CONCERNS have been raised that another pub in Bangor could be a step too far.
Plans for a JD Wetherspoon pub and restaurant at the former Fads store on Bangor High Street met strong opposition from city council officials.
At Bangor City Council’s planning and amenities committee on Monday, town clerk Gwyn Hughes said that the proposals would not improve the economy and would add to existing anti-social drinking problems.
He added: “We have quite a concentration of pubs in the High Street and there are ongoing problems with irresponsible behaviour.
“This is something that we should be concerned about.”
He added that there were already two late licence clubs, Joop and 342 Underground, within 15 yards of the proposed pub.
Cllr Doug Madge said that he had received a number of complaints from residents about the noise from existing late licence clubs.
“They say that they go to bed at night and they can’t get to sleep because of the noise after people come out of the pubs in horrendous,” he said. “Some of them have to work shifts and this disturbs them.”
Beryl Lloyd, who lives near the Joop and 342 nightclubs, said that there were enough pubs in the area already.
She added:“There is a lot of noise late at night and some drinkers use the alleyway by my house as a toilet - it’s disgraceful.”
The proposal is due to be discussed at the next Gwynedd Council planning committee meeting in July.
Sgt. Bill Coppack said that North Wales Police would welcome a thriving business on Bangor High Street but would consider the views of residents carefully.
Some traders believe that another pub would boost the city’s struggling economy.
Goronwy Roberts of Gwilym Roberts newsagents said: “At the moment the Fads store and others on the High Street are empty and it would be good have a business there.”
JD Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said the company understood that there are problems in the pub industry but added: “We have a good reputation borne out by numerous awards for the quality of our staff and the way our pubs are run.
“We want out pubs to be an asset to an area and we believe that the pub would be beneficial to Bangor.”