OPPONENTS to a milkshake bar staying open later have nothing to fear according one of the businessmen who runs the shop.
Martin Badoo, one of the partners of Cakes and Shakes, said: "We want to integrate ourselves with the community not separate ourselves."
Cakes and Shakes opened in Woodford Green High Road on May 1 and Mr Badoo said business has been good.
He said the shop, which is a franchise run by Mr Badoo and three partners, sells milkshakes, ice creams, cakes and paninis but not alcohol.
The shop has applied to Redbridge Council to stay open until 11pm on weekdays and 2am at weekends and residents living nearby have expressed concerns.
Residents' fears have centred around a perceived rise in antisocial behaviour if the premises stays open later.
About 40 residents are against the proposal and Frank Cruder, chairman of the Chelmsford and Derby Road Neighbourhood Watch, has previously told the Guardian it would be a "disaster" if permission was granted.
Mr Badoo, 22, said: "To be honest when it's a new business you're always going to get objections whether it's one or ten.
"I think it's (the objections) based on experiences residents have had in the past with other places staying open late and then having incidents."
Mr Badoo, who lives in Chigwell, said he feels incidents tend to be related to alcohol so his business would only help to sober people up if they visited after having a drink.
He said: "It's not guaranteed we will get customers at that time but we feel it could benefit the area.
"Rather than having people hanging around on the street they could be in the shop having a milkshake and something to eat and then going home."
Mr Badoo said Cakes and Shakes is not just for youngsters and plenty of adults visit the shop.
He said there are other branches of the chain in Greater London and one is set to open soon in Brentwood.
He said the branch in Gants Hill is open until 2am from Thursday until Sunday and has "no trouble whatsoever".
The late licence application will be heard on August 23 at 10.30am in the council chamber at Ilford Town Hall.
Mr Badoo said: "We want to listen to concerns and give positive answers and reasons as to why we think issues won't be a problem.
"I hope the people who have complained will listen to what we have to say."
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