DURHAM revellers are being asked where they want planned late-night bus services to run to.

The region's largest bus operator, Go North-East, could run buses as late as 2.15am to cater for drinkers in the city on Friday and Saturday nights.

The services would be part-funded by Regent Inns, which is opening a 700-capacity Walkabout Inn in North Road.

The firm won its licence at appeal despite objections from police and residents that it will increase disorder in North Road.

One of the big problems is that bus services finish at about 11.30pm and there are not enough taxis to cater for revellers leaving the city centre in the early hours.

Go North-East is giving revellers in North Road a questionnaire to find out which would be the most popular destinations for the services.

Commercial director Martin Harris said: "There is a very strong case for extended bus services from Durham City on these very busy nights.

"We have the backing of a number of organisations in the Durham area who believe that extra services will be a huge boost for the city's late-night trade.''

Violence and disorder has increased in the city and there is concern that long waits for taxis is contributing to the problem.

Chief Inspector Laz Szomoru, of the city's police, recently told the annual licensing session that people waited for taxis up to 4.30am.

He said: "Durham is often criticised for not having enough taxis to disperse people in sufficient numbers compared to Chester-le-Street, where there is not the same problem.

"I think we need some kind of committed transport strategy and it is essential we have it in time for Walkabout opening."

The buses would leave at 12.15am, 1.15am and 2.15am.