A CITY centre pub achieved a licensing breakthrough after being given the go-ahead to open until 1am six nights a week.

The Coach and Eight, at Framwelgate Bridge, off North Road, Durham, yesterday overcame objections from residents to secure a licence to open from 11am to 1am, between Monday and Saturday.

Licensing justices said it was a decision taken on its merits and warned that it should not be seen as an open invitation to other pubs to expect to be granted special hours exemption.

The verdict followed a day-long hearing at Durham Magistrates' Court, and only after police lifted objections for a six-month trial period.

Chief Inspector Laz Szomoru, police operations manager for the Durham and Chester-le-Street division, said the licensing issues would be reviewed following the pilot project.

He said it would have implications on late-night police cover and accepted it opened the way for other pubs to make similar applications in the city centre area.

"It is inevitable more will come forward with an interest in opening," he said.

"The fear is that 1am will become the new 11pm, causing residents all the same problems at closing time, but two hours later."

Applicant John Miller said the new hours may be introduced as early as next week.

Asked if it would pave the way for other applications, he said: "I would hope anyone else would put in the work and attention, and listen to local residents, as we have."

He pledged to hold monthly meetings with residents to address problems.