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Residents protest against 24 hour alcohol license application

SOUTH NORWOOD IN PROTEST AT 24-HOUR ALCOHOL SALES APPLICATION

South Norwood residents made their feelings very clear today as 20 local residents took to the streets in protest at the alcohol license application at the new BP garage just off South Norwood Hill.

Passing cars and buses sounded their horns in a sign of support, many giving the thumbs up, some even breifly joining the demonstration.

Some of the concerns raised by local residents were that anti-social behaviour in the area around Holmesdale Road and South Norwood Hill was just begining to calm, and now this application has been received for the BR garage to sell booze around the clock. Residents are concerned that this will attract further anti-social behaviour. Protesters are not opposed to the new garage, infact that is welcome to the area, but not a license to sell alcohol around the clock.

South Norwood Action team member and local councillor, Jane Avis said "Kathy Bee, Wayne Lawlor and I have been working hard to make sure local residents know about the application to sell alcohol over a 24-hour period. None of the residents here are opposed to the new garage, or the selling of alcohol per say, but there are plenty of local pubs where residents can have a drink.

South Norwood has a history of disorder and crime which has partly been addressed by a designated dispersal area, which covers 399 Holmesdale Road, the location of the garage.

This mornings protest clearly shows that residents are up in arms, and many have never taken to the streets in this way before, but feel this is the only way they can make their feelings known."