DURHAM’S first micropub has been given the all-clear to open, despite the concerns of some neighbours.

Chris and Susannah Mansfield now hope to start serving real ale and real cider from The Station House, on North Road, by the end of November.

The micropub concept strips the pub of its loud music, betting and games machines and televisions, with the emphasis on high-quality drinks and conversation.

Some Western Hill residents fear it will create late-night noise and disturbance.

Clare Wright, of Victoria Terrace, said she had been accosted walking home past The Water House pub and feared the same would happen outside The Station House.

She said she was very concerned the micropub would be frequented by students living nearby.

“I currently feel safe. I’m not sure I shall feel like that in future,” she said.

Miss Wright also raised concerns over road safety, due to the micropub’s location, in the former Middleton Design premises on the acute corner of Station Bank.

However, a Durham County Council licensing committee today (Tuesday, October 27) granted Mrs Mansfield a licence to sell alcohol until 11pm Sunday to Thursday, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and later on special occasions.

Chair Councillor Linda Marshall said the Mansfields had addressed residents’ concerns and wished the business every success.

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Mansfield said: “Obviously I’m very pleased. I think they made the right decision.”

Earlier, she told councillors she had her husband had lived in Durham for four years and loved the city, having got involved with St Nicholas’ Church, Durham Cathedral bell ringers, the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) and knitting groups.

The ale-loving archaeologist added: “We’re aiming at anyone who likes high-quality drinks and conversation.”

She said Durham needed such a venue and The Station House would support the regeneration of North Road.

Mrs Mansfield, who will run the micropub herself, said her intention was to keep regular pub hours and she wanted to work with the community, not against it.

The Station House will serve snacks and have occasional acoustic music upstairs. Mrs Mansfield said its capacity would be around 100 people.