Social club allowed to reopen in Cleethorpes despite noise concerns
There were objections to the proposals from 40 local people
A members-only social club has been granted the right to play music at night despite objections from 40 residents.
Cleethorpes Social Club on Grimsby Road applied for a licence as part of plans to reopen for the first time in 15 years.
However, the late hours caused dozens of people on nearby residential streets to sign a petition against it.
Owner Jimmy Dordi has agreed compromised hours with North East Lincolnshire Council, and says he looks forward to reviving the club for the local community.
Mr Dordi, who owns another business in Grimsby, told the licensing meeting: “I am in it for the long-haul. I have spent a lot of time and money in this venture.”
The reopened club could include snooker tournaments and cater towards older clients.
A representative for Mr Dordi admitted: “The building isn’t in the best state. Bringing it back into use would make it more visually attractive and provide something for the community.”
He said that reduced hours had been agreed after advice from Humberside Police.
It would run “traditional pub hours” with no recorded music past 11pm on Sundays to Thursdays or past 1am on Fridays to Saturdays. Later nights would be restricted to special bookings such as weddings.
The club would be members-only, with people not able to walk in off the street.
Sidney Sussex ward councillor Marie Green said concerned local residents would have rather it shut at 11pm.
“Residents don’t object to the club reopening – many of them have quite fond memories of happy times there – but have concerns about the opening times,” she said.
“There are 60 young children living on the block in close proximity to the building. They are used to playing in the quiet street.
“If it opens until 1am, taxis would regularly be coming and going, and music be played near their homes. There could be people arriving at the club already under the influence.”
She added: “If run properly, it may be quite a valuable resource for the community, but it is very close to housing.”
The application was granted, requiring a designated smoking shack to be built outside.
Licensing committee chair Councillor Stephen Harness said they originally had apprehensions about the plans, but these had been laid to rest.
“I am glad to see that revisions have already been made to the hours, and am impressed by the ambitions for the club,” he said.