FRUSTRATED residents have slammed the police for failing to oppose a controversial bar's application for extended opening hours - despite it already having been turned down for a late licence by the council in the past.

Lizard Lounge in George Lane, South Woodford, was originally refused an extended licence in December 2008 after residents raised concerns with the council about potential problems with noise and anti-social behaviour.

The popular bar is still in the process of appealing against that decision - but was allowed to open until 1am every weekend in February under a Temporary Event Notice that can only be opposed by the police.

Now its owners have made a fresh application to extend the bar’s trading hours and to play live and recorded music at the venue in George Lane.

If no complaints are received against the move, kicking out time at the bar could be as late as 1.45am on weekends and 12.30am from Sunday to Thursday.

Steve Wright, of nearby Eastwood Road, said he and other residents who complained against the original late licence had not been consulted about the most recent application, as promised by the council.

He added: "I'm disappointed that we haven't even got through the appeal for the first application yet and they have already put through a new one.

"It was certainly noticeable during the month of February when they opened late every weekend.

"Parking and noise were terrible and I caught three girls urinating in an alley, screaming and laughing as they did.

"That's not what you want your kids to see.

"I am disappointed with the police for not standing up for the community with this and I received no notification about it until I enquired myself."

A resident of Wavertree Road - who did not want to be named - added: "I just think how can the police not consult the community which it's supposed to represent.

"It's not PC Plod's garden it's going to happen in, and unless they want to come around and clear up the vomit then I don't think they should be able to make the decision for us."

A spokeswoman for the council said: "If objections are raised, this further application will go to a licensing sub-committee for a hearing.

"There is no restriction on the number and type of variation applications that a premises may make to the council.

"It is a matter for the applicant to decide.

The council sent out notifications of the application to residents on Monday, March 30.

A spokesperson for Redbridge Police said: “We are aware of the application concerning Lizard Lounge.

There are no grounds around crime and disorder for police to object to this application.

“Members of the public can contact the licensing authority directly with any concerns. The licensing authority makes the final decision around applications after taking into consideration all comments and circumstances.”

The owner of Lizard Lounge, Julian Williams said:"Its funny how we haven't had any complaints from noise abatement,enviromental health or the Police. "I think certain people are twisting the truth here because this apparent disruption to their lives became noticeble when they found out we were trading on temporary events notices. "The fact is we have been trading throughout december and January as well on these notices. "We are looking forward to the appeal where only factual evidence is used,and i'm sure justice will prevail."

All representations against the application must be received by the council by April 15.