Residents oppose new craft beer bar over fears it will increase crime in the area

By Grainne Cuffe, local democracy reporter

Residents have spoken out against a new craft beer bar in Elephant and Castle which has been granted a licence after concerns were raised about an increase in crime, human faeces on the streets and children being put at risk.

Better World Brewing Company applied for a licence for a craft beer taproom and bottle shop in a spot under a railway arch in Angel Lane.

But residents in the nearby Manor Place Depot housing development said they were already plagued by crime, and that the taproom will only make things worse.

They say “drunk or drugged-up criminals” are regularly targeting flats, and also claim thieves have stolen bikes, plants, Amazon deliveries and even once tried to steal a dog.

Residents have spotted used needles and human faeces on the ground and added that drug dealers were often seen in the area, despite the development being just a “stone’s throw” from Walworth police station.

Residents objecting to the application said a bar would add to problems and put children at risk.

One said: “There are a number of babies and children in the development. A drinking establishment could increase the potential for harm directly or indirectly, as well as the increased noise.”

Another said: “There have been quite a few thefts within the development where people are stealing plants, stealing packages, calling our intercoms asking to be let in.

“We even had a man who managed to get into one of the buildings and let himself into one of my neighbour’s flats.

“Considering our development is a stone’s throw away from Walworth police station, this does not deter local crimes.”

The complainant later added: “The crimes will only increase with a bar opening up on Angel Lane.”

Another complainant claimed their flat had been targeted by thieves.

They said: “ Our tree was stolen – the thieves entered our property while my family and I were in the flat, and it scares me to think what could have happened had we confronted the thieves.

“Earlier, my bike was stolen from the back terrace (which is only a few meters away from the arches).

“At least on one occasion a drunk person tried to lean over the terrace and steal my dog.”

A parent said: “It is inevitable that customers of this bar will vandalise and urinate on our building. I want to protect my six-year-old son from drunks and crowds of this sort of manner.

They later added: “I do not wish to expose my son to people urinating, loitering around our building. He will not feel safe and already is anxious around crowds, let alone rowdy ones.”

A Southwark licensing sub-committee granted the licence on Thursday, July 29, despite the concerns.

Better World Brewing founder Nick Marsh said: “We are keen to work with all residents to ensure that Better World Brewing are playing a positive and long term role as a member of the community.

“We want to help develop a thriving community, bring jobs and support making the area safe and our bar a fun place for everyone to relax.”

After liaising with police, the brewing company agreed to put measures in place that would help prevent crime and noise.

They include installing a CCTV system, keeping the footage for a month, and stopping customers from being outside after 10pm unless they are going out for a smoke.

Ahead of the meeting the company also agreed to stop selling booze a half an hour early – 10.30pm Monday to Saturday and 9.30pm on Sunday.

Some flats in the Notting Hill Genesis development, a mix of private, intermediate, and affordable homes, are on sale for more than £700,000.

A Notting Hill Genesis spokesperson said: “We are aware of complaints of anti-social behaviour and reports of flowers being stolen at Manor Place Depot.

“We have informed the Safer Neighbourhoods Team for the area who have increased patrols over recent months, especially at evenings and weekends.

“We have requested signs for the communal garden that read ‘resident only’, as without these the police are unable to move groups on. We hope they will be ready soon.

“We will continue to work with residents and the local policing team to ensure our residents feel safe and comfortable at Manor Place Depot.”

The Met Police has been contacted for comment.