Whalley night-time disturbance report names streets, venues and incidents

New figures about disturbances and crime around Whalley’s night-time bar and club scene show the need for a special licensing system to be extended for another three years, Ribble Valley councillors are being advised.

A licensing arrangement, called a cumulative impact assessment, has been used by the council in recent years when looking at new applications for licenses, or requests to vary existing licenses, in Whalley.  It means landlords and venue managers there are asked to show how their activities will not add to existing pressures . But the arrangement has to be renewed.

Whalley’s popular night-time scene has been the focus of debate. Some residents and councillors have called for stronger action on problems by the authorities, from the council to the police. Some councillors feel they have ‘failed’ residents in the past, with previous licensing decisions, and also questioned police coverage. But others have defended the council’s actions and said various solutions are needed. Meanwhile, bar and venue managers have defended their arrangements.

A new council report for Ribble Valley’s licensing committee includes particular venues and streets where incidents have been reported. It covers a  12-month period from spring 2023 to 2024. Sundays and summer months saw the most problems.

Over the years, Whalley incidents have fallen, it says. Overall, crime such as home burglary, violence and drugs posession are lower than past years. But commercial burglaries have risen. Criminal events have ranged from customer fights and deliberate damage to restaurant doors or windows. Anti-social incidents include noise and youths climbing on roofs.

Venues named for different reasons include The Aviary, Abbey Works Salvage House, Rio’s Nightclub/Rendezvous, The Dog Inn, the Amico Mio Restaurant and the Co-op shop. But incidents have happened elsewhere too.

Noise and anti-social behaviour have generally been identified by residents and councillors as the more common problems rather than serious crime.

On anti-social behaviour, the report says incidents have reduced across the Ribble Valley, including Whalley, over recent years, according to official statistics.  The rate in Whalley is lower than the Lancashire average but higher than the Ribble Valley average.

Only 12 per cent of anti-social behaviour was linked to youngsters under 18.  Abbots Croft was the only repeat location. Issues described youths congregating, shouting, climbing on roofs, kicking doors and throwing fireworks.

Regarding crime, streets with the highest number of reported incidents were King Street followed by Accrington Road, George Street, Queen Street and Whalley Road.  Analysis showed  31 per cent of all crime happened on King Street, which was also top for anti-social behaviour.

Around the Accrington Road area, most crimes related to Rio’s Nightclub/Rendezvous between midnight and 4am. This included assaults, violence, disputes with door staff, arguments and fights, where alcohol appear to be a factor.

The report adds: “The Dog Inn recorded the joint highest number of crimes, reporting five of violence against the person, stalking and harassment.” Regarding anti-social behaviour, Dog Inn bar staff refused to serve a group of intoxicated people, resulting in them arguing and refusing to leave.

Elsewhere, the report states: “There were a further five crimes at Abbey Works Salvage House,  of violence and a public order offence.  Crimes at both these drinking and eating establishments involved people being verbally abusive to one another, resulting in violence. Alcohol appeared to be a contributory factor in most offences. Interestingly, Sunday was the peak day in the evening.”

Whalley shops have seen problems too. Three crimes happened at the Co-op involving two shoplifting offences, where alcohol was targeted, and one with a vehicle taken from the car park.

In conclusion, the report says the latest statistics along with information from environmental health and licensing officers, residents and representatives ‘clearly supports’ the need to renew the cumulative impact assessment system.