Venue owners and promoters "have not been listened to" over concerns about the future of Croydon’s nightlife, it was claimed today.

Amid debate prompted by the sudden closure of long-standing nightspot Tiger Tiger last month, Croydon Council commissioned a report to examine the languishing state of the borough’s night-time economy.

But the report, due to be discussed by the council’s scrutiny committee tonight, fails to address key concerns raised at a recent public meeting on the issue, according to music promoter Richard Hamilton.

He questioned why the report contained no mention of policing - a major theme of the public meeting.

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He said: “There was nothing about policing heavy-handedness, risk-assessment forms, not a mention. They probably didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes.

“They didn’t listen or want to listen to what was said as far as I can see - just typical political jargon.”

Future projects like the Boxpark pop-up mall will boost Croydon’s night-time economy by offering “a totally different drinking and dining experience for residents and visitors alike”, according to the report.

Read the council report on the night time economy.pdf

But Mr Hamilton, a promoter for Hoodoos in Matthews Yard, expressed worries about the the effect the development might have on already-struggling venues.

He said: “If you’re coming in from London you would think, ‘Let’s go there [Boxpark]’. All the clubs and bars are going to feel the pinch.

“It’s all glossing up something that happened yet, and a lot that may not happen.”

Commenting on the report, Paul Bossick, owner of Bad Apple bar in High Street, said: “It’s very focused on the future rather than the here and now, which is what we have got to deal with. It’s more a wish list of how it’s going to go - its got it’s heart in the medium and the long term.”

Mr Bossick also said he hoped councillors who were at the public meeting at Matthews Yard, including scrutiny committee chair Sean Fitzsimons, would bring up the issue of policing at tonight’s meeting despite its absence from the report.

Another venue-owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I just feel the council needs to get behind the night time economy and not just hope it disappears and put all their hopes in Boxpark.

“We’re bigger than Newcastle, but Newcastle has got a thriving night-time economy.”

A Croydon Council spokesman said: “There’s been a historical decline of the night time economy and whilst solutions may not happen overnight this council is determined to reverse that trend, which is why we’re looking to work with local businesses and residents to create a vibrant, safe and welcoming evening offer.

“A range of local businesses have been invited to the scrutiny meeting where we are expecting to discuss issues ranging from the environment through to policing.”

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