Police have come under attack after councillors renewed a nightclub's drinking licence despite protests from a group of residents.

At a heated meeting of Bradford Council's licensing sub-committee Desmond Price, 44, who runs the Palm Cove Club was granted a one-year renewal of his public Entertainment Licence.

Mr Price's lawyer, John Cordingley, defended the club, in Hollings Road, Girlington, against accusations from a group of disgruntled residents represented by University Ward Councillor Sajawal Hussain.

The 17-year-old club opens until 11.30pm on Monday to Thursday, 1am on Friday, 2am on Saturday, and 10.30pm on Sunday, its busiest night (11.30pm in the dining area).

At the weekend it has a main room with 'Rave' and 'Garage' music and a smaller side room used for Reggae.

Coun Hussain said on numerous occasions residents were woken up by people leaving the club in the early hours and also blamed them for incidents of vandalism in the streets and taxis clogging the road.

Councillors were shown a letter from the police which stated they didn't object to renewal of the licence but did to the extension of its opening times which had also been sought.

Coun Hussain said: "I'm disappointed with the lack of support from the police. I think that the police should have been here to answer the questions that the members of the Council wanted to put to them."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "We were very surprised that Councillor Hussain feels let down by the police. The first time we were told this by the councillor we immediately sought an adjournment of any decision by the committee and carried out a full investigation.

"We agreed with his view that an extension of the licensing hours would place an intolerable burden on the residents in the vicinity of the club.

"However, because of the established name of the club, there were no grounds for us to seek to remove that licence.

"There would have to be substantial evidence of abuse or disturbance - which is not available in this instance.''

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