A RESTAURANT boss has blamed the rise in the number of competitors and customers demanding meal deals for his decision to close his business in Poole.

Privately owned Patrick's restaurant and bar in Ashley Cross, Lower Parkstone, housed in the premises of an old bank, first opened in 2006 and soon became one of the area's most popular places to wine and dine.

News of the closure followed a report in yesterday's Daily Echo about the number of restaurants taking over retail space in Bournemouth high street.

Owner Patrick Michael told the Echo there had been a big change in trading conditions over the past few years.

Patrick said: "It's so much harder now as there are six more places serving food and drink in Ashley Cross compared to when we first started 11 years ago - and that's not including sandwich bars or places like Mark Bennett's Patisserie.

"Westbourne is also very popular now and has so many more food and drink places - I think Ashley Cross seems quieter than it used to be."

Patrick also blamed the internet for all the numerous online meal deals and restaurant voucher offers.

"Customers want at least 30 to 50 per cent off their meals now which just isn't sustainable."

He added: "It is very sad, although I felt worse six weeks ago when I finally realised I was going to have to close.

"In some ways it feels more of a relief now. I've been working seven days a week for the past few years just trying to keep the place going."

Patrick said he planned to auction off the building in Bournemouth Road and focus on his outside catering business.

Patrick's underwent a refurbishment in 2011. Head chef Chris Howard created a menu featuring brasserie-style dishes with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.