A CONTROVERSIAL cocktail bar in Leigh has closed - and plans have been submitted for it to become an office.

Plans have been lodged with Southend Council to change the use of Mojo cocktail bar, in Leigh Road.

The bar’s website is now defunct and no-one has posted on its social media pages since before Christmas.

The bar endured its fair share of controversy.

Southend Council imposed strict new conditions last February, including improving the quality of door staff and limiting the number of people in the smoking area.

It followed hundreds of complaints from disgruntled neighbours, ranging from noise to antisocial behaviour and disturbances, some of which saw police called in.

Mark Flewitt, of the St Laurence ward, chaired meetings with residents when issues had escalated and admitted this may provide some “respite” for those in the area.

He said: “There is no doubt that Mojo was quite controversial for a while, but I believe it came to a natural conclusion and the owner’s made the decision to move on.

“When residents are looking at properties close to places like this, they do need to think, what will it be like when it is at its busiest?

“But businesses also have to take into account that residents are nearby, and some of these residents did get an adverse impact.

“The business tried its best to minimise that impact and to work with the council to make it a success, but I think there were some issues with the clientele who just did not want to co-operate.

“It is sad to see any business close, but I think Mojo came to a natural conclusion and this will provide respite for residents.”

Southend Council confirmed there has been no action since the strict conditions were placed on the bar, adding it is believed it is already being used as office space.