Police force 'strained' by rising number of bars

Concerns have been raised over the "strain" the night time economy is placing on a town's police after plans for a new bar were revealed.

Cumbria Police said it was against plans to turn Laurel Cottage guest house in Bowness in the Lake District, into a bar.

The force said the increasing number of pubs on the shores of Windermere was leading to a rise in anti-social behaviour and violent crime.

Bowness Bay Investments, which is behind the plans, has been approached for comment.

According to a heritage statement submitted with the plans, the cottage on St Martin's Square dates back to either the 17th or 18th Century and was once a school.

However, it is currently not in use and is in need of investment, the Local Democracy Reporting service, said.

The police force told Lake District National Park planners that in the last five to 10 years, Bowness had seen "significant growth" in the number of licensed premises, which had resulted in a rise in crime.

The force said officers had dealt with 268 violent and public order offences in 2021, rising to 334 in 2024, with a high number happening in pubs.

"This is placing huge strain on limited local policing resources dealing with an ever-increasing demand," the force said.

It also said the plans made no reference to safety and security measures, such as CCTV.

The force said it wanted to have a meeting with the company behind the plans to discuss concerns.

In planning documents the company said the building was within "a vibrant and thriving part of Bowness centre" and would complement the existing local businesses.

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