Club future secure after 1,000-signature petition

A working men's club in Wakefield has been allowed to change its status to a pub after about 1,000 residents signed a petition supporting the move.

A hearing at Wakefield Town Hall was called after a resident raised an objection to the proposal by Alverthorpe Working Men's Club, citing concerns that children would not be able to remain on the premises after 21:00.

But Michael Amos, speaking on behalf of the club, told the hearing he believed the venue was a "community club" with "community values".

The application was approved by Wakefield Council, with permission to serve alcohol on site from noon to 23:00 GMT daily.

Amos told the meeting: "We have fought hard to save this club for the many, many members.

"It's a place where families can socialise in a safe and pleasant environment."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Amos said that West Yorkshire Police and council officers had both been supportive of the application.

He added that the venue had "never had a rule that families had to be out by 21:00", but that children were required to be supervised at all times.

No-one attended the hearing to speak against the application.

Paul Jacques, senior legal advisor for Wakefield Council, said: "The committee is satisfied that there are no reasons not to grant this application."

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