A CONTROVERSIAL milkshake bar has been refused permission to stay open until 2am.

Epping Forest District Council has granted Cakes and Shakes, in Loughton High Road, permission to serve soft drinks and pastries until 12.30am on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, after turning down its application to stay open until 2am every day of the week.

It's original proposal had been condemned by many nearby residents worried about anti-social behaviour and a petition signed by more than 70 people had been handed in to the district council.

Loughton Residents Association vice-chairman David Linnell, who spoke against the application at its licensing sub-committee meeting said: “I think that residents would have preferred 11pm throughout, but it is better than the original application time.”

Ghulam Alahi, solicitor to Cakes and Shakes' owner Moshin Khalid, welcomed the new licence.

He said: “We are a responsible organisation and will endeavour to take on board the views of local residents.

“We have had no incidents in any of our other shops since opening and have been praised for providing a safe, alcohol-free environment for teenagers as well as families.”

Cakes and Shakes opened without planning permission and but has submitted a retrospective application to stay.

The LRA has already said it will oppose the application.