cockroach problem.

The Arcade Restaurant in Reid Street was "requested'' to close by the health department, said environmental health chief Mr. Pat Mayers.

The restaurant had been asked to do work required by an inspector, he added.

An inspection would be made before re-opening. Such measures were not taken very often, he said.

Restaurant owner Mr. Robert Buser said: "There was an overhaul and a deep cleaning schedule ready to be executed and the health department asked us to co-operate with that sooner than expected. We decided to close for a couple of days.'' He said the work involved fumigation, re-painting, re-sealing and sanitation, designed to get rid of roaches.

"We're doing our best to be completely free of them. We're trying to look after the customer.'' About 20 people have been working on the premises, in a 70-year-old building.

The restaurant plans to open at noon with a new salad menu and new lighter items, Mr. Buser added.