A RESIDENTS' association has copied Bromley Police by withdrawing its objection to the renewal of a Beckenham nightclub's entertainments licence.

Residents complained young clubbers leaving Langtry's nightclub fight, shout, urinate in people's gardens and damage property. But Copers Cope Area Residents' Association, which was leading the battle against a renewal of the club's public entertainments licence, has withdrawn its objection.

Langtry's application for the licence renewal is due to be presented to councillors at a two-day hearing on November 29 and 30.

Police were advised by lawyers not to attend the hearing, as evidence was needed not just of the misbehaviour of home-going clubbers but also of failure by the club to carry out licence requirements.

Nick Carter, secretary of the residents' association, said: "If we didn't win, we'd be in danger of making Langtry's impervious to future objections. The police's legal counsel says raising objections would do more damage."

Councillor Michael Tickner, who represents the Kelsey Park ward containing the nightclub, in Beckenham High Street, said: "The failure of the Met Police to provide officers on the streets is at the root of many of the problems."

Inspector Paul Etheridge, head of Bromley's northern sector, said: "We are working on a joint strategy with the management of Langtry's involving additional police patrols and the resiting of the club's cameras."

The nightclub was unavailable for comment.

November 26, 2001 11:39