A longstanding nightclub’s doors will remain open after a licence review.

The Pink Toothbrush in High Street, Rayleigh was given the news they hoped for when Rochford District Council agreed to maintain the nightclub’s licence.

A review was requested Essex Police on February 7 following a number of alleged violent incidents between members of the public and the door staff.

At the hearing, James Ranking, representing the club’s owner, Charley Horne, told the committee chair, Laureen Shaw the club have worked closely with Essex Police in light of particular incidents.

In November last year, a man came to the club wielding an axe, and in January, police launched an investigation into an alleged assault on a clubber, Luke Calder, from Hockley, by door staff.

Mr Ranking said: “On November 8, when there was an analysis of the CCTV, it has Mr Horne as a gentleman who was seizing one of these weapons, which was described as a metal pole, however, he was at Lego Land on the night in question.

“Lest you come away with the impression they were a stash of offensive weapons, they were a mop and a broom handle.

“These were deployed in a defensive posture by two doormen. The protagonist had a fireman’s axe, which was four-feet long.

“Similarly, the events pertaining to January 27, where a gentleman was forcedly ejected from the premises, through the rear fire exit.

“Again, suggestions the person being ejected was repeatedly punched in the face and kicked on the floor is not supported by the evidence and it is perfectly clear on analysis of the CCTV.”

The club will review the placement of its CCTV, install more cameras and fit the minimum five employed door staff with body cameras.

The council said that all door staff working for the club, who are employed by a third party agency, must undertake a refresher on physical intervention with an SIA licensed trainer.

The club must also declare if a member of their employed door staff has undertaken any such course in the past year.

On Saturday nights and occasions with later closing times, six door staff, wearing high visibility jackets should be on duty for at least 30 minutes after the club closes.

The club was told it must adhere to the conditions within 28 days of the hearing.

Essex Police, said: “There have been some serious matters at this club which determined our interim steps, since then, Essex Police have been negotiating with the club on the various conditions of which we have agreed with them. 

"Essex Police are satisfied at this moment in time.”

Following the hearing, Alan Simpson, solicitor from Teland Limited, representing the Pink Toothbrush, said: “At the licensing hearing, we are pleased to confirm that the conditions of our licence were updated with many of the new conditions already being in place.

“We are pleased to have received full cooperation from Essex Police and Rochford District Council in agreeing these conditions which fully satisfy their requirements and previous concerns. 

"The club thanks all its customers for their ongoing support.”