OWNERS of Indian restaurants in Worcestershire have warned they are under threat of closure because they are finding it difficult to recruit staff from the sub-continent.

The Guild of Bangladeshi Restaurateurs say that scores of curry houses could be forced to close because of Government immigration policies.

Nural Haque, who owns the Pasha Indian restaurant in St John's, Worcester, said most establishments were "in the same boat."

He said this was due to a combination of lack of training and the difficulties Bangladeshis had in gaining a working visa to come to Britain.

"Those who filled the skilled jobs, like chefs in the 1950s and 60s, are now reaching retirement age, while the mainstream teaching institutions have ignored the specific needs of Bangladesh and other ethnic cuisine so students think working in these establishments is second rate," he said.

"The younger generation has not been trained to take over from them and so there is a skills gap which can only be filled if the Government changes its immigration policies so that people from abroad can come and work here more easily.

"Otherwise, not only will many restaurants suffer but so will the local economy.

"We are generating billions of pounds, making a contribution to the Government kitty and we are not getting anything in return."

Mr Haque said Bangladeshis who applied to come to Britain were often turned down at the High Commission in Dhaka.

"The High Commission often doesn't believe that Bangladeshis who apply for a working visa are really just going to stay for just 12 months," he said.

"There are a lot of obstacles being put in people's way and it isn't helping us at all."

Kaiser Ahmed, of the Anupam restaurant in Church Street, Malvern, said there was a definite shortage of workers from all over the Indian sub-continent.

"In the last couple of years, the Government has listened to us but it doesn't seem as if much has changed," he said.

"I have tried to recruit people from the sub-continent but people are turned down in Dakha and it takes money and many months to appeal."