From the Dover Express, 2 April, 2009

RESIDENTS CALL FOR ACTION OVER CLUB.

Group wants police to step in over antisocial behaviour

Exclusive by Kathy Bailes

DRUNKS urinating in the street, couples copulating outside people's windows and ear-splitting music in the early hours are just some of the complaints Dover residents are making about a nightclub in their road.

Members of the Adrian Street Action Group are pleading for Dover District Council and Kent Police to take action over the level of noise and antisocial behaviour outside of "Club Karma," and return peace to their street.

A spokesman for the group said; "We want a noise Iimiter installed.

Patrol

"We accept there will be antisocial behaviour, but that is a police matter and they should patrol the area more vigorously.

"This has being going on for over a year and at least four different residents have made complaints to the council about the noise and behaviour problems.

"I used a noise meter outside my house one night and it registered 86 decibels. A jet taking off is 100 decibels, so that's an idea of what we have to put up with.

''This is mostly on Fridays and Saturdays until 3am or, when there is a temporary event notice, it can be up until 5am."

The spokesman said the most recent complaint was made this month, adding: ''A sex act had taken place outside one of the flats and people were urinating in the road.

"The police and the council agreed to let this club have a licence so they should make sure there are no problems.

"I agree there should be a nightclub in Dover but it should have to respect the neighbourhood it is in."

Labour ward councillor Jim Hood said residents have been in touch with him and he has taken their concerns to enforcement officers at DDC.

He said: "I have spoken to the noise control officer at DDC and they have visited the site and are monitoring it.

"Residents now need to put in writing their complaints so it can be taken further.

"Once there is a written complaint, the noise control officer can act on it."

A DDC spokesman said: "We are aware of concerns and continue to look into this matter. Residents have the right to call for a review if the licensee is not actively promoting the licensing objectives, (Click here) for more information residents can call the licensing team on 01304 872295.

"If there are concerns about noise and/or anti-social behaviour, residents can call the Out of Hours Noise Team on 01304 821199, or the Community Safety Unit on 01304 612220."

A Kent Police spokesman added: "Licensing officer PC Steve Alexander is aware of a number of local residents who have expressed concern over issues arising from the premises.

"Most of these are noise-related and are being dealt with by environmental health."

When the Dover Express attempted to contact "Club Karma" the listed phone number was dead, Emails were sent but no response had been received at the time of going to press.