VULNERABLE residents in almshouses fear a late night noise nightmare over a new bar opening next door to their flats with the worried warden speaking out on their behalf.

The former Be the Change in New Street in Worcester is under renovation to become a bar called Twenty Two but is right next to flats occupied by elderly, vulnerable and sometimes disabled people.

If the licensing application is approved, it is understood the new upmarket bar at 15 New Street in the city centre will be open until 3am with music played throughout.

An opening date has yet to be announced but work was underway at the premises on Wednesday.  

The garden of the new bar is only an umbrella's width away from Nash's and Wyatt's Almshouses where there are 27 flats, owned and managed by Worcester Municipal Charities.

All that would muffle the sound from the new bar is a wooden fence. The deadline for representations on the application to vary the premises licence is now looming (April 5) which can be made at enquiries@worcsregservices.co.uk

Worcester News: CLOSE: Warden Julie Clayton illustrates how close the garden of Twenty Two bar at 15 New Street (left) is to Nash and Wyatt's Almshouses CLOSE: Warden Julie Clayton illustrates how close the garden of Twenty Two bar at 15 New Street (left) is to Nash and Wyatt's Almshouses (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

An application by RIIZE LUX Ltd seeks to extend the licensable activities times, to amend the opening times and allow for 'the playing of recorded music and sale of alcohol', including off the premises sale of alcohol.

Julie Clayton, 60, the warden of the Almshouses has been supported by a Labour candidate in the forthcoming elections, Adam Scott, in speaking up for residents.

Mrs Clayton said: "Our residents are elderly, vulnerable and disabled. My main concern is the bar will be open until 3am."

Worcester News: HISTORY: The plaque at Nash's and Wyatt's Almshouses gives a glimpse of the rich history of the site which continues to support vulnerable people HISTORY: The plaque at Nash's and Wyatt's Almshouses gives a glimpse of the rich history of the site which continues to support vulnerable people (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

She said the eldest resident was an 86-year-old woman and another, a man aged 67, had only recently suffered a heart attack. She is also concerned about the impact on emergency access at the flats with ambulances regularly having to attend because of the health of some residents.

Mrs Clayton said: "I don't want businesses to be shut. I don't want an empty business. But I do see this as damaging the quality of life for our residents.

"Our residents are really, really worried there will be stress and loss of sleep. Residents are worried it's going to close at 3am. I don't think that's fair and I'm concerned for their welfare. That's why I'm speaking out on behalf of residents."

Worcester News: UNITED: Julie Clayton, warden of Nash's and Wyatt's Almshouses in New Street, and Labour Cathedral ward candidate Adam Scott stand united about the impact of late night noise on vulnerable residents UNITED: Julie Clayton, warden of Nash's and Wyatt's Almshouses in New Street, and Labour Cathedral ward candidate Adam Scott stand united about the impact of late night noise on vulnerable residents (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Mr Scott, a Labour candidate for Cathedral ward, said he understood the garden, which he estimated to be around a metre from the nearest flat, was not used for year and has been employed for storage. 

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He added: "Their intention is open the garden as an extension to the bar as soon as possible. We have been keeping in touch with residents about that, working closely with Lynn Denham as the Cathedral ward councillor.

"We want to see businesses in the city centre and a flourishing night time economy is important to the city. But the needs of the residents should come first. We have 250 residential addresses along Friar Street and New Street. Most people co-exist with the nightlife and are perfectly happy."

A spokesperson for Twenty Two said: "We have not had the opportunity to speak to residents.  We will be speaking with them."

He said in terms of the licensing application, 'we followed what other bars have done' after looking at their opening times. "They all had a 2.30am to 3am closing time. It fits in with what is already here.

"The kind of venue we are looking to be is one that attracts a sophisticated clientele and puts out high quality drinks and food. When we do have the opportunity to speak to them, I hope all their concerns are put to rest. Residents are very welcome to come in, not only now but when we are open," he said.