10:02am Tuesday 9th February 2010
By Daniel Binns
ESSEX Police have said they are not going to object to nightclub One9Five re-opening at a licence hearing next week.
The controversial venue, in Cottis Lane, Epping, was stripped of its licence in October last year after a mass brawl in which eight people were stabbed.
Next Thursday (February 18), Epping Forest District Council will hear a new licence application from the nightspot's owners, who want it to open between 8am and 2.30am seven days a week.
Council papers reveal the authority has received five letters of objection to the proposal, but 36 letters of support for the club, including from Epping businesses such as Zaikaa Indian restaurant, Wimpy restaurant and Toni and Guy hairdressers, as well as from numerous cab drivers.
The documents also show that Epping Police will not be making any formal objection or "observations" at the hearing after "formal discussions with the applicants (sic) solicitors, and amendments to the original application".
It comes after David King, one of five businessmen who owns the venue in a partnership, told the Guardian that the club had been having discussions with officers "behind the scenes" to introduce new safety measures.
In November, district commander Chief Inspector Alan Ray told the Guardian there had been a "sharp" reduction in crime in Epping since the club closed.
The Guardian is expecting more from the police later today.
More to follow.
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