Tougher Licensing Demands For Benefit of Romford Residents.

Labour Councillor for St Alban’s Ward, Jane Keane gave evidence at a licensing hearing in respect of the Royal Lounge, 14 Victoria Road, Romford on 21 March.

 Councillor Keane’s objection to the Royal Lounge’s original application was made on behalf of the many residents in her ward, who voted for her in hopes of a safer and cleaner Romford and was driven by her desire to-

·       To prevent crime and disorder and public nuisance,

·       To improve public safety

·       To protect women and children from harm

Councillor Keane’s objection highlighted her concerns about the management of trade waste bins belonging to the Royal Lounge, non-compliant  parking, noise nuisance, and security concerns. Jane feared that granting later hours and permitting live music at the venue would disturb the peace and sleep of her town centre residents.

Significant concessions were made by the applicants after Jane submitted her objection. The most significant of those concessions being the withdrawal of the request for live music to be played on Friday and Saturday night’s at the venue. Since the venue was directly beneath residential accommodation, Jane was particularly pleased with this outcome.

Jane’s lone objection also succeeded in additional new conditions being attached to the existing licence amongst other things requiring:- 

·       A new CCTV camera to be installed on the footpath leading to the rear of the property, Kingsmead Mansions and Station Parade

·       New CCTV Signage to be installed to highlight the presence of the businesses existing CCTV Cameras and the new camera

·       A named contact to be prominently displayed at the premises advertising who was to deal with complaints in the event that there were any

·       Trade Waste Bins belonging to the company to be identified by signs attached to the bins

·       Additional training on the objectives of the “Ask Angela” scheme – a scheme intended to protect women from abuse

 After the meeting, Jane also contacted the Council’s waste contractor concerning the lack of a waste bin for the residents of Kingsmead Mansions. A bin is now being organised.

 Councillor Keane said: “I am pleased with the outcome. I was elected on a pledge to make Romford Town Centre better, safer, cleaner and brighter and every step I take is guided by that pledge. I wish the business well and hope that it complies with its licensing conditions.”

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