Angry residents have received backing from the Chairman of the Brentwood Town Forum in their battle to prevent a High Street pub opening until 2am.

The Hobgoblin asked for longer opening hours in September, but Brentwood Borough Council's Licensing Committee rejected the application.

Defiant pub owners will now have their appeal heard at the Magistrates Court on January 2.

Forum chairman Cllr David Kendall fears more pubs will ask for longer opening hours now that The Litten Tree has been granted a six-month trial to remain open until 11.30pm, three nights a week

He said: "It's time the pub owners showed some serious thought and consideration for the residents living in the Town Centre.

"The residents are angry, frustrated and fed up with being subjected to the litter, graffiti and anti-social behaviour of a few after closing time.

"Their quality of life is being ruined night after night and they have had enough.

"In my view any extension of the Hobgoblin's opening hours is not only unnecessary but also a step too far and that is why I am totally against this application and any similar application."

Hobgoblin manager John Bradin said: "We have a petition with 600 signatures supporting our bid for a 2am license and we are trying to provide a service for local people.

"The signatures include those of many local residents who are in favour of our application and I believe that this would be excellent for the business."

Mr Bradin had previously said: "We will work hand in hand with the council, but it's about giving people what they want."

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