POLICE are pushing for the permanent closure of a St Paul's "drinking den", the Shady Grove cafe.
Avon and Somerset constabulary claims the premises on Ashley Road is still causing noise and attracting fights and anti-social behaviour that is making the lives of local residents a misery.
Shady Grove has previously been closed down twice under the Anti- Social Behaviour Act 2003.
But now the police have made an application to the courts under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 to get it closed down for good.
Every time the case has gone to the magistrates' court, the closures have been strenuously opposed by owner Gilbert Watson, who is known locally as Ajax.
The Shady Grove cafe constitutes the basement, ground floor and rear courtyard of number 34 Ashley Road.
Despite the previous closures, the police say they are still receiving numerous complaints from residents in the area about noise, litter, intimidation and fighting linked to the cafe.
It was closed in January 2010 for three months, then the closure was extended for another three months.
It was allowed to reopen in summer 2010 but was closed for three months again last December.
Despite the property having no licence, police claim it has operated in the past as a bar and nightclub, with music blaring throughout the night and alcohol being sold there illegally.
But Mr Watson has always maintained it is only used for private parties and that he has been badly treated by the authorities.
In an interview with The Post, the 70-year-old said the trouble complained about usually has nothing to with Shady Grove.
He said: "There may have been noise and fighting but it is nothing to do with Shady Grove – I have been the victim of an injustice.
"I am a pensioner and this has been incredibly stressful."
Mr Watson appeared before District Judge Martin Brown at the city's magistrates' court yesterday – two days after being served with notice of the police's intentions.
As he had not had enough time to get legal representation, the case was adjourned to give him time to find a lawyer before returning to court next week.
Mr Watson was served with CCTV footage that will be used against him in the case, but was adamant he would once again fight the closure.
The premises will be closed until a decision has been made, however.
The last time Shady Grove was closed down District Judge David Parsons said: "Mr Watson is unable to properly regulate these premises. I am satisfied that there were week-after-week parties."
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