A Watford town centre takeaway has been told it cannot extend its closing time for fear of an increase in violent crime.

Express Foods, in The Parade, had hoped to close at 3.15am on three nights next month - April 3, 4 and 5.

The fast food business is currently licensed to close at 2.30am.

However, applicant Kenan Duran saw his Temporary Event Notice (TEN) application turned after a Watford Borough Council sub-licensing committee were persuaded by police evidence that approval could lead to an increase in violent crime.

The premises, which has recently changed ownership, had a TEN application to trade until 4am in September last year rejected as it “would be likely to add to the existing problems of crime and disorder in the area”.

Then in January this year, a further four TENs were again turned down.

Evidence produced by the police at that time said that since April 2009, the town centre had seen a 20.1 per cent increase in violent crime, almost wholly attributable to the 'night-time economy'.

And in a statement before yesterday's (Tuesday) hearing, PC Andy Crisp said that since January's hearing, “crime analysis data has shown that violent crime within Watford town centre has continued to increase”.

He said a year on year comparison for January revealed a 90.7 per cent increase in violent crime, while year to date figures shows a 23.36 per cent increase in the town centre (up from 20.1 per cent in January).

In their summary, the committee, made up of councillors Bernadette Laventure, Ken Brodhurst and Mark Watkin said: “The sub-committee is persuaded by the police evidence that to extend the hours during which licensable activities can take place would undermine the Licensing Act objective of the prevention of crime and disorder.”