EXTRA police will be drafted in to help control crowds at Southend’s Talk nightclub, under tough new conditions imposed after an incident in which 1,000 teenagers fought to get into a student party night.

Police suggested a review of the nightspot’s licence as a result of the incident, in February.

Yesterday, Southend councillors were told, after talks with police the club, had accepted stringent conditions aimed at prevention a repetition of the incident.

In February, mounted officers and the police helicopter were called as hundreds of youngsters caused a scrum as they fought to get into a special night for under-21s.

One condition involves the introduction of the Challenge 25 system, which forces anyone who appears to be under 25 to produce identification before they are allowed in.

The club has also agreed not to host events for under-18s without written permission from the police. It will also have to pay for at least two police officers to be on the premises whenever the club hosts such events.

Other conditions oblige the club to offer at least 1,300 advance tickets for all events organised by external promoters.

Southend Council’s licensing committee was due to consider the licences for Talk and Bar Bluu, which are both housed in the same building in Lucy Road – and had the power to close them down. However committee chairman Fay Evans said: “We have been told the police and licence holder have agreed new conditions. On this basis, the police do not wish to continue.

“The committee takes very seriously any breaches and is very concerned about this incident, which led to the police to ask for this review. I hope lessons have been learned.”

Solicitor David Hook, who spoke at the meeting on behalf of Talk and Bar Bluu, said the clubs’ owner was happy with the new conditions.

He said: “Talk entered into a conversation with the police.

“The club doesn't accept many of the assertions made by the police but has always been leading the way in working with the police.”

Clubber Liz Wheatley, 19, from Great Wakering, said: “As long as it stops further injury I think it is a good idea.

“The police need to do something, because it was such a big incident. It can be really busy for under-18s nights and there probably should be more police.

“It is not as busy for normal nights. Luckily, I didn’t go to that event. It must have been terrifying for all those who were caught up in it.”