RESIDENTS fear an increase in crime and noise if a social club's opening hours are extended.

The Rise Carr Sports and Social Club, in Eldon Place, Darlington, has applied for a licence to open from 10.30am to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays and 10.30pm to midnight Sunday to Thursday.

But neighbours have objected to the application and a 51-signature petition has been handed into Darlington Borough Council's licensing sub-committee, which will make the decision.

Carol Knight, who lives in Eldon Street, has objected because she feels the extended hours will result in more crime in the area.

Dorothy Mackenzie, also of Eldon Street, has written: "I feel the hours they have now are adequate. The noise is a big problem, plus when the club turns out at closing time, we get a lot of noise from car doors slamming and people shouting."

Andria Oliver, also of Eldon Street, has objected because she feels longer hours would mean more broken glass and more rubbish and would therefore make the area look more unsightly.

Councillor Bill Holmes said: "The building is not soundproof. At the rear, the nearest home is only four feet away. It will cause a lot of stress to residents due to lack of sleep."

The application will be debated by the council's licensing sub-committee, on Thursday.