A LEIGH cocktail bar is to be ordered to revert to its original use as a venue for poetry, arts and crafts, councillors have decided.

The Black Cat Cocktail Bar is part of the former Coliseum Cinema, in Elm Road. It was supposed to have been reserved for book club meetings, poetry readings, pottery demonstrations and the like.

Southend Council head of planning Andrew Meddle said the area was now being used as a bar, linked with the adjoining Irmas restaurant and there had been complaints from neighbours about late-night noise.

Members were recommended to take action to restore the original use.

However, Alan Crystall (Lib Dem., Leigh) said: “It has never been put to any of the uses which were suggested and I cannot see there is any likelihood of this happening.

“If we can control the hours and make sure no problems arose, I would have no objections.”

Members agreed to support enforcement action.