The winding up order against the company behind a controversial nightclub has been described as a “victory for residents.”

The decision at the High Court on Monday means Redbridge council will now attempt to retrieve the £127,000 cost of a long-running legal battle with the company behind Funky Mojoe, listed as D & D Bar Services.

The bar in High Road, South Woodford, was closed due to crime and anti-social behaviour.

The company's challenge to the decision ended up in the High Court earlier this year but was unsuccessful, with costs awarded to the council.

Those involved in the campaign against the nightclub spoke of their relief yesterday.

Former Liberal Democrat councillor Richard Hoskins said: “It was a long and hard battle and they tried every legal option in the book.

“They thought they had the muscle and the money to beat the council but in the end it is a victory for residents.

“It was an awful saga for residents for four years and I hope this news is the end of the matter, I certainly won’t shed a tear over it.”

Conservative group leader Cllr Paul Canal said: “The actions of the company were appalling in dragging the saga out this long.

“It is an outrage because the owners could have finished this ages ago but instead it has taken up the council’s time and money.

“I am happy it is finally over but it leaves a bitter taste.”

Liberal Democrat Cllr Ian Bond said: “In view of the financial risk that the company took, the news is not a surprise.

 “It was never the council’s intention to put them out of business but we always hoped they wouldn’t keep pursuing the lost cause.

“Hopefully this news draws a line under the whole affair.”