Wolstanton club's licence to be reviewed following years of complaints from neighbour
Councillors will review a social club's licence following years of complaints from a neighbour about noise and anti-social behaviour.
John Glover, who lives opposite Wolstanton Social Club, has been complaining about the venue since 2018, saying patrons make too much noise when they leave and sometimes even urinate in an alleyway.
Newcastle Borough Council's licensing sub-committee will now review the Pitgreen Lane club's licence following an application from Mr Glover. The council has already served the club with a community protection warning and a community protection notice, requiring it to take various steps, such as ensuring patrons do not cause a nuisance – the club is appealing against both the warning and the notice.
In his application for a review, Mr Glover says that since the notice was issued on October 13, there have continued to be incidents such as loud shouting or car doors slamming on a regular basis. But a number of people have rallied in support of the club, saying it is an asset to the community and a 'pillar of support'.
The licensing sub-committee, which has the power to modify, revoke or suspend a venue's licence, will meet to discuss the application on Monday, April 22.
Following the application, the council has received a letter from a couple who live in Pitgreen Lane and who support the licence being reviewed. They say that anti-social behaviour has been an 'ongoing issue for several years'.
In their letter, they say: "In the past we have made several complaints to both the club and the council and nothing has been done. Our main concerns are staff allowing the patrons to congregate at the front of the building during the evening, smoking, talking and shouting loudly and using bad language.
"At the end of the evening people are left outside waiting for transport. There are not club staff available to monitor the noise and on several occasions people have been seen using the alleyway between the car park and the houses as a toilet."
Wolstanton councillor Richard Gorton is among those who have written in support of the club. While not a member himself, he believes it serves a valuable purpose in Wolstanton, and that its management committee takes appropriate steps to tackle anti-social behaviour.
He said: "I think the club should be viewed as an asset to the community. If the club loses its license, the club will close and an organisation which gives a good deal of pleasure to many Wolstanton residents will be lost.
"I believe the club's current management committee that provide strong evidence that any club member who behaves in an anti-social or irresponsible manner will have his or her membership suspended or withdrawn."
Club member Steve Jones has also written in support of the venue. He said: "Wolstanton Social Club has not only been a constant in my family's life but has also been a pillar of support and camaraderie for generations of residents. The club's welcoming atmosphere has created a space where friendships are forged, memories are made, and the bonds of community are strengthened.
"I understand that there have been concerns raised by a single neighbour, and while it is important to review any legitimate issues, it is equally crucial to recognise the positive impact Wolstanton Social Club has had on the lives of its members, including myself."
The club's current licence allows it to stay open until midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
------------
READ MORE: Staffordshire police, fire and crime commissioner candidates make pitch to voters
Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stoke Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our city.
Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.
Please consider following Stoke Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.
New stoke Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: stoke jobs
Share:
