OPPONENTS of a pub's plan to extend its opening hours fear an increase in violence.

Police are concerned that plans to extend the opening hours of the ground floor bar at Middlesbrough's Dickens Inn until 2am, will lead to an increase in fighting and more disturbance for residents.

Cleveland Police said they dealt with eight incidents relating to the Southfield Road pub - "most of them serious" - between October and December last year.

Last July, Lee Spensley, the then-licensee received a caution for allowing alcohol to be served to a 17-year-old girl, who bought drinks for herself and two friends, one aged 17, the other aged 16.

The year before, police stepped in to stop a 10p a pint promotion at the pub.

Sergeant Paul Higgins said: "The police believe that if the Dickens Inn is granted a licence until 2am for the ground floor, this will have an adverse impact on crime and disorder in this area.''

His fears are echoed by ward councillor Barry Coppinger, the council's cabinet member for public safety.

The pub's first floor already has a licence until 2am from Monday to Saturday, but is primarily used for functions and rarely used until 2am.

Victoria Pearson who is applying to have the pub licence transferred to her name, declined to comment.

In a statement to the council, she reassured them that she will not offer "irresponsible drinks promotions" and has never had any problems with underage sales.

She told council officials that door staff were instructed to ask customers to leave in a quiet and orderly manner.