Homeowners in Thorpe Bay have told of the fear and intimidation they face at the hands of vandals.

They spoke out to object to an application for an alcohol licence for a restaurant in The Broadway in Thorpe Bay.

The application for the San Fairie Anne restaurant was referred by Southend Council to a licensing magistrates' hearing because of the objections of council and residents.

Speaking at the hearing, residents said they feared another alcohol licence would aggravate the problems they face. One objector, Monique Decomps said: "Police have encountered more and more problems in keeping order in the area.

"Young hooligans and vandals cause noise and disorder. They intimidate us and spoil our beautiful area. This is why it is unacceptable to have a licence for a pub or bar at the restaurant."

The restaurant holds a licence to allow diners to drink with their meal, but the new licence would allow anyone to buy a drink. Sonia Irwin, the owner of the restaurant told the hearing, however, that the licence would not encourage more vandalism.

She said: "The premises will stay as a restaurant. Why would people come to my restaurant to pay £3 for a bottle of beer when they can go to the off licence and get 12 bottles for £8?"

Miss Irwin agreed to a number of conditions on the licence to appease residents.

These included a clause against the use of the restaurant.

The magistrates awarded a provisional licence for six months while changes are carried out to the premises to meet the licensing requirements.

Published Tuesday, April 8, 2003

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