CHANGES to the way residents are informed about licensing applications have been introduced.

Watford Borough Council's licensing committee agreed last Thursday to improve the notice given to householders about licensing proposals.

It will now write to the 15 closest properties next to the premises making the application and, where possible, also inform relevant residents' associations.

Councillor Rabi Martins, committee chairman, said: "It has always been our intention to keep under review how the new legislation was working.

"The legislation requires representations from statutory bodies or interested parties to be taken into account when considering applications.

"However, it is a shame the Government has couched the legislation in such a way as to not make it particularly easy for either residents, or even ward councillors, to represent local views about applications for late-night opening from pubs, clubs and take-aways in their vicinity.

"Not surprisingly, the council has had several complaints from residents (and even some ward councillors) over the fact that they sometimes heard about applications too late to be able to make any representations."

Under the Licensing Act, applications for new or varied licences have to advertise their applications by placing a notice in the newspaper, and on their premises for 28 days.

The council publishes a regular list of licensing applications, which can be viewed on its website or sent by post. For more information telephone 01923 278503, or e-mail licensing@watford.gov.uk.