THE OWNER of a fast food shop in South Woodford has assured residents he is not looking to cause problems by applying for later opening hours.

Dogan Ekim of Kebabland in High Road wants to be able to serve revellers leaving nearby nightspot Funky Mojoe and says a 3.30am licence every day of the week would keep the 16-year-old family business alive.

But people living nearby are opposing the plans insisting their quality of life would be affected and on Friday they met Chingford and Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith to raise their concerns.

Mr Ekim, 55, said the complaints are unfair as there are already a number of late night businesses in the area.

“I am selling food, not alcohol, so these objections don’t make sense to me, he said.

“We have always run a tight ship and there have never been any problems with customers.

“If people want quiet then we may as well shut all the shops.”

Chelmsford and Derby Road Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Frank Cruder said the one hour extension would mean drunks would hang around High Street for longer and cause more disturbance.

He also highlighted the problem of rubbish saying lots of food boxes are discarded in the road.

Responding to concerns Mr Ekim said: “We have got large bins which I pay a lot of money for.

“Also if any boxes are left on the floor we pick them up.

He added: “I want to work with neighbours, not go against them.”

Mr Duncan Smith said: “This area is over-run with late night establishments.

“Residents already have to deal with noise disturbance and anti-social behaviour caused by the Napier Arms and Funky Mojoe.

“We do not need another late licence in this area and I will be writing to the council to object to the application.”