4:05pm Tuesday 9th February 2010
By Daniel Binns
POLICE chief inspector Alan Ray has denied making a "u-turn" over the re-opening of nightclub One9Five, saying that his force are not making a formal objection to the plans because they have "nothing new to add".
The district council's licensing sub-committee meet next week to discuss whether the nightspot, in Cottis Lane, Epping, should be granted a new licence after it was shut down in October following a mass brawl in which eight people were stabbed.
Documents from the authority state that the police will not be making an objection at the hearing after "formal discussions with the applicants (sic) solicitors, and amendments to the original application".
There is no regulatory reason why the police cannot object, but Chief Insp Ray said that was because, in his view, the application was the best possible in the circumstances and that a new licence bid was a matter for councillors.
He said: "There's no u-turn from us. I don't think it's an appropriate place for a nightclub and I will never support a nightclub there, but it's a decision for the council."
Chief Insp Ray confirmed that officers had met with the owners of One9Five prior to the new application.
He said: "I would rather be on board with the owners of the nightclub if it does re-open as opposed to just standing back."
He added: "Epping is a much safer place at the moment. We've had only one violent incident in Epping since it closed and generally it's really changed the area."
Chief Insp Ray added that a police representative would still attend the hearing to provide information to councillors if needed.
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