PUB chain J.D. Wetherspoon will meet concerned residents in Rickmansworth this month to dispel fears about opening in the town.

The meeting comes a month before the Watford-based company applies to the courts for a licence to trade in the High Street.

A spokesman for Wetherspoon said the meeting would help bridge the gap between residents and the pub company.

Mr Eddie Gershon said: "We are aware there is some disquiet in the town and we hope to allay this by telling people how our operation will run."

The company, known for its traditional, no music pubs, was granted permission to convert a disused stationery shop at appeal in October.

Residents campaigned against the decision, saying there were too many licensed premises in the town centre and there was a need for a supermarket.

Chairman of Rickmansworth Chamber of Business Mr Mike Purdy said: "There are already 25 pubs and licensed premises in Rickmansworth town centre.

"We desperately need a grocer's shop where people can buy daily goods without having to walk to Tesco.

"We want something which will attract customers to shop in Rickmansworth during the day and use the other facilities in the town."

Manager of Chris Blakes butchers, High Street, Mr Terry Scott, said: "It will be good see the shop put back into use but I know quite a few people who don't want to see another pub.

"My concern is that people leaving the pub late at night could cause trouble or damage to the shops in the High Street."

The warning comes weeks after the assistant manager at the Hogshead, High Street, was attacked with a knife by a customer in the pub after Christmas.

Although an isolated incident, it has raised fears among shopkeepers in the town who believe more licensed premises will increase trouble in Rickmansworth.

The meeting will be held at Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth, on Wednesday, January 28, at 6pm.

A spokesman for Rickmansworth police, who have helped organise the meeting, said: "We recognise there is strong local feeling about the prospect of another licensed premises in Rickmansworth High Street but at this stage we have no objections.

"The final decision will rest with the licensing committee who are meeting at Watford Magistrates Court on February 25."

The licensing justices at Watford have received letters protesting against the pub opening and have scheduled a full-day hearing to listen to the case.

Mr Gershon said: "It would be arrogant of us to assume we will get the licence but we will put our case forward when it goes before the magistrates.

"We still have a long way to go before we open for business in Rickmansworth."

The pub chain is planning to invest £900,000 in the shop at 115 - 117 High Street, to convert it into a two-floor bar which serves food.

The shop, which was formerly owned by Tames Stationers, has been standing empty for eight years.

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