Police object to takeaway late-night plan

Police have opposed a plan by a new city centre takeaway to open until the early hours of the morning.

Fireaway Pizza, which is set to open in Angel Street in Worcester, has asked for permission to open until 5am but West Mercia Police has challenged the plan saying it would lead to a rise in crime, noise, traffic and litter.

The objection from police comes in spite of both neighbouring takeaways Shakeeys and Best Kebab House having 6am and 5am closing times.

Best Kebab House was given permission to open until the early hours in 2019 without any objections from police.

Takeaway bosses said the new Fireaway Pizza would not be a “normal fast-food shop” instead providing “quality food” and a “more chilled” and “ambient” atmosphere.

The new takeaway would also improve the area and help reduce anti-social behaviour by installing CCTV, the owners said.

Worcester City Council’s licensing subcommittee meets in the Guildhall on July 26 to discuss the late-night plan.

An objection from West Mercia Police’s design out crime officer, which will be discussed by councillors, said: “I do have concerns in relation to this application.

“Angel Street has one of the highest rates of crime and disorder within Worcester city, therefore effective management to ensure safety for all customers and staff, the ‘open plan layout’ and limited seating may add to possible disorder.

“In my opinion, I feel that the proposed times could be varied, this would enable the applicant to demonstrate that the venue can operate effectively to ensure any impact on crime and disorder can be monitored, these could then be reviewed in 12-to-18 months.”

Police also raised concerns that opening a new late-night takeaway could affect the city’s bid for Purple Flag accreditation.

“One of the aims of this accreditation is the working towards a desire to re-brand Worcester City moving it away from the ‘epicentre’ of anti-social behaviour to a new positive, friendly and safe place for patrons,” the objection said.

“As such it is police opinion that the granting of this application does not fit within the development model for the city centre.”