THE town council in Dursley is to discuss a controversial club that has re-applied for its licence so that it can open its doors.

Licence applications for Capone’s and Ye Olde Dursley Hotel (The Old Bell), both in Long Street, were submitted to Stroud District Council earlier this month. Both closed in March this year when their previous licences expired.

Dursley Town Council decided to launch a public consultation on the potential reopening of the two establishments due to the varied response from the public.

While very few complain about The Old Bell, many people in the town have taken issue with Capone’s due to late opening hours (up until 5.30am on Sunday mornings) and suggested links to anti-social behaviour.

Most, however, don’t appear to want the popular club’s licence to be rejected, but rather a reduction in its hours and an assurance that it will be managed correctly.

Kayleigh Brown, of Cam, suggested that other more public areas of the town could be affected if Capone’s were not around.

She said: “In my view, if the teens don’t go to Capone’s and have a good time then the parks will become a big hit for them – particularly the newer park.

“I do think that 5.30am is too late though. It should be 3am.”

Jude Wyatt, of Dursley, said that more involvement with police could help keep out troublemakers.

She said: “I do believe if the police were more involved in the club it would probably work a lot better, which is what has been said will happen. The police are happy to help out – it’s why they’re there.

“It’s because it’s such a close knit community that fights and arguments happen. Everyone knows everyone’s business.

“When alcohol is flowing people fight. It happens. It’s the same anywhere else you go – but larger towns and cities have more police patrolling on foot hence it is managed better.”

Dursley’s town council will discuss the issue at their next full meeting, which members of the public are welcome to attend.

A spokesman for the town council said: “The town council held a consultation in which members of the public were asked whether they supported or objected to the individual licensing applications for Capones and Ye Olde Dursley Hotel and many provided detailed comments to support their opinion.

“The town councillors will discuss and confirm the official response to both licensing applications at our next council meeting, with the information obtained from the consultation period invaluable to establish local opinion on the details of the proposed licenses.

“The mayor wishes to thank all who have taken part in this ongoing consultation.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend the next meeting of Dursley Town Council at 7pm on Tuesday, August 4, in the Community Room of Dursley Fire Station in Kingshill Road.

Stroud District Council are also accepting representations in writing, prior to the deadline of Monday, August 10. These should be emailed to licensing@stroud.gov.uk