Wendy’s in Camden Town at the bottom of Parkway

A FAST-food giant where police say a fentanyl overdose happened in the toilets wants to stay open until 3am seven days a week in the heart of Camden Town – sparking uproar among residents and strong opposition from the Met.

Police said the licensing plan from Wendy’s – which currently closes at midnight and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays – would add to trouble around the Britannia Junction and underground station that is already considered Camden’s worst “crime hotspot”.

A crime review listed several examples of offences “directly associated with this premises” including “assaults on staff, threats involving knives, racially aggravated incidents, theft, and disorder involving intoxicated persons”.

Licensing officer PC Christopher Malone’s report listed “threats to stab staff members, assaults upon staff by customers, individuals entering staff-only areas and assaulting management and drug-related activity immediately outside the premises”.

The police report also said there had been a “fentanyl overdose occurring within the premises’ toilets” and “mobile phone thefts immediately outside the venue during late-night hours”.

The report said: “Whilst it is often suggested that late-night food premises assist in dispersal and assist patrons in sobering up, policing experience demonstrates that the position is considerably more complex. Late-night refreshment premises frequently become congregation points where intoxicated individuals from multiple pubs, bars and clubs converge.”

It added: “The MPS acknowledge that not all incidents can be attributed directly to the management of the premises. However, when viewed collectively, these incidents demonstrate that the premises already attracts individuals involved in criminality and anti-social behaviour.”

The police report said, given the context, an application including removal of previously agreed conditions – including “SIA registered door supervisors” – would “reduce security measures”.

Wendy’s said its extensive CCTV network captures all heads and shoulders as they enter the premises and that “security personnel” would remain onsite until closing time. It stressed that no alcohol is served and that a notice would warn home delivery drivers about their responsibilities.

“We try to encourage our customers to be considerate to our neighbours and to limit noise both when ordering their food and on leaving the local area,” it said.

It added that all front-of-house staff would be trained in Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE), “Ask for Angela”, and conflict management. Shift managers would be trained in first aid and records of staff training would be provided to an authorised officer upon request.

Neighbours have warned of sleepless nights and an increase in “vomit and urinating” outside their homes.

In his objection, Ali Chiu, from the Parkway Residents Association, warned: “We have an enormous problem in this area with ASB and this restaurant will encourage people to stay later and cause unacceptable levels of noise from talking, fighting, shouting, phones, car doors and engines.”

His objection suggested residents, including a hospital surgeon and parents of special needs children, would have to move out of the area just to ensure enough sleep to function at work, adding: “It is a fallacy that food helps soak up the alcohol.

“In fact, after eating drinkers get an energy surge and usually start becoming more loud and aggressive.”

An objection from a resident in Dockray Place said “gangs can gather or hang out waiting for their own customers to come out of the clubs and bars”.

Tenants and Residents Associations Camden Town (TRACT) said that residents are plagued by late-night revellers causing noise, street urination and litter in residential streets off the High Street.

William Miller has also objected “on behalf of 100 homes in Gloucester Crescent”, saying: “I believe considerable weight should be given to the fact that this is the third attempt to obtain substantially the same extension. Residents have already made their concerns clear.”

Earlier this yearm, Mr Miller contacted Wendy’s executives in the US about the company’s licensing objectives.

Camden Town ward councillor Pat Callaghan has objected to the application, warning it would lead to an increase in crime and that “the health of the residents in the area will be significantly affected due to sleep deprivation” if it is approved.

The application is due to be considered by licensing committee councillors tonight (Thursday).