moved the bar's entrance, but now the youth congregate there as well. And I have increased security and put in spotlights on the Square, and on York Street and Bridge Street."

Mr. Powell said the problem was exacerbated with St. George's streets being poorly lit. "There is not enough lights on the street and I have put in a number of spotlights - at $1,200 each, just to provide lighting."

The St. George's businessman said he is now looking at installing aluminium rolling blinds as he has frequent episodes - almost daily - of vandalism.

Mr. Powell concluded the restaurant and pub would be full all of the time, if it were not for the problems on the streets. "We are the focal point, the only restaurant and pub left on the square. But if you ask me if I have considered closing or selling - it is a strong possibility," he said.

Speaking further, Mr. Powell said: "It is coming to the point were I don't enjoy being in the business. And that is not because of the profitability. We have good food at reasonable prices - and business is up. But I have to be able to sleep at night."