PLANS by a popular pub to extend its opening hours have sparked police objections.

Hambleton District councillors will consider the application for a change in the public entertainment licence of the Black Lion, in Thirsk Market Place, on Friday.

Licensee Sandra Humble wants the pub to be able to have music, singing and dancing from 11am to 11pm from Mondays to Wednesdays and from 11am to midnight between Thursdays and Sundays.

North Yorkshire Police have objected, saying that problems with violence and disorder in Thirsk Market Place could be made worse by the application.

But Ms Humble said that people in Thirsk wanted the extension.

In her application to the district council, she said: "There is no doubt in our minds that not only is the time right for this variation but also it is something that the drinking public in Thirsk (having spoken to many of them) definitely want.