MORE pubs and nightclubs could open in South Woodford in future if the area’s night-time economy continues to boom, a leading council officer has warned.

Alan Drake, the council's Community Safety Services Manager, told an area two meeting this week that the George Lane area was being transformed by new licenced premises, and might potentially spell problems for residents in future.

He said: "It's important to recognise that the area does have a night-time economy that is starting to compete with [Ilford] town centre.

"At the moment there are not significant problems but the fact that we haven't got the evidence doesn't mean it isn't actually happening.

"When you get a successful night time economy it seems to attract more and more of the same type of premises. Where this happens it can become a stress zone on local residents who feel the area is no longer a good place to live.

"We need to keep an eye on the area to make sure it doesn't get to that point. We would like to make sure Woodford does not become somewhere like Romford."

Woodford Cllr Hugh Cleaver added his concerns at the meeting.

He said: "One of the problems in South Woodford is not the number of premises but certain individual premises which have targetted a certain market.

"People are being attracted to them that are more likely to cause difficulties than other places.

"There is a perception [from businesses] that this is a good place to get young drinkers with more money than sense. This could develop into an issue.”

Residents in South Woodford said they were fearful there could be an increase in nightspots.

Bernice Van Loen, who lives near to the controversial Funky Mojoes club, said: “We would view the prospect of more nightclubs with dread. There’s another disruption as it is with Funky Mojoes.

“With Mojoes it’s not just the crowds on the pavement and the noise but also there’s a lot of problems from litter from the fast food place a few doors away that stays open until three in the morning.

“I can’t see how these places enhance the area at all.”

Steve Wright, a leading campaigner against Lizard Lounge’s various late licence applications, said: “I’ve lived here for 13 years and I think it is very dissapointing how George Lane has changed.

“The local authority needs to recognise George Lane is not suitable for drawing a lot of people into the area.”

What do you think? Is South Woodford becoming more like Ilford Town Centre? Email dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk