Local residents and local Liberal Democrat councillors worked together to fight plans to open a pub at the empty premises at 60 King Street. An application for an alcohol licence was submitted to the city council’s licensing department.

Three local residents spoke against the application and presented a 67-signature petition. Cllrs Rosenstiel and Bick also spoke.

Under the Council’s licensing policy the applicant had to show that an extra pub in King Street would avoid exacerbating the nuisance from the night economy. “With 4 other pubs, 3 restaurants and a takeaway along the street already causing plenty of disturbance, this was a difficult task – and they failed it,” said Colin.

Residents told the panel of the audible disturbances they have from the commercial premises and of how this impacts their sleep. They described the incidents of antisocial behaviour and the detritus it leaves in its wake.

“The flats on the front of Manor Place abut directly onto the street, with their bedroom and living room windows facing number 60. The residents include many frail and vulnerable people. “They face quite enough disturbance from buses flying past their windows in the daytime, not to have their nights made even worse,” said Cllr Tim Bick. Residents and councillors were pleased with victory in their campaign.

Before the hearing Cllr Bick spoke on Radio Cambridgeshire.  You can hear the interview here (approx 2 hours 12 minutes into the programme):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00frrk9#synopsis