RESTAURANT owners are complaining that the Capital's Grassmarket has been turned into a tacky "trailer park" following the arrival of a burger van.

The van is the third mobile food stall to open in the square, joining two French food caravans.

But owner Donald Anderson's bid to continue serving until 3am and to park the van overnight has sparked a storm of protest.

Several of the area's established restaurants and shops have joined forces to call on the council to ban all food vans from the square.

Philippe Bachelet, owner of Petit Paris, said: "There are already two trailers left every day and night in the Grassmarket and the addition of a third is going to make it look like a trailer park.

"We don't believe this will enhance the image of what is a beautiful historic area. The traders in the Grassmarket have worked very hard and closely with the council over the years to improve the image of the area and we feel that this [burger van] is a backward step."

Marcello Crolla, manager of Made in Italy, felt the late-night drinkers being attracted to the burger van were disturbing the area. He said: "The Grassmarket is starting to resemble an amusement park, not a beautiful continental square which is also a through road to the Scottish Parliament.

"This particular trailer brings more noise and pollution with the type of custom it brings, not to forget the noise of the generator, which sounds like a jackhammer, running all day."

Paul Duncan, owner of Mamma's Pizzas, added: "A burger van is lowering the tone of the Grassmarket, when so much money is being spent to change its image.

"There is already a chip shop here, but it is only licensed to stay open until midnight. Late opening [of the burger bar] on a permanent basis may encourage drunks to congregate and lead to more antisocial behaviour."

Work carrying out £6 million worth of improvements to the area is due to begin in September, aimed at making the Grassmarket more pedestrian-friendly.

Traffic will be banned from the area outside the shops, bars and restaurants on the Castle side of the square, creating more room for pavement cafes and events.

Mr Anderson, whose van is currently licensed to operate until 1am, staunchly defended his right to be there. He said: "I don't see anything wrong with having a burger van in the Grassmarket.

"There have been traders in the area for hundreds of years, and I am providing a service for people late at night. I am only trying to get the same conditions for the burger van as other traders in the area.

"It's a load of nonsense and completely absurd to suggest I am somehow lowering the tone of the area."

Councillors are due to discuss Mr Anderson's licensing application tomorrow.

Jos Bastiensen, head of the Grassmarket Area Traders Association, said: "The operator of the burger van uses a generator, which operates until at least 1am, which causes a degree of noise pollution in the area.

"We are concerned about late-night street traders on the Grassmarket, as it is possible for groups in high spirits to congregate around their trailers late at night, producing noise and rowdiness."