Police object to new Wisbech nightclub's plans to open until 4.30am at weekends

POLICE have objected to plans by Wisbech's new nightclub to open until 4am at weekends.

Fenland District Council's licensing committee will consider plans on Friday for The CIAO Club in Royal Place.

Applicants Paul and Poppy Turner want to open until 3.30am between Sunday and Thursday and until 4.30am on Friday and Saturday. Entertainment will be provided and alcohol will be served until 3am Sunday-Thursday and 4am Friday-Saturday.

But in their objections police say that, with numerous pubs in the town centre "to have one open until 4am will only increase anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder".

If plans are approved they want: the club to shut at 1am Sunday-Thursday and at 2am Friday-Saturday; six door staff on duty Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm until closing; and drinks sold in plastic glasses and bottles.

Police add that the area is poorly lit at night, CCTV in the area is not monitored and people queuing outside will probably have to stand in the road because pavements outside are too narrow.

The club is within the town's Designated Public Places Order, which clamps down on alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, and has the "cumulative impact of other licensed premises in the close proximity", some of which close at 2am.

Police also said the proposed closing time of 4.30am is one hour before off-licenses open.

A final admission time of 2am is proposed, with up to 600 people inside at one time, and the police report said: "Although I doubt that they would get that many it could be possible as it would be the only club in Fenland open that late.

"Therefore we could be faced with hundreds of people leaving the club at 4-4.30am."

Councillors will also be told by their environmental health officer Debra Bodger there is likely to be a "high potential for noise nuisance from this proposals in residents' homes".