A THEME bar is again facing objections from residents and the police as it seeks to stay open even later.

Walkabout, in the former Robins Cinema in North Road, Durham, is applying to Durham City Council to extend its licence from 2am to 2.30am Mondays to Saturdays and to 3.30am on Sundays preceding bank holidays.

Bosses at the Australian theme bar also want to be able to agree opening hours with the police on national holidays and up to 25 other occasions.

Residents in and around North Road - home to two night clubs and three popular pubs - have long complained about noise, disturbance, violence, anti-social behaviour and vandalism caused by revellers.

Locals have joined the City of Durham Trust and the city's police in objecting to Walkabout's hours extension, contained in new-style premises licences.

Trust chairman Roger Cornwell said other venues in and around North Road were also applying for later openings, which would add to the existing problems and stretch police resources.

"As this crime is alcohol-related, the more alcohol that is consumed, the greater the likelihood of crime.

"Walkabout are not proposing any additional measures, they simply set out their existing practices which would continue to operate for the longer opening hours.''

He added that were was no public transport at that time of the morning.

The trust felt that the "present situation on North Road is balanced too far to the licensed trade and against local residents, and to allow further relaxation will simply tip that balance further in the wrong direction," he said.

A police spokesman said: "We are objecting to Walkabout's application for extended hours. These days, police can only object on the grounds of crime and disorder, so that is the basis of our objection.

"We are particularly concerned that the lack of public transport in that area in the early hours of the morning will lead to problems.''

But a spokeswoman for Walkabout's owner, Regent Inns, said: "The extension of licensing hours aims to minimise public disorder resulting from fixed closing times and reflects the Government's wish to dilute the flow of customers leaving venues at a given time and to reduce the number of people on the street.

"Regent has one of the best industry records in social responsibility and enjoys an excellent relationship with the police, co-operating with them on a national scale to actively address any concerns and, in particular, in maintaining a high level of social responsibility.

"The situation is the same in Durham. By way of example, Regent has consistently strongly opposed the kind of discounting and 'door entry price with free drinks all night' promotions that irresponsible operators continue to offer.''