A bar owner says he's the victim of a vendetta after a noise complaint was withdrawn.

Sanjay Raval has paid an acoustic expert £3,000 to prove the City Wall Wine Bar in Rochester High Street is operating within the rules.

It's the second time he has been slapped with a noise abatement order in his 22 years running the business.

The businessman hired the independent consultant to appeal against the notice issued by Medway Council – and won.

He said: "I feel it's personal, even malicious. There was no real conversation. The person who went to the council wished to remain anonymous, so we had no idea which direction it was coming from, so we couldn't sort it out before going to court."

Officers from the council's environmental team visited the bar last month to test sound levels and confirmed the order would be rescinded.

The action was taken after a report about noise from a resident.

Mr Raval, who is a member of the Safer Medway Partnership which sets out to combat crime and anti social behaviour, said: "They were satisfied with our house best practice, including signage and closed doors.

"The support from customers has been phenomenal, as always. I am part of the Rochester community and have done everything I possibly can to support the town.

"This is a lively vibrant high street with many places offering live music and entertainment. Other licensees in the area have been sympathetic."

The 54-year-old, a member of Medway Licensed Victuallers' Association, has supported numerous charities over the years and is currently using the bar as a drop off venue for mercy aid to Ukranian refugees.

He recently hosted a police-led seminar to support vulnerable women attended by fellow town traders and his staff.

He said he pays £55,000 a year in business rates and complaints about how he runs his premises had often prompted him to consider quitting the trade he entered more than 30 years ago.

The dad-of-one, said: "I'm relieved this is now over, but still feel tense. It could happen again any time. But I do love the job."

He said if it had gone straight to court without his intervention, it would have cost him £2,000 to £3,000 in fees with a possible fine of up to £2,000.

Employing the acoustics engineer has cost him about £3,000.

In January 2018, Mr Raval was fined more than £4,000 by magistrates for failing to comply with a noise abatement order.

With his solicitors' costs, the final amount he had to pay out because of the case was about £20,000.

Live music is played at the Eagle Tavern next door and the nearby Casino Rooms attracts thousands of clubbers.

At the height of his career, he ran a total of 27 pubs and bars, predominantly in Medway, and 362 staff on his payroll.