POLICE are objecting to two applications to extend drinking hours in Darlington town centre pubs.

Humphries, in Blackwellgate, and Flares, in Skinnergate, will apply for licence extensions at a Darlington Borough Council licensing committee meeting next Wednesday.

Police say there is the "potential for increased violence and disorder" if the extensions are approved.

They also fear that resultant cheap drinks promotions could lead to more binge drinking among youngsters.

The Humphries application was previously withdrawn, but has been re-submitted.

It involves extending opening by an hour, until 1am, from Thursdays to Saturdays.

Flares, which replaced the Filibuster and Firkin pub in Skinnergate earlier this year, wants to open until 2am from Wednesdays to Saturdays, and until 12.30am on every Sunday.

Police say that to grant extensions to both pubs would stretch their resources and divert officers further from outlying areas into the town centre.

If the applications are rejected, appeals are possible through the local magistrates court.

No one from Humphries or Flares was available for comment on the extension applications yesterday