A restaurant's application to serve alcohol all night has received more than 20 objections from neighbours. 

A decision on the bid by The Abbey Taverna, in Foxes Parade, to serve until 5am during the week and 6am at weekends will be made by the council's licensing committee next week. 

However, Essex Police claim they have made a "verbal agreement" with the owners to cut the hours back to 3.30am at weekends and 2am during the week. 

At present, the premises is licensed for entertainment until 2am at weekends, but must stop selling alcohol everyday at midnight. 

The owners, listed as Theophilos Pelagias and Costas Constantinou, claim there is a very “slim chance” they will stay open to the later hours. 

They have also promised to takes steps to prevent a public nuisance and said they have had no previous complaints about previous late events. 

Neighbours, however, have formally objected to the plan. 

One unnamed couple wrote: “We are a quiet residential town, no one will benefit from this. 

"Especially the people who may go there, where is the council responsibility to them, to encourage safe drinking and reduce alcohol consumption?” 

Others cited fears over noise and anti-social behaviour, as well as past incidents of vandalism and large groups of drinkers congregating in the town. 

A decision will be made by Epping Forest District Council’s Licensing Committee on April 28.