Millwall rugby club bar plan angers local residents

By Simon Hayes on February 20, 2008 3:36 PM |

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TROUBLE is brewing in Docklands over controversial plans to include a bar in a new rugby clubhouse.

Millwall Rugby Club have applied for an alcohol licence as part of their plans to redevelop disused railway arches in Millwall Park, Isle of Dogs, but neighbouring residents are determined to stop them.

Tower Hamlets licensing sub-committee was due to rule on the application last Wednesday (February 13) but the meeting was abandoned when one of the councillors, Anwara Alim, failed to attend. Supporters and opponents alike have been left frustrated.

Lorraine Cavanagh, who lives in East Ferry Road, is one of those against the proposed licence.

She said: “Although we welcome rugby in the park, what worries us is the alcohol element.

“The clubhouse is very close to houses in Manchester Grove, as well as a children’s play area in the park, and many of us just don’t think it’s appropriate.

“The club say they will be responsible about where alcohol is consumed, but what’s to stop people drinking outside? Smokers will take their drinks with them when they go out for a cigarette. There’s no guarantee there won’t be noise and bad behaviour.”

Matt Shorrock, chairman of Millwall Rugby Club, said they were trying to solve problems by working with residents.

He said: “We’ve reached an agreement with one family who back onto the clubhouse for our windows overlooking them to be sealed up.

“People have to remember this is a members’ bar, so it’s not open to anyone to come in and drink. It will only be open after training and on match days – it’s not a 24-hour nightclub as some people seem to think.

“Any anti-social behaviour in the park is a matter for the police but Millwall Rugby Club is confident there won’t be any problems coming from our clubhouse.”

One solution proposed by residents is for the club to come to an arrangement with Mudchute Farm, which is also considering applying for a liquor licence. Pat Ward, secretary of the Docklands Settlements,
which also also uses the park, believes this is the best option.

“It would make sense,” he said. “It’s further away from the houses and the club already
use the farm’s facilities for training. It would be the perfect compromise and I think it’s something they should seriously consider.”

According to Councillor Shirley Houghton, who represents Millwall ward, residents will have to put up with the bar if the licence is granted.

She said: “It will be classed as a small premises, being less than 200 people, and therefore falls outside the limits of public nuisance legislation.

“That means residents won’t be able to appeal against a grant. It should have been dealt with by now but I think there should be a sub-committee decision in the next couple of weeks.”

Millwall Rugby Club would like anyone with objections to get in touch with them via email on chairman@millwallrugby.com.

simon.hayes@wharf.co.uk