Kebabs have been in the news a bit recently not just nationally but here in Redlands.
Yesterday evening, the Council's obscurely titled Licensing Applications Sub Committee 3 came to its decision about the long-running saga of the Peeps Kebab van. It's taken a while for this issue to be resolved as the decision was deferred last month.
The kebab van operator received a 2 month extension to his street trading consent but he will have to move from the bus-stop site at the end of the period (i.e. by April 30th).
This is a positive step.
Kirsten and I have been unhappy that the van has been parking in the bus stop and causing an obstruction on Shinfield Road for some time. We have also received a number of complaints from constituents about Peeps and the van has been linked to an increase in litter and anti-social behaviour in the neighbouring streets.
Residents, Reading Buses and the Redlands & University Neighbourhood Action Group all objected to the renewal of Peeps' license. On the other side of the fence, some students leapt to the defence of Peeps' kebab van and a petition was circulated.
I genuinely hope a more suitable site can be found for Peeps - I don't see why the van, local residents and students can't happily coexist. Indeed, somewhere on the University Campus would seem sensible as this would be convenient for students and have less impact on the local community and bus users.
Perhaps the University and the Reading University Students' Union could get together to come up with a solution to suit all sides? I have emailed the University's community relations manager to see if something can be worked out.
Staying on the subject of kebab sellers, I received a complaint last week about the kebab shop on Christchurch Green. Late night noise on week nights is already a problem around Christchurch Road and Redlands Road. Trading hours do need to be got right to balance the needs of customers and local residents.
I have passed the resident's concerns on to licensing so they are aware. Litter can also be a problem where there are lots of take aways next to each other: Whitley St is a case in point.
The Licensing Act 2003 (associated with the 'liberalisation' of the licensing laws i.e 24 hour licenses etc) gave the power to any person who is unhappy with the operation of particular licensed premises i.e. bar, restaurant etc can seek a review of that premise's license. This is then heard by the councillors on the licensing committee. You can read the Council's local licensing policy here.
On a positive note, when threatened with a potential review of its premises license after reports of anti-social behaviour,the management of local pub the Upin Arms on London Road (formerly the Jack of Both Sides) made significant changes to its operations and managed to turn its bad reputation around. This was after I held meetings with the Pub's managment, licensing officers and a group of local residents to discuss the problems . As a result of pressure from this group the pub installed CCTV and generally took a more responsible attitude. The recent makeover has impressed people too.
Please contact me if you have any concerns about any licensed premises in Redlands.
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