THE former Rileys snooker hall in Stanford-le-Hope could be transformed into a late night bar.

However, more than than 100 residents and shopkeepers in the Corringham Road area have already signed a petition against the application.

They fear existing problems with antisocial behaviour on the road will only get worse.

Joe Campbell, 70, of Corringham Road, said: “I’m against this because I think four pubs in Stanford-le-Hope is enough.

“We already have a lot of problems on Friday and Saturday nights so to have another bar is crazy.”

Dawn Eady, 51, who runs the pet shop on the street, said: “In the past shop windows have been smashed, people have urinated up front doors.

“It would be good to see Rileys turned into a gym or a bingo hall like it used to be years ago.”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, added: “We can’t just sit back and let this happen.

“There are already fights in the street, cars and properties getting damaged. If this bar gets planning permission it will just add to that.

“They want to open until two in the morning. We are already on the phone to the police every weekend asking them to deal with drunks as it is.

“I heard someone had put in an application to have a gym in the building, but the council weren’t interested. Why?”

A public consultation on the application closes tomorrow.

Insp Jackie Screech said there had not been any significant issues with antisocial behaviour in Corringham Road for quite some time.

She added: “Since the beginning of July, there have only been three reported incidents.

“We work closely with all licensees in Stanford-le-Hope, so if a new bar was to open, we would have regular contact with them to ensure the law is being upheld, just like we do with all other premises.”