A landmark High Court ruling which rejected a controversial nightclub's challenge to a cut in opening hours is a victory for residents, according to the council.

Yesterday Funky Mojoe in High Road, South Woodford, was ordered to pay costs of £130,000 and denied leave to appeal the decision, which restricts trade to normal pub hours.

It comes after the council cut hours at the venue due to long-term problems with crime and anti-social behaviour.

It is the first time a nightclub licensing issue has been reviewed at the High Court.

Councillor Ruth Clark, cabinet member for planning and public protection, said: “We are very pleased with the decision. In our view, the real decision was made by the Licensing Sub-Committee in April 2013 and the appeal against that decision was effectively dismissed in November 2013 by the Magistrates' Court.

“This is a huge victory for residents, who have suffered with problems associated with the venue for a number of years. It has been a very long road for them but this is a fantastic outcome. I would like to pay tribute to those residents who came to court to give evidence as part of the process, giving evidence is not an easy thing to do, but their evidence was vital in this process.”

Funky Mojoe has been unavailable for comment.