A POPULAR pub chain wants its new £1.2m bar development in Darlington to stay open until midnight.

JD Wetherspoon is undertaking a big redevelopment of buildings in Crown Street to form a Lloyds No I pub, which is scheduled to open next March.

It has submitted an application for a provisional special hours certificate to Darlington licensing justices, which will be heard at the magistrates' court on October 16.

The group is hoping to open Lloyds No 1 until midnight from Monday to Saturday.

Anyone wishing to oppose the application should apply in writing to the Clerk of the Licensing Justices at the court no later than October 9.

Applications for planning permission and a drinks licence have already been approved.