Stourbridge nightclub ordered to tighten security after 'shotgun waved outside'

The Stourbridge Academy, in Hagley Road, will have to improve measures surrounding CCTV, opening hours and security staff.

Police said that their concerns had ‘intensified’ after limited footage was supplied to them following the alleged firearms incident in the early hours of April 23.

DC Anthony Hamilton, from West Midlands Police, said: “There was an incident outside of the club that a recovery truck rammed a vehicle a number of times and someone allegedly got out and waved a sawed-off shotgun in the bouncers face and tried to get in. But unfortunately we do not have CCTV footage of acceptable quality.

“There had been a good working relationship with the club two years ago but we now feel that there has been a discerning lack of cooperation from them.”

During an licensing meeting on May 2, ‘interim steps’ were put in place, including earlier closing times and having three door staff present, with two outside during opening hours.

Leo Charalambides, speaking on behalf of the club, said: “These premises have been here under the same management for 23 years and are a community asset. The problem here was with the CCTV but that can be remedied.

“There was no systematic managerial failure except for one camera, which is a problem we were willing to put right.”

Richard Clark, legal advisor of the committee, said despite being ‘extremely concerned’ it did not warrant suspension.