Nightclub plan sparks concerns from police - The Worcester Observer

Nightclub plan sparks concerns from police

Worcester Editorial 16th Jul, 2014 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

PLANS to re-open a troubled nightspot as an over 30s club have come under fire from a city police chief.

The former Images nightclub in The Butts looks set to be transformed into Mamma Jammas later this year after Worcester City Council’s licensing sub-committee gave it the green-light.

But speaking to the Observer, Chief Inspector Adam Thomas said he feared the new venue could spark an increase in crime in an area which has become increasingly residential in recent years.

“We have raised objections to this new nightclub in The Butts due to concerns regarding the number of people this would generate in what is now a more residential area than before,” he said.




“It will also contribute to larger groups of people coming into Angel Place to use fast food establishments and taxi ranks.

“Police have no issues with the applicant or his team, but are concerned at the use of these premises as a nightclub.


“We accept the committee’s decision, however, and will closely monitor developments once the club is open.”

The building has been empty since February 2012 when Funk nightclub closed after just six months.

But Mamma Jammas has already proved a hit in Hereford with the Worcester site set to create dozens of new jobs.

Coun Jabba Riaz, councillor for Cathedral ward, said he welcomed the new business but remained cautious because of the failure of other attempts at making the club work. He also said he was also worried it may be in the wrong location with a number of students living nearby and using The Hive opposite.

“The building has been out of use for a number of years now so we welcome this new business into the city and wish it to be a success,” he said.

“My only question would be is the type of clientele Mamma Jammas wanted and being next to The Hive does bring into question the client group it may be aimed at.

“As long as its aimed correctly and everybody knows where it is it should work, however you would have thought an older clientele would want to have been more centrally located.

“I wish him all the success, there is a specific need for this type of market. There’s an 18 to 25 market really and then there’s a bit of a gap, you have over 40s venues but there’s nothing between I suppose. Hopefully it should be a great place for people to visit.”

The Observer were unable to contact the applicant Jonathan Jones at the time of going to press.

What do you think? Will Mamma Jammas be a success? Contact the Observer at [email protected].

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