A series of posters suggesting culture in Croydon is being 'marginalised' have appeared in the town centre.
The posters, put up in High Street, take aim at the alleged bashment ban police have enforced in Croydon nightclubs and the planned closure of Fairfield Halls for a £30m redevelopment in the summer.
Earlier this month two club owners came forward claiming Croydon police had threatened to shut their venues downs for playing ‘what this borough finds unacceptable forms of music’.
It came just weeks after Croydon Council confimed Fairfield would be shut for two years, despite a vocal campaign from the halls management, staff and Conservative opposition councillors, who wanted parts of the theatre complex to remain open during the work.
RELATED: Two-year Fairfield Halls closure paves way for £750m 'cultural quarter'
RELATED: Club 791 owner claims police have banned him playing bashment music at his Thornton Heath club
Following the claims Croydon Council announced scrutiny committee will meet to consider allegations that “not all types of establishment or music are treated fairly” by licensing officers.#
RELATED: Croydon Council to investigate claims police threatened to close venues playing bashment music
Striking set of posters on high street about "bashment ban" and #fairfieldhalls Wonder who put them there? #Croydon pic.twitter.com/55yu9B6Oqk
— James Naylor (@naylorjames) March 25, 2016
Roy Seda, owner of Dice Bar, said: “The public support against the review of our premises has been overwhelming.
“We are merely voicing out the principal of the situation and what many club owners are, or have been scared to talk about.
“However, there are questions that still remain unanswered by the police, such as their letter saying we are playing unacceptable forms of music.
“Why is bashment an unacceptable form of music?”
The police have asked Croydon Council to review Dice Bar's licence, claiming in their application that the club is "associated with persistent crime and disorder" and “patrons and police officers have been put at risk of harm".
A date for the hearing is yet to be set.
What do you think? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6307 or email andrea.downey@newsquest.co.uk
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