The owner of an Indian restaurant which was forced to close because of cash flow problems is asking Oxford City Council for a chance to get the business back on track.

Monir Ali, 52, opened Spice Valley in Gloucester Green, Oxford, just over 18 months ago after signing a 20-year lease with the council.

He spent £130,000 renovating the premises and felt sure he would be able to meet the rental payments – £9,200 due every three months from September last year.

But on November 14 the council officially pulled the plug on the venture.

Mr Ali, of Lime Road, Botley, said: “I feel terrible. I didn’t have the rent because the business wasn’t doing well.

“I’ve been affected mentally. I have no job and I’ve lost everything.

“That’s the bottom line.”

The city council said it first took Mr Ali to court for non-payment of rent in April. He then paid up the arrears and avoided eviction.

However, when Mr Ali failed to pay his rent again in June, the council took stronger action. In September, officers won a second court order to evict him and cancelled the lease on the building for breach of contract.

Mr Ali said: “People are not coming out to eat because they are saving money. Food is expensive, but I couldn’t raise my prices.

“The council knew I was struggling. But I know I can turn around the restaurant. I just need time. I want the council to give me another chance.”

The council last night stood by its decision to evict Mr Ali.

A spokesman said: “Mr Ali has never paid his rent on time. All four quarterly payments have been late and we have had to go to court twice to obtain possession orders.

“The second possession order was granted by the County Court in September and when payment was still not received, we had no option but to instruct court bailiffs to carry out an eviction.

“He had been given every opportunity to pay the rent before the eviction took place. Other creditors have also contacted the council about non-payment of debts relating to the property and the electricity has been cut-off .

“We do not like having to take this action, but we are required to act as a commercial landlord and act in the best interests of taxpayers.”

tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk