An Eastwood pub has been given permission by Southend Council to run more public entertainment events for a trial period after objections from residents were over-ruled.

Southend councillors have given the Oakwood, in Rayleigh Road, permission for three months to have weekly events in its function room, with a capacity of 200 people.

Proposals to increase the capacity to 300 were reduced at the council's licensing committee.

The proposals are part of a refurbishment of the premises including the removal of the snooker and pool tables currently taking up a considerable part of the premises.

Director of technical services David Watts said letters of objection from nearby residents had alleged there were problems of anti-social behaviour involved with the pub.

However, the current operators had held discussions with residents and had carried out changes to the pub.

Since new management took over the pub, it has been named as urban pub of the year by the South East Essex branch of the Campaign for Real Ale and has also introduced a non-alcoholic bar for youngsters at certain times.

The police raised no objections and told the council there were no crime or disorder problems at the premises.

Published Tuesday, July 1, 2003

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