TO many, Legends is Ringwood’s premier sports bar and nightspot.

But at night it can be hell for people living nearby, claims the town council.

Councillor Barbara Woodifield said a former licensee had described it as being “like a war zone there at night”.

But club owner Nicky Binden claims last year’s problems have been sorted out and said she will argue her corner at a district council licensing review.

After carrying out a study of Legends Cue and Sports Club, Cllr Woodifield presented a list of issues.

These included noise peaking at about 1.30am, loud music, swearing, arguing, fighting, gatherings of large groups and threatening behaviour which “makes some fear for their safety”.

In addition, club-goers leave litter and debris, including broken bottles and glasses, urine, excrement and vomit.

“It’s quite terrifying for some of the residents of George Mews,” she claimed.

“It’s the hours; and it’s no longer a snooker club, it’s a night club, so the whole atmosphere has changed.”

Now the town council is now recommending New Forest District Council licensing panel revokes the premises licence.

Legends’ proud boast is that it is “the home of cue sports, darts and weekend entertainment in the New Forest market town of Ringwood”.

Miss Binden, who has owned Legends for nine years, said after complaints from police and environmental health officers, that last October she employed a different company to provide door staff.

Since then there have been no problems and no mess in the alleyway leading to the club, she claimed.

In addition, she has changed her closing hours from 1.30am to 12.30am.

“As far as I’m concerned I’m meeting my licensing objectives and I hope I will get through this licence review.

“I have done everything they asked me to do, and more. I can’t do more than that.”