A POLICE officer who regularly patrols a street notorious for drunken disorder outlined why another pub should not be allowed to open there yesterday.

PC Kelly Martin, of Durham City police, described her experiences policing North Road, at an appeal by Regent Inns at Durham Crown Court.

The pub chain wants to open its latest branch of the Australian theme bar Walkabout in North Road, but has been refused a drinks licence by magistrates.

Although it has planning permission and an entertainment licence for the £2m bar with capacity for 700 at the Robins cinema premises, it must win the appeal in order to proceed with the development.

The plans are strongly opposed by local cinemagoers, who have campaigned for the Robins - Durham's only cinema showing mainstream films - to be saved.

Objections have also been raised by residents, the City of Durham Trust, and the police, who all believe the pub would exacerbate problems caused by drunken revellers spilling out from existing pubs and nightclubs in North Road.

At yesterday's hearing, PC Martin described regular incidents of trouble in taxi queues, making drivers reluctant to pick up from North Road; people urinating in the street, fights fuelled by alcohol, and police officers being wary of pounding the beat alone.

She said: "In my experience, North Road is the most popular area in Durham for circuit drinkers.

"I have witnessed as a matter of regularity incidents of violence, assaults, drunkenness, damage to public property, litter and excessive noise. Good management should be encouraged but it doesn't control what happens outside premises."

PC Martin said that on visits to Walkabout premises in other parts of the country, she had witnessed excessively drunk customers, with staff making no attempt to remove them; and a DJ repeatedly encouraging people to drink more. She also said the toilets were in a poor condition and customers were allowed to dance on tables.

The appeal is expected to finish by the middle of next week.