A RISE in violence and criminal damage at West Watford Conservative Club has prompted calls for urgent police action.

Concerned residents complained of disturbances at the headquarters at a Nascot and Park area committee meeting on Tuesday, June 25.

They claim the fracas is linked to a recent change of management at the club.

Leader of the Watford Labour Group Andy Head has called on Watford's elected mayor Dorothy Thornhill to introduce a dedicated council Crimebuster team.

Councillor Head, who has also asked Watford Council's licensing team to investigate the club, said: "Local residents say there was no trouble in the past but now they suffer damage to windows and cars from people visiting the premises in Harwoods Road.

"This was a members only club and I want to check to see if the license conditions are being broken.

"The club openly advertises for non-members to visit.

"Residents fear their quiet local streets have had a free-for-all public house, open without the proper procedures and safeguards."

Watford police confirmed the club was being investigated.

Community inspector Jeff Taylor said: "I have received a number of complaints from nearby residents relating to incidents that have occurred.

"I will be meeting with the club steward in the near future to discuss these complaints and to agree a way forward."

June 27, 2002 16:30