Late nights for Wheatsheaf despite outcry

..residents form group to record future concerns

Despite strong objections from local residents, 13 of whom attended today’s licensing meeting, The Wheatsheaf at the bottom of York Hill has been given the go-ahead for late night opening, though with conditions which may give some protection.

The residents have now formed a group to log their complaints with dates and times and photos on an online log.

Said Diane Rhodes, one of those who attended the meeting: “That way we can get an overall picture of what is happening.”

The Wheatsheaf owners have responded that they will make their phone number available.  They told the Hills residents that to date they had only received one complaint and they wanted to work with the community.

Loughton Residents Association councillor David Linnell is going to send a letter round with the results of the hearing together with contact names and numbers so that residents could log complaints.   He also suggested as many as possible met with the police at the next meeting at St Mary’s to complain about the parking.

Hills resident Diane Rhodes said she was one of the 13 local residents who went to the licensing meeting. Several others spoke and it was reported that a lot of letters had been received from worried residents.

A spokesman for The Wheatsheaf  said they were shocked to see so many local residents objecting.

Reports Ms Rhodes: “The licences were given subject to conditions.   All outside areas have to be cleared by 11pm except for smokers but they must not take drinks out with them; No outside music (although the law changes in October and they will not need permission).   They must put litter bins out on their premises.   The licences allow for drinks to 12 am and close at 12.30 am.    No bottles to be thrown in the bin making lots of noise until the next day during the day.   No windows or doors to be open for the music to escape.”

She added that the landlord was clearly concerned about the last condition: “They said they couldn’t afford aircon…..”