It's the story that has got Hitchin talking this week: Chicken George face a licence review following a complaint from a resident living nearby.

Read Hitchin Bearton Ward councillor Ian Albert share his take on the situation ahead of the review.

There's been a lot of local comment about the premises licence review of Chicken George writes Ian Albert at Hitchin Nub News - and a lot of misunderstanding as well. 

Chicken George is a hugely successful business for Hitchin. That's fantastic! And it is clearly a place people travel from many miles away to eat or collect takeaways. And the online food ordering companies are also kept busy there. 

During the Covid closures, I helped to advise Chicken George on the Government business grants available that were being administered by North Herts Council. I know the importance of Chicken George to many people in our town. 

But with such popularity comes problems for residents, other local businesses and the nearby taxi rank. 

Councillor Ian Albert

On street parking is at a premium and access ways to residents's homes are regularly blocked. When people have been asked to move their illegally parked cars, residents have received a lot of verbal abuse. There are also pictures of police cars blocking access points while the police collected their own takeaways from Chicken George! That's definitely not a good look or a good example for the public. 

Access is critical. I am aware of one resident who has regular medical care, where the nurse has not been able to gain entrance. That is not acceptable. 

If you are going to any of the Bancroft Restaurants, or other places across the town, please park thoughtfully. Remember parking is free in council car parks after 6pm and all day on Sundays. 

I have though seen a lot of comments about the premises licence review, started by a resident at the end of their tether. Some of the very personal social media comments about the resident are totally inappropriate, unfair and inaccurate. 

But what the licence review will absolutely not do is to prevent Chicken George trading as a restaurant or takeaway. 

It would though remove their licence to sell alcohol and some of the conditions that came with it like CCTV. And that's why in the comment I submit, I am not convinced that this is the right step or will solve the underlying problem. But I completely understand and sympathise with the frustrations of residents. 

But more needs to be done to help residents. And Chicken George do need to fully carry out what they promised when being awarded the licence, such as litter clearance. 

But parking problems though in Bancroft are not solely down to Chicken George customers. There are a number of other new and existing restaurants all fairly close together. Councillors highlighted these issues at the point that planning and licensing were being agreed. 

That's why I and my Councillor colleagues will now be calling on Bancroft restaurants to sign up to a Good Neighbour Charter that we will agree jointly with them and residents, that can cover parking, noise and other issues. 

While none of the restaurants are directly responsible for bad parking, they can help more with reminding customers about places to park, preventing noise and reducing litter. And the District and County Council and Police need to do more with signage and enforcement. 

I hope that some of this will begin to reduce the problems faced by the residents of Bancroft and enable better relations with the restaurants.