APPLICATIONS for longer opening hours at two Darlington pubs have been refused because councillors believe it could lead to more violence and drunken behaviour.

Police objected to the plans for Humphries, in Blackwellgate, and Flares, in Skinnergate, to stay open later at weekends.

The management of Humphries wanted a licence until 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays and till midnight on Sundays. Flares wanted to extend opening hours until 2am.

The pubs applied for a variation of their public entertainment licence at a licensing committee meeting at Darlington Borough Council.

Chief Inspector Barry Knevitt, of Darlington police, said that if opening hours were extended it would lead to an increase in violence, affect the quality of life for residents and have a negative effect on police and health resources.

Police were also worried that if Humphries was granted an extended licence it would lead to an increase in applications by other bars.

Chief Insp Knevitt said: "It would open the floodgates for a lot more applications and this would put a lot more pressure on resources. This is something that I am particularly concerned about."

Representatives from the pub told councillors that they had very high standards and did not feel that Humphries would have any affect on crime and disorder in the town centre.

Councillor Isobel Hartley, who chaired the meeting, said: "We have taken into account the evidence that we have before us that Humphries' premises are well run, but it is the behaviour of people when they leave the premises that does cause trouble. Our duty as a council is to balance the needs of the licencees and the quality of life of people who use the streets and live close by."

Both applications were refused by the committee