Bradley sports venue nets an extended bar licence up to midnight every day

"WE'LL drink to that result."

Bosses and players of the area's football clubs celebrated getting an extension to their bar licence.

The bar at Bradley Pitches can now sell alcohol up to midnight every day of the year after members of North East Lincolnshire Council's licensing sub-committee approved the application from the authority's own cultural services department for an extension of the original 10pm licence and agreed to extend the public entertainment licence to 12.30am.

Bradley residents bitterly opposed the application, complaining of players urinating against hedges, excessive swearing, litter and car doors and horns sounding late at night and highlighted the detriments to health of excessive drinking.

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But councillors have insisted that a large sign is erected warning visitors of their responsibility to keep quiet when they leave at night.

Chairman of the committee, Councillor Matthew Patrick, said: "We are putting our faith and confidence in the applicant to maintain the rigorous standards that have been maintained to date."

Tony Parrott, chairman of Grimsby Cleethorpes and District Sunday Football League, which has 80 teams in seven divisions and 2,500 players playing at Bradley, said: "The decision gives us more flexibility. It is a benefit when you have cup finals. It is not going to be 365 late nights."

Chairman of Clee Town FC David Patterson said: "It helps our cause. It gets more people into the ground and makes it better."

Paddy Whur, acting on behalf of NELC, told the committee there had been no complaints received by the licensing authority.

He highlighted the "awesome success" of the Bradley football centre which had attracted praise from former England manager Graham Taylor.

He said the bar had a capacity of only 150 and would only be used before or after football matches and not during.

Chairman of Grimsby Borough FC, Ken Vincent, said: "Bradley Pitches are the best in the north east of England. The number of teams asking us for friendlies is massive."

Bradley resident David Bryden said the aim of the centre was to divert young people away from offending or substance misuse.

He said: "The promotion of profit over safety appears to be the policy of North East Lincolnshire Council." His wife, Marlene Bryden, said: "The council said it would be for disadvantaged youngsters. Now it looks like a full-blown entertainments facility."

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