A peri-peri takeaway shop in Caldmore could open until 3am seven nights a week if granted permission later this week. Future operating hours at Merigo on West Bromwich Street will be decided by Walsall Council’s licensing and safety committee today, Thursday, June 4.
Community Objections
The proposal is being brought before councillors after an objection was received by the Palfrey and Caldmore Neighbourhood Watch and Residents Group vice chairman, Mr Mohamed. He described the proposed operating hours as ‘wholly inappropriate’, raising concerns about late-night noise, nuisance customers, litter, odour and traffic.
Mr Mohamed said: “The premises are located beneath and adjacent to residential flats. Any late-night commercial activity would have a direct and significant effect on residents’ quality of life.
“There is concern that customers may congregate outside the premises or remain in parked vehicles while consuming food, leading to noise, littering, and general disturbance.
“This type of activity would be particularly harmful in such a closely built residential environment. Such late hours would be wholly inappropriate for this location and would inevitably lead to unacceptable levels of disturbance.”
Business Perspective
Adrian Tworkowski, director of MG Walsall Ltd which owns Merigo, said the site is a ‘family environment’ and staff will ensure all customers leave the premises ‘quietly and swiftly’.
He said: “We are a fast food outlet and our vision is to create something that celebrates the concept of peri-peri grilled food. We want to build an environment where food lovers can socialise, share their mutual appreciation for grilled food and have a great time.”
