A BAR, which families say is a major cause of late night anti-social behaviour, has applied to stay open until 3am on six nights later this year.

Funky Mojoe’s on South Woodford High Road, is currently open until 2.30am on Friday and Saturday nights.

But its owners want permission to open until 3am on dates including the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday Monday, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

The application, which is due to be heard at a licensing sub-committee meeting at Ilford Town Hall on Wednesday (May 16), faces opposition from the Council’s own Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Team.

An ASB Team report on the application says: “Several issues have been raised in the past which include very large crowds in the street, causing excessive noise and litter, verbal abuse and intimidation to local residents.”

And it concludes: “If this application is granted and the closing time of the premises is extended until 3am, it will result in further public nuisance to residents.”

Representatives of the club have been meeting with families as well as local MP Iain Duncan Smith and the leader of Redbridge Council Keith Prince for months to address concerns.

And the latest application has angered many of those who live nearby.

Frank Cruder of the Chelmsford and Derby Neighbourhood Watch Group, said: “I would have thought this request might have been mentioned at our last meeting with Funky Mojoe’s a couple of weeks ago, but it wasn’t.

“It makes you wonder what the point is at the end of the day when they do things like this.”

And Daniel Barber, 33, who lives opposite the club, said: “I’m dumbfounded to hear that they are applying for these extensions.

“I don’t think the residents are going to be happy and I hope the councillors considering this will look at this application very closely.”

The bar which was formerly the White Hart pub is close to residential block, Tempus Court and Manor Court Lodge retirement flats.

It has undergone sound proofing works on interior walls and the introduction of a double door system to prevent noise breakout.

But that has not stopped complaints about ASB in the street.

David Jack, 46, of nearby St Albans Road said: “Local residents’ lives have been made hell by the club during the last three years.

“It is clear that Funky Mojoe’s are not interested in the lives of local families they are only interested in their business.”

Funky Mojoe’s declined to comment.

A decision on the application will be made on Wednesday at 10.30am.

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