Pub re-opening delayed after residents’ fears

Neighbours living close to a town centre pub are determined to keep it closed claiming it has historic links to anti-social behaviour.

The Phoenix, in Tufton Street, is set to rise from the ashes after two years and has applied to Ashford Borough Council for a new premises licence.

But 22 residents, most of whom live around the nearby church yard, have said the popular sports bar should not reopen because its customers cause a nuisance.

The council’s licensing sub committee will decide whether to grant the essential premises licence at a meeting on Thursday, October 22. Pub owner Phoenix Pub Group Limited, runs about 100 pubs country wide.

Cllr Jeremy Adby, previously ward member for Victoria Ward, has campaigned on behalf of fellow residents against late night criminal and anti-social behaviour associated with the customers of pubs in the area, including the Phoenix.

Cllr Adby, who still lives in the area, said: “I’m not saying that all the problems were caused by the Phoenix’s patrons, but there is a lot of evidence to say that since it has closed, hardly any cases of anti-social behaviour have been reported.

“The council can refuse the licence full stop or they can amend parts of it. We don’t want to go back to people urinating against walls, dealing drugs or causing criminal damage.”

But new pub manager Liz Woodman insists it won’t be her customers causing town centre problems.

She said: “We’ll have doormen at weekends and I’m always watching and always keeping an eye on what’s going on.

“I can understand concerns if there were previous problems, but I can reassure him that I do not tolerate any nonsense or trouble. I do not like trouble, I like an easy life.”

The Phoenix is undergoing renovation work and was expected to reopen at the end of this month, but that is now subject to the licensing hearing.

Previous owner Bramwell Pubs and Bars went into administration in October 2013 and The Phoenix closed its doors.

If successful, the licence would allow the Phoenix to be open from 10am to 12.30am during the week and it could close at 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

New pub manager Liz Woodman said an opening date will not be announced until a decision is made by the licensing committee.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

The Phoenix pub in Ashford’s Tufton Street is currently subject to a licensing hearing; and right, Jeremy Adby has been campaigning against the town centre pub reopening