Po Na Na nightclub on The Broadway, Wimbledon, have withdrawn their application to extend their opening hours following overwhelming objections from local residents.

Merton Council received an application from the club to extend their opening hours. They wanted to stay open until 4am instead of 2am from Monday to Saturday and 2am instead of 1am on a Sunday.

The council received many objections from local residents. Their main concerns were that the extension would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, disturbance and vandalism and this would be detrimental to local residents quality of life. Residents were also concerned that the police would have to divert scarce resources to dealing with incidents of public disorder and that there is a lack of public transport in the early hours of the morning.

The council made the applicants aware of local residents and council’s concerns and having regard to the objections Po Na Na has now withdrawn their application.

Mike Barrett, Environmental Health Manager, said: “We are pleased Po Na Na have listened to the concerns of local residents and withdrawn their application. It is important to maintain a balance between the provision of leisure and entertainment venues and the needs and desires of local residents, particularly in town centres.

“I hope all commercial organisations recognise the need to take into account the potential impact of their operations on people who live in the locality.”

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PRESS CONTACT:
Claire Bartlett
Senior Press & PR Officer
London Borough of Merton
020 8545 3327