Residents fail to stop alcohol licence for Birchencliffe community centre

Jan 27 2009 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WORRIED residents have failed to stop a community centre getting an alcohol licence.

Householders at Briarlyn Road in Birchencliffe opposed the plans for St Philip’s Community Centre, saying it would increase crime and noise.

But yesterday Kirklees Council’s Licensing Panel allowed the centre to sell alcohol between 7 and 11pm from Monday to Saturday. It was also given permission to play live or recorded music until 11.30pm seven days a week.

The £600,000 venue was opened in November, replacing Birchencliffe Parish Hall which was burned to the ground in 2007.

The new centre is almost the same size as the original, which was built in 1970, and includes a stage and hall area for 200 people.

It provides a home for community groups including Lindley Out of School Club, Marsh Ladies Choir, Rainbows, Brownies, Scouts and Kiddie Cats Pre-school Playgroup.

Centre manager Kenneth Shaw asked councillors to give the venue an alcohol licence. He said: “We would have a bar only about eight to 10 times a year.”