More than 1,600 people have signed a petition to keep the patio at the City Wall wine bar in Rochester High Street.

But council officials insist it has to go and a notice has been served on owner Sanjay Raval to start dismantling it on Monday.

They said there had been a number of complaints from local residents about the noise generated from the bar over a “long period of time” which have not been addressed by the owner.

But Mr Raval, who has been spearheading the Save Our Patio campaign for more than a year, said the removal of the enclosed terrace at the side of his bar was “grim news” for the business.

"Once it's gone, it will just create another place for people to gather and make as much noise as they want.” - John Brice

He has won wide scale support from traders, residents and fellow licensees but the council said it must go because of the complaints.

John Brice, chairman of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, is among those who has backed the fight to save the outdoor drinking and smoking area.

Mr Brice said: “Sanjay has always supported activities in the High Street, local organisations and charities. He has consistently demonstrated he cares about the High Street by supporting the festivals.

"He also supervises and manages the patio area. Once it is gone it will be lost forever and just create another place for people to gather and make as much noise as they want.”

Mr Raval, who has run the City Wall for 15 years, said its removal would lead to a significant drop in trade.

He said: “The only other thing I can do is to take it to the European Court, but that would cost me £25,000 that I do not have.

“It’s going to be very tough and I may have to sell up and if I do I will make a loss because the sale would not include a patio."