COUNCILLORS will today decide whether a Chester-le-Street pub will be granted a late licence extension despite protests.

The manager of GW Horners, in Front Street, wants it to stay open an extra hour until 1am from Thursday to Saturday.

It already opens until midnight and 200 people have signed a petition supporting the extension.

But Chester-le-Street District Council has received letters of objection from residents because of the problems caused by drinkers leaving the premises.

Helen Anderson, of Co-operative Street, said: "The noise pollution from drunken people on their way home has increased to the extent that in winter, with double-glazed windows closed, people can still be heard shouting, screaming, banging cars doors and using car horns.

"Imagine the noise pollution in summer when windows are open."

Mrs Anderson said it was not just rowdy behaviour that upset residents.

She added: "The back of the Co-operative store has long been a urinal for the town and used condoms are now normally to be found on the street at weekends."

Another resident, Irene Wilson, said the town already had enough pubs with late public entertainment licences.

She said: "By granting another late licence we will once again have more people making noise as they wait for taxis."

Durham Constabulary and Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service have been consulted on the proposal and neither has raised any objections.

GW Horners regulars Robert King and Lee Turner have written to Chester-le-Street District Council supporting the extension.

Mr Turner said it would stop binge drinking when last orders was called and would ease the flow of human traffic in the town.

He said: "Well-trained staff are more than capable of handling any situation which may occur while on duty, especially disruptions caused by the small element of the public who are hell bent on spoiling things for the majority."

Paul Jenkins, environmental health manager at Chester-le-Street District Council, said council officers had assessed the noise and social problems caused by pub customers on Friday evenings.

He said: "There did not appear to be any additional disturbance caused by the patrons themselves leaving premises.

"The vast majority of customers dispersed rapidly, predominantly to the taxi rank."

The decision will be made at tonight's licensing committee.