LAST DRINKS: CHIGWELL SAYS NO TO BOTTLE SHOP

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, and residents of Chigwell are attending a community meeting to oppose a bottle shop proposed near children’s play areas, a local skate park and community house.

Mr Wilkie has written to the residents of Chigwell to alert them to the proposal for a bottle shop at the Allunga Road shops in Bucaan Street Chigwell.

“A number of constituents and community groups have raised concerns with me about the proposal,’’ Mr Wilkie said.

“I share these concerns and believe that a bottle shop sited near children’s play areas, the local skate park, park lands, the Community House and small local businesses is a risk to the community. Easy access to alcohol goes hand-in-hand with increased crime, underage drinking and safety issues for residents and neighbouring shop-keepers.

“I have no doubt there is broad community concern with this proposal and have had numerous people contact my office with their worries since I wrote to members of the community.’’

The Liquor Licencing Board is yet to give its approval so community groups and residents still have an opportunity to lodge objections.

Mr Wilkie said the meeting had been called to inform the community and send a clear message to the board that residents were not happy with the bottle shop proposal.
Independent Member for Denison Andrew Wilkie