A BAN on new pubs, clubs and bars in Southend town centre is to remain for at least a year, councillors have decided.

Southend Council's cabinet yesterday voted to keep its policy restricting the number of new nightspots in the town centre.

Senior council officials said the policy was no longer relevant because there had been 33 extensions to licences allowing pubs, clubs and bars to open later.

However, police asked the council to retain the policy amid fears of an increase in crime and disorder, with hundreds more people in the High Street area in the early hours of the morning.

Southend Council's environment director Andy Lewis said police had not put forward evidence to justify their concerns scrapping the policy would lead to an increase in crime and disorder.

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft, told yesterday's cabinet meeting: "We would be reluctant to go against the police advice at the present time.

"My own preference would be to retain the policy for the moment and to look at the issue again in a year's time.

"The fact there have been 33 exceptions made already shows we can be flexible when required.

"But retaining the policy shows we still have a robust stance concerning crime and disorder."

Ian Robertson, councillor responsible for public protection, said he agreed the issue should be reviewed in a year's time.

John Lamb, councillor responsible for regeneration, said he was concerned retaining the policy could have an effect on the town's policy for a 24-hour economy. He added: "There are many respectable people who like to go out for an evening and enjoy themselves.

"I don't want to see this ending up causing unnecessary restrictions on those who don't want to cause trouble."

He added: "I think there should be a full study of the situation which can come back to us in 12 months time."

Mr Robertson said he would be happy to set up a working party with the police, council officers and members to examine the issue.