STH WOODFORD: Troubled nightspot's licence under review (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Troubled South Woodford night spot Funky Mojoes will return today to Redbridge Licensing Sub Committee for review

8:00am Thursday 25th June 2009 in Redbridge News By Crystal Wilde

Residents of Tempus Court and Manor Court Lodge want the bar's hours cut

D-DAY has finally arrived for controversial night spot Funky Mojoes as its licence goes back for review following months of anticipation.

After a decision by the licensing sub committee to reduce the trading hours of the bar on South Woodford High Road was appealed against by the owners last November, the case will return to Ilford Town Hall today.

Over 70 representations have been made by South Woodford residents against the venue, which has suffered numerous disturbances since its opening in July last year, including the shooting of a doorman and the glassing of a girl.

Most of the submissions, which include photographic and video evidence as well as in depth diaries, have been supplied by residents of nearby Tempus Court and the Manor Court Lodge retirement flats that neighbour the premises.

Representations will also be made by a member of the council and the anti social behaviour team, who have received 78 complaints from 32 different residents, commencing on the bar's opening night.

Barry Van Loen of Tempus court, who called for the initial review, said: "It's a terrible ongoing situation and I can't for the life of me understand why the police won't be standing up at the meeting and making a statement.

"They should be making a request but for some reason they're not prepared to.

"It's not the place for a venue like that and if it was opening for the hours that the council first said it wouldn't be a problem."

Since the decision in November, the bar, previously known as the White Hart, has however employed a number of measures in the hope of easing residents' discomfort, including sound proofing work to reduce noise disturbance and signage asking their customers to leave quietly and respect their neighbours.

Two reports funded by the club have also concluded that the premises are now doing everything recommended to promote the licensing objectives and that noise break-out has been significantly reduced.

Solicitor advocate for Funky Mojoes David Dadds said: "We have acknowledged from the previous review hearing that there was a need for change and improvement and we want to coexist with our neighbours.

"We are sorry for any inconvenience caused but since November we have undertaken tremendous steps to improve and we believe we have improved."

To view all the representations made for and against the bar visit: http://moderngov.redbridge.gov.uk/Published/C00000503/M00004946/$$ADocPackPublic.pdf