LIB DEMS BACK PUBS CRACKDOWN

LIBERAL Democrat councillors are backing moves to tighten licensing controls on the growth of one of Bristol’s most popular nightspots outside the city centre.

Gloucester Road, from around the Arches, through Bishopston, to the Ashley Down traffic lights, has a high proportion of pubs and bars and attracts sizeable numbers looking for a drink and a good night out.

But its popularity has brought problems for residents of neighbouring streets, who have to put up with higher levels of noise, litter and other nuisance from people using local watering-holes.

Now Lib Dem councillors in Bishopston, Redland and Cotham wards are welcoming a proposal to make Gloucester Road a “cumulative impact area” (CIA) under licensing laws.

The scheme was approved for public consultation at Tuesday’s Full Council meeting (Nov 10th).

It means that licensing councillors are likely not to approve longer licences or additional premises in the CIA area without owners showing they are offering something different.

Redland Lib Dem councillor Sylvia Townsend said: “Over my 10 years as a councillor I have had many people complaining to me about nuisance caused by people being inconsiderate as they leave pubs and clubs.

“Problems include damage to cars and private gardens, people vomiting and urinating and people being too noisy which shows complete disregard for local residents.

“Also smokers, who are now forced out on to the street or into pub gardens when they want to smoke, then create additional noise that residents have to put up with.

“So I’m delighted about the CIA scheme, which will help to stop more licensed premises. We would also urge police to assist with the problems we have locally by patrolling more frequently and in larger numbers.”