RESIDENTS of a Newcastle suburb face an anxious wait to find out if their High Court bid to stop a hotel being turned into a pub has been successful.

Homeowners from Jesmond today went to London's High Court to support their bid to block Ultimate Leisure Plc's plans to turn the former Gresham Hotel into a 1,000 capacity pub - which they fear could lead to incidents of "vandalism and public disorder".

Gerald Gouriet, representing the residents, said Ultimate had made two unsuccessful applications for a licence for the pub that were opposed by police, Newcastle City Council and residents.

The barrister alleged the company had bought a gay bar, Mims, in the city centre with the intention of transferring its licence to the Gresham Hotel.

Mr Gouriet said Ultimate had bought Mims knowing it was likely to be subject to a compulsory purchase order, and so it could transfer its licence to the Gresham.

Residents are trying to block Newcastle Licencing Justices' from transferring the licence to the Gresham Hotel.

But John Saunders QC, representing Ultimate, denied the company had bought Mims with the "special removal" in mind, and added they had spent £151,000 refurbishing the bar.

After more than three hours of legal debate, Mr Justice Owen reserved his judgement on the case and will give his ruling at a later date