RESIDENTS say their quality of life has been sacrificed as they lose the fight to stop another bar opening late in South Woodford.

After originally being refused a late licence by Redbridge Council in October, Lizard Lounge bar in George Lane will now be allowed to open until 1.45am on weekends after a surprise u-turn by the licensing sub-committee.

In total 23 residents made representations against the move, claiming their lives had been disturbed by noisy revellers, public urination, parking problems and litter since the bar first opened.

They also said that the "village atmosphere" of South Woodford had been eroded since the opening of other late night venues, such as Funky Mojoes in the High Street.

Steve Wright of Eastwood Road attended the hearing at Ilford Town Hall.

He said: "We are a bit confused as to why the decision was different this time around.

"The opposition slipped in some new evidence just 24 hours prior to the hearing.

"They had letters of support from some local business, but not the South Woodford Business Partnership I might add, and they had put an observer outside the bar recording people's movements.

"The only problem is he seemed to miss some incidents going on right behind him."

He added: "We know from previous businesses in the area, such as the Hog's Head and Mortimers which were there before, that there were problems, and it's safe to say we're looking at our options.

"We are just trying to make sure our quality of life is preserved as that seems to have been sacrificed."

Toby Walne of Wavertree Road added: "I'm very disappointed as you would hope that the council would serve the community first.

"It's got the back bone of a blancmange.

"They made a decision before in favour of the community and now they have made a decision against us.

"I'm just completely gobsmacked and they should be held accountable if it adversely affects the community."

A spokesman for the council said: "Redbridge Council takes the views of its residents seriously and considers their opinions and objections for every licensing decision that is made and this case is no exception.

"The Sub-Committee are required by law to treat any individual application on its merits and base decisions only on the matters as above. An applicant may apply for licences as many times as they wish and the same rules apply to each."

He added: "Where a licence has been granted residents may call for a review hearing if there is evidence that a premises is breaching the licensing objectives.

"At such a hearing if there is evidence that supports it, conditions and time limits can be added to the licence or it can even be revoked."