NEIGHBOURS of a controversial nightspot are waiting to learn whether they can expect a quiet Christmas as its owner fights for permission to reopen it.

Police in Epping say there has been a sharp drop in crime in the town since controversial nightclub One9Five was shut down two months ago in the wake of a mass brawl outside it during which eight people were stabbed.

No date has yet been set for an appeal by the nightspot's owners against the district council's decision to revoke its licence to be heard, but nearby residents are hoping that the venue will stay shut until after the end of the party season.

Robert Born, of Buttercross Lane who has campaigned against noise coming from the club, said: “It's very quiet now. We're at peace again whereas previously it was like we were living in Lebanon.

“There's also a noticeable difference in the mornings. When I walk down the High Street there's no longer any broken bottles lying around or chip wrappers all over the floor. It's like a different place.

“We're all hoping it doesn't reopen.”

Mary Lamb, 74, of nearby Rayfield, said: “Since One9Five closed it's been very, very peaceful. “Revellers used to come down our street at throwing out time in the early hours of the morning making a fair bit of noise, but we don't have any of that now."

Although no date has been set for the appeal hearing, police do not expect it to take place before the new year.

District Commander, Chief Inspector Alan Ray, said there had been a noticeable fall in crime since the enforced closure of the club, and pledged his officers to make representations against the venue at the appeal.

He added: “There has been a sharp reduction in anti-social behaviour and crime since it closed, but then we wouldn't expect anything else.

“You still expect there to be some disorder linked with licensed premises, but in the past few months we have not had any major incidents in Epping.

“We've been able to concentrate our resources more effectively in areas such as Waltham Abbey and Loughton.”

No-one from One9Five was available for comment.