A TOWN centre bar and nightclub has applied for a licence to stay open until 4am seven days a week.

Atlantic Bar and Club, in Duke Street, Darlington, has also requested to stay open for an additional hour beyond this time, Friday to Monday, for pre-arranged functions such as birthdays and weddings.

There has been an objection from Inspector Sue Collingwood, of Darlington police.

She said: "Duke Street is surrounded by residential homes, with some of the accommodation occupied by vulnerable adults in semi-supervised accommodation.

"In my experience, this situation will lead to friction between patrons of the premises and residents. Patrons, affected by alcohol, are likely not to perceive the noise they create, and in fact will be inclined to 'play up' if they are aware that they are disturbing people."

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