A TOWN centre bar in Darlington has been given the go-ahead to stay open until 1am six days a week.

But licensing councillors would not agree to an increase in the number of people who can get into Bar Size in Skinnergate. This is being held at 160; the owners had asked for a new level of 250.

Despite reports of residents' concerns about noise, the licensing committee decided to let the bar close at 1am Monday to Saturday - an hour later than at present. Sunday opening stays unchanged, from noon to midnight.

After the decision, which was taken in private session, co-owner Simon Bell said: "This means we can move on as a business and keep the bar as a thriving and successful venue."

Council officer Pam Ross said the bar was close to a number of homes and residents were consulted about the application.

A protest petition was sent to the council, along with a letter of objection from Darlington MP Alan Milburn.

But there was no residents' representative at Wednesday's meeting.

She said there had been no objections from police or fire services, but there were some worries from the environmental health department about potential noise problems.

It was also feared that to grant the licence would set a precedent for other bars.

Two ward councillors on the committee said they had had frequent complaints about noise, mainly from elderly people.

The applicants' solicitor, Len Bell, said: "We understand we need to be a good neighbour. It seems that objections only come when there is a licence application. It is not going on the whole time."

Mr Bell said the later closing would not set a precedent.

Asked what would happen if people could not get into the bar, he said: "They will simply move on."

Mr Bell said the owners, Simon Bell and Peter May, had put a lot of their own money into revamping the bar and had a good customer base.

"We are trying to avoid everyone leaving pubs and clubs at the same time and would take immediate action if there were any complaints," he said.

Mr May said: "Bar Size is a niche market. We are not trying to attract the big crowds. It is more of an alternative venue."

He said there was music by DJs four days a week with background music the rest of the time.

Committee chairman Coun Isobel Hartley said the application was granted with a limit on numbers of 160 and a dispersal policy which had to be submitted to the council within 28 days.

Acoustic glazing had to be fitted and doors and windows must be closed during entertainment times