A COLLEGE has dropped its bid to sell alcohol after public opposition.

Families living near Leyton Sixth Form College in Essex Road feared their lives would be blighted by drunk students if the college was given a licence for events in its new theatre.

But the college has now withdrawn the relevant aspect of its application for the theatre, which it plans to open up for use by the wider community.

Father-of-five Patrick Sedgwick, 59, of Peterborough Road, Leyton, said: “There’s still work for the college to do in how it communicates with us.

"The way the college did not seek our views was damaging.

“You could have ten students drinking with most of them underage - all it takes is one friend with ID to buy everyone drinks.

“There's quite a bit of anti-social behaviour caused by young people already and having drinks available would magnify that.

“The community wouldn’t welcome alcohol sales in the context of an educational environment ever.”

Neighbour Helga Haack, 50, welcomed the college’s decision but warned against complacency.

She said: “It’s good news for all of us who fought this proposal but I think we need to continue to keep a watch on things and see how they develop.”

A letter posted on a residents’ website, which appears to be from college principal Kevin Watson, announced the withdrawal.

It stated: “Whilst I think that the fears expressed about the college having a licence to sell alcohol are misjudged, this is not something remotely central to the college's main mission.

“We sought a licence to sell tickets and to have the facility - to be used sparingly - to offer refreshments which might include alcoholic drinks.

“I hope that the reaction to the licence application will not alienate from the college any of the very people we hope to see come here to enjoy the shows.”

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