A premises licence has been granted to a former community sports club.

The Jubilee Park Pavilion in Love Lane, Ongar, formally known as the Ongar Social and Sports Club, received the licence, which will allow the sale of alcohol, following the end of a bitter dispute between the community and the council prior to their takeover on February 10.

A poll carried out in December showed people in Ongar were against the council takeover, with 252 people voting against and only 163 voting for them.

The new licence, which will see alcohol sold on the premises from 11am until 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 11am to midnight Friday and Saturday, was granted yesterday.

Following the takeover, which took place when the lease with Ongar Social and Sports Club expired, the council is looking to introduce additional sports and organise a programme of community events.

Club manager Angus McKenzie said that the club's management will be "actively controlling" the site and using pro-active measures, including a sound inhibitor and additional safety lights and CCTV, to improve security and the impact of the facilities on nearby residents.

He said: "measures will be introduced to ensure people leave quietly and people living nearby will be told of forthcoming events.

"A small committee of neighbours will be formed and newsletters featuring news from the club will be circulated.

"The door closest to homes in Onslow Gardens, which is at the back of the pavilion, will not be open during events."