The owner of a popular Sandy restaurant is at pains to reassure his customers that The Maharajah restaurant is not closing down, despite rumours to the contrary.

The Comet: Jafor Ali of The Maharajah in Sandy. Credit: Ken LynchJafor Ali of The Maharajah in Sandy. Credit: Ken Lynch (Image: Archant)

Jafor Ali, who has owned the Market Square restaurant for the past six years, says the rumour started from a Facebook post.

As a result he has had a dip in the number of people visiting his restaurant, but Jafor – a Sandy town councillor of five years – says he has no plans to close and is encouraging people along for a meal.