Briton To 'Weather' Hurricane Gustav, Despite Warnings

As thousands flee New Orleans, amid the rumbles of Hurricane Gustav nearing the Gulf Coast, one British pub owner has remained resolute, and pledged to stay in the city.

Despite mass evacuation warnings by Mayor Ray Nagin, the man, known only as James, said: "I am staying here because of what happened to my pub when Katrina rolled in - looting and mindless destruction."

At the weekend, Mayor Nagin warned residents to get their "butts out of New Orleans now" and flee "the mother of all storms".

But the Crown and Anchor landlord has decided not to heed cautions from authorities and said: "I will probably stay until someone with a rifle and uniform shows up."

The pub is situated west of the Mississippi River and home to James, who left London for New Orleans 18 years ago.

The 38-year-old said he and a number of other Algiers Point residents were planning to defy the mandatory evacuation order.

Despite the Mayor warning this would be one of the "biggest mistakes of their lives".

The pub landlord said: "This neighbourhood is like a small village. The families with small children have already left, but I know there are at least 20 of us planning to stay on.

"My house is at the back of the pub and I am probably going to stay there. The general consensus here is (Mr Nagin) is covering his back after the colossal muck-up over Katrina."

The British Foreign Office has advised Britons travelling to the area that all hotels and amenities are closed.

A Spokesperson said: "You should monitor local television and radio for updates on the latest situation and follow the advice of local authorities."

According to the Association of British Travel Agents only a "fairly small" number of British tourists are in the city.

The travel association said the majority of Britons in the region may be students living aboard.

(PR/JM)