COUNCILLORS have refused a public entertainment licence for an Australian-themed nightspot over fears of disorder.

Regent Inns has already won planning permission from Durham City Council to convert the Robins Cinema, in North Road, into a Walkabout bar.

But the council's licensing panel has announced that has it rejected the licence application after a nine-and-a-half-hour hearing last week.

Among the objectors were the city's police who warned that having a third late-opening nightspot - which would be the city's biggest with a capacity of more than 700 people - in North Road would lead to more violence and disorder and place a strain on their resources.

The company claimed that the relaxed atmosphere it offered would help calm down problems in North Road.

Council solicitor Lesley Blackie said councillors felt there was a "significant risk of public disorder", that the nightspot would damage the amenity of people living in nearby streets, and that there were concerns about such large premises opening until 1am.

The decision was welcomed by objectors.

City of Durham Trust chairman Roger Cornwell said: "We are very pleased with the result, because the panel listened to what the trust, the residents and the police had to say.

"There was clearly a breadth of experience from people who live here and know what the situation is like.

"Regent Inns made a lot of promises, but weren't backing them up with facts.

"There is potentially a massive investment riding on this and I would be very surprised if they didn't appeal."

Steve Anderson, managing director of the neighbouring Caf Rock and DH1 nightspots, is trying to make a legal challenge to the firm's planning permission.

"It is round one, I think they'll appeal, they won't just walk away."

Any appeal would be made to the city's magistrates who are already due to hear the firm's drinks licence application. This has been adjourned until December, when four days has been earmarked for the case because of the weight of objections.

The move gives the cinema, which is expected to close when a planned multiplex opens, a temporary reprieve.

No-one was available for comment at Regent Inns yesterday.