THE owners of a Lower Clapton pub have performed a last-minute U-turn in their bid for a late licence following stinging criticism from police...

THE owners of a Lower Clapton pub have performed a last-minute U-turn in their bid for a late licence following stinging criticism from police.

The application for a 4am licence for the Ship Aground in Lea Bridge Road was withdrawn days before a decision was due.

Punch Taverns, which owns the pub, performed the about-turn following massive opposition from residents.

Hackney police also submitted a damning dossier of evidence to Hackney Council's licensing committee.

Officers said there was evidence of serious crime and disorder in and around the pub, including drug-taking and late-night opening.

"The Ship Aground creates more complaints to police from members of the public than other licensed premises on the ward put together," wrote Sgt Joel Sadler.

"The effect on crime and disorder and misery to residents will only increase with an increase in hours."

A spokeswoman for Punch Taverns confirmed the company had withdrawn its application for extended hours.

"We will continue to work closely with police and will only re-submit an application when we have their full backing," she said.

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