During 2017 CANForum received a number of complaints of bad behaviour associated with the Acton Nights sisha bar in the grounds of the Duke of York public house on Steyne Road.
We took the complaints to the police, the fire service, and the Council, who were all very helpful. Some of the later correspondence is below.
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Date: 21 Dec 2017 09:51
Subject: Duke of York Sisha bar, Steyne Road Acton W3
Dear <>
I am writing to ask you to open a stage one complaint on the topic of the Duke of York shisha bar which was open again last night and has been open continually since Officers posted a closure notice in mid November.
To my knowledge, they owners of the bar have been ordered to close by Planning enforcement, Licensing and the Police. Complaints have also been made to the Fire Service, but I cannot confirm they have visited.
I am asking for a Stage one complaint, not because I think officers are not doing their job, but because this is a persistant offender who is a danger to the public and dealing with them requires cross department co operation. They seem oblivious to Council orders.
I do beg you most seriously to take action before the holidays begin.
Kind regards
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Response:
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Date: 21 Dec 2017 10:01
Subject: RE: Duke of York Sisha bar, Steyne Road Acton W3
Dear <>
Thank you for your email.
I am sorry to learn of the ongoing concerns in relation to the Duke of York. I will ask our Planning Enforcement and Environment Manager to review the details of the case and provide a response on the case, and to review our actions.
I have had this matter logged with our central complaints team to ensure this is tracked.
If you have any other concerns please do not hesitate to reply to me directly and I will address this with my team.
With kind regards.
Yours sincerely
<>
Director – Safer Communities and Housing
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and then later that same day - from Ealing Council
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Date: 21 December 2017 at 11:33
Subject: RE: Duke of York Sisha bar, Steyne Road Acton W3
Dear <>
I write further to your previous correspondence in relation to the Duke of York and the Shisha use at the property. As you are aware the council issued temporary stop notice on the use of the site under planning legislation on 30th November. This notice is due to expire on 28th December but was being completely ignored. The Council have been undertaking visits with the police to gather evidence for prosecution of the relevant persons.
In the meantime, I have this morning received notification that the land owner has instructed bailiffs to take back possession of the land. I understand that bailiffs attended the property this morning entering, taking possession and re-securing the property. Site notices are displayed on the front door.
I hope that this action will cease the unauthorised use and bring this matter to a close. This will ultimately be determined by the occupants reaction.
The site will be visited this evening to assess the situation.
Kind regards,
<>
Planning Enforcement and Environment Manager Ealing Council
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