MEASURES to curb violence outside two town centre nightclubs have been introduced since a 100-person brawl.

Nine people were arrested after the fight in Epping High Street, which started when revellers poured out of Club 195 and The Villa in nearby Cottis Lane.

Essex Police said that since speaking to police about the disruption in the early hours of last Saturday (October 27), the clubs’ owners had agreed to ensure their patrons do not mix after leaving their establishments.

The Villa is licensed to open until 4.30am, while Club 195 must close by 3am and their owners have agreed to stick to these times or co-ordinate if they want to close earlier.

Violence has erupted outside the two clubs before, including a stabbing there in 2010.

Ken Swan, 50, who lives in nearby Albany Court and regularly hears revellers using his road to get home, said: “At 3am or 4am, when the clubs are open, you hear all sorts of effing and blinding.

“Talking to other neighbours, most of us hate the fact that it’s a late licence.”

Neighbour Emma McGeachy, 38, said: “We’ve heard swearing really loudly and that bothers me.

“I think all of the suggestions are sensible.”

As part of the measures agreed on, doormen will also carry radios tuned to a dedicated channel linked to the police and wear reflective clothing so they can be easily seen in a crowd.

Police have also spoken to Epping Forest District Council about moving its CCTV cameras to point towards Cottis Lane and improving street lights there.

New cameras outside Greggs bakery and Costa coffee shop were welcomed by bar owners when they were installed in January.

As well as these measures, police have suggested the council set up taxi ranks near the junction with Cottis Lane and the High Road, where there are currently parking spaces, to stop so many people congregating there.

  • Seven men, a woman and a teenage boy were arrested following the fight and have all been bailed to return to police on November 19.