IT is time to have a sensible discussion about Colchester’s nightlife.

Some will claim on a weekend night the town descends into a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah.

Others have a “nothing to see here” attitude claiming there are never any real problems. Both extremes are, of course, ridiculous.

The reality is there are some horrific, life changing injuries suffered.

People do have glasses smashed over their heads and drink and drug-fuelled fights do break out.

And the excuse “it is the same everywhere” is no excuse at all.

However the vast majority of people regularly enjoy troublefree nights in an adults’ playground.

People let their hair down and relax after a hard working week and wake up with nothing more than a slightly sore head.

It is right for Colchester Council to look at its licensing policy but the key is balance.

The aim has to be to achieve the fewest number of problems while retaining the largest amount of freedom to enjoy the town.

This is a chance to have your say. If you think the town has too many late night premises, or enough at least, then get involved and support the licensing cap. If you think things are fine as they are then have your say.

Because it is our town and it should be a place everyone can enjoy.